Early release and late arrival have been a topic of interest as it becomes an available course option to rising juniors and seniors. The early release allows students to leave school during the fourth period while late arrival provides students with the opportunity to arrive at school after the first period.
Students with early release would be able to seek more educational aid opportunities outside of their designated class time.
“If you ever need help, like if you missed or have to retake a test, you can go during the class period you have off to see if that teacher is available,” junior Joshua Varghese said., “You have much more time than what you will have in tutorial or advisory.”
Another driving factor for taking one of these electives for students is the ability to focus on themselves.
“I feel like it helps me with more of my mental health so I’m not constantly overworking myself every day.”Senior Nick Jiles says.
Many students are involved with extracurricular activities or off-campus jobs. For students with busy schedules, early release can help lighten the load.
“I usually work for five hours, so I get home by ten p.m.,” Varghese says, “So, early releases help me get my homework done earlier.”
Late arrival produces its own unique set of benefits for students within the sports community ultimately benefiting and making it very appealing.
“So I think that the benefits of late arrival are, not only more sleep, but also, I’m in color guard, which has very early practice,” sophomore Tessa Krueger said. “After practice, I run around trying to get ready for the fast-approaching school day. With a late arrival, I would have more time to prepare for my first-period class. And maybe even be able to eat and have some me time.”
Reedy High School has been providing early release since its doors opened, and its administration has many thoughts about the opportunities that this elective provides.
“If they have an afterschool job I think that’s really beneficial for them cause then they get that real-life experience,” counselor Marwina McCormick said. “A lot of colleges like to see [students] balancing work and school cause that means you can be successful in the real world.”
A popular reason for early release is that it gives students more job opportunities and work hours. Many students find the extra time beneficial for advancing their professional careers, as well as preparing themselves for the future.
“I want to make sure I am fully prepared for college,” Senior Lynn O’Hera said. “So I’m spending as much [time] as I can with work, which is why I wanted to take two early releases”
Despite the appeal of early release, students should choose what would be most beneficial for their future and education.
“I think all students need to make different choices to best suit their educational needs.” senior Eliana Berg said. “I think late arrival is also more helpful for other students. Early release is good for my lifestyle and schedule but I wouldn’t say that everyone should have it.”