It is typical to see upperclassmen leave school early, especially the seniors. Getting to leave three to four classes earlier provides additional time for the students to do other things in their day. Whether it is work, online classes, or going to the gym, leaving school early is incredibly beneficial for upperclassmen, especially with the future coming fast.
In particular seniors get to leave right around lunchtime, freeing up the rest of their day.
“Leaving school at 11 is really helpful. It gives me the whole rest of the day to catch up on schoolwork or whatever else I need to do; it’s way less stressful,” said Kane Garcia, senior.
Although most seniors only have a few classes, the pressure is on to get good grades to prepare for college.
“Getting out really early is helpful. I have time to really sit down and do my homework after school, and then have the afternoon to hang out with friends and family,” said Lily Burns, senior.
Another positive to getting out early is that a majority of upperclassmen take online classes on top of their in-person classes; getting out earlier helps them get those classes done.
“Last year I took a full schedule and online classes; I had no time to get stuff done, this year I have three classes and have so much time to work on my online classes,” said Emily Gonzales, senior.
Not only does the early release provide the rest of the day for seniors to work on school, but it also allows them to get more coveted hours at work.
“Instead of working at three, I get to work at 12, and then I get to get off earlier, and it’s a chiller shift,” said Preston Delly, senior.
Starting the day with school, but getting out early makes the days feel more productive and full for students at OHS.
“I go to school, get my stuff done, go home and take a nap, then go to work. My days feel full and very productive. The break makes me feel more energized at work,” Gonzales said.
Students feel that having an early release schedule is a major improvement to their time and well-being overall, the days are better for students.
“Getting out at 11 makes my day go by so much smoother; I don’t feel rushed, and I feel like I can actually get my stuff done. I look back and have no idea how I did a full schedule on top of work and sports the last three years,” said Madison Ferrara, senior.
