When it comes to junior or senior year of high school, the opportunity of having partial days arises. In some cases, students strive to obtain the least amount of classes possible, thus making this option an enticing one. Nevertheless, students choose both full and short days, each providing their own advantages and disadvantages.
Early release days create an easy exit for many students. They can avoid the stress and frustration of getting to or from school at the same time as everyone else.
“I like that I can sleep in, the flexibility of getting to come to school late, and not having to deal with traffic in the mornings,” said Tanner Clark, junior.
Shorter school days also provide a sense of freedom that students do not experience during a full day of school. It allows time to de-stress and focus on completing course work or pursuing other passions.
“Being able to leave school early is amazing in my opinion. There isn’t that much traffic like at the end of the school day and it also makes me feel more productive since my day ends earlier,” said Jami Shaver, junior.
Some students opt for taking online classes as an alternative way of shortening their day on campus. Online classes allow students to obtain course credit from their home, and provide a sense of flexibility to their daily schedules.
“I’m taking photography and algebra online this year. I would recommend people take online classes because it’s so easy, and worth the benefits,” Clark said.
With students choosing to have shorter on campus school days, it becomes difficult to adjust schedules due to the limited class options, and set periods that are offered. This can pose an issue, especially if a student was needing or wanting to rearrange their schedule.
“It’s hard to make your schedule change if you don’t have a full day because a lot of the classes I’m taking are one specific period. So, if I wanted to change, I couldn’t,” Clark said.
There are a few students, however, who prefer to keep a full schedule even in their later years of high school. The choice empowers them to take advantage of any classes that spark their interest before they go off to college.
“For me personally, I chose to have a full day because I had certain classes that I wanted to take during my last year. For example, taking forensics and being a teacher’s aid in the counselor’s office,” said Mackenzie Bailey, senior.
Full days can also ensure that students are prepared for college by providing the opportunity to take the classes that are needed, and those that will help to aid them in the future.
“A full day gives you the opportunity to take other classes that you missed and need to take in order to graduate, or classes that you didn’t have time for in previous years,” Bailey said.
Another option that leads to partial days is the West Mec program, where students can practice and take specific career training courses. Students that choose to take a West Mec class have to travel to different schools either in the morning or afternoon, giving them a partial on campus day.
“I definitely think that one of the pros is that West-Mec really gives you a head start in your career choice and prepares you for real life scenarios… West-Mec also looks very good on resumes and job applications especially when employers see that you have prior experience in that career,” Shaver said.
Although West Mec provides several advantages, it can also be stressful when it comes to having to leave school, driving somewhere else everyday, and juggling two different types of learning.
“One of the cons is definitely having to balance West-Mec with school, but if you put your mind to it, you can do it,” Shaver said.
Many teachers also have various opinions when it comes to students taking partial school days. In some cases, teachers get more chances to collaborate and further improve their teaching tactics, ultimately benefiting the students.
“I think it [short days] does benefit students, not directly, but because it gives teachers a chance to work together, and create plans to help students,” said Andrew Cardon, math teacher.
People see partial school days as an opportunity to get a job and start saving money for the future, as well as the chance to receive career-building experiences.
“I like it because if you are a kid who didn’t fail any classes and get to have a partial day, then you can get a job and get some experience working,” Cardon said.
Nevertheless, many students find that the positive attributes and benefits of partial days are well worth it, while others decide to stick with a full day. Every student is different, and each one chooses to have the schedule that is best for them.
“Yes I am 100% planning on having a short schedule next year as a senior. I am currently in the two year medical assisting program, so next year I will be doing the same thing. I really enjoy being able to leave early so I’m excited for that,” Shaver said.
