As many students are frantically selecting outfits, causally sipping coffee at Onyx, finishing up forgotten homework from the day before, or battling traffic, others are participating in zero hour academics. Courses offered in the zero hour time slot include AP United States History (APUSH) under Mr. Stewart, English 12 taught by Dr. Combs, and AP Language and Composition instructed by Ms. Moore. While zero-hour may seem to be hassle to those accustomed to arriving for class at 8:45, the early start provides a host of benefits including the option of an out period.
“I would die without the out period. The out period is everything,” said senior Jackson Matayo.
Matayo is enrolled in AP Language zero hour and thus receives an out period fifth hour. He utilizes the time to have a relaxed lunch and rejuvenate before returning to school. While he specifically joined zero hour in order to be graced with the luxury of an out-period he is also appreciative of the serene atmosphere the earlier class provides.
“It is a little bit more relaxed of an environment. The building is not filled with students,” said Matayo.
Matayo adjusted to the earlier start to his day by getting into the habit of setting his alarm earlier and ingesting a large quantity of coffee before arriving to class.
Matayo is not the only zero-hour student that enjoys the advantages of the optional out –period zero- hour provides. Senior Molly Duong who is in English 12 zero –hour similarly enjoys the perks.
“I took the class so I could get out earlier for work and it is easier for me to focus in the morning, “said Duong.
At the beginning of the year, Duong took advantage of her ability to leave after sixth hour in order to log in hours at her mom’s nail salon. Currently she is seeking employment elsewhere and uses the time to get an early start to her afternoon activities.
Initially, the zero hour schedule disoriented Duong and caused her to go to classes a period earlier than she was expected. However, she has since adjusted seamlessly to her schedule.
The option of an out-period is not the only motivating factor that attracts students to zero hour classes. Sophomore Taylor Shrum enrolled in zero hour APUSH in order to ensure she was a student of Mr. Stewart.
“I thoroughly enjoy taking a zero-hour class. Being able to leave early is especially nice,” said Shrum.
Shrum maximizes her seventh period freedom by doing homework, making up tests, or going home early.
Other students completely opt out of the out-period in order to obtain extra credits. For example, senior Luke Steenburgen takes zero hour English 12 in order to take eight classes and improve his GPA.
“It starts out my day pretty quiet and I get another class in. I also get a great parking spot,” said Steenburgen.
Due to his summer schedule that required him to report to work early and his natural disposition to enjoy mornings, Steenburgen did not have to adjust to arriving at school earlier than the norm. He partakes in Introduction to Finance as his eighth class of the day in order to bolster his high school credentials.
In addition to the space zero- hour grants him, Steenburgen feels that the zero hour environment is more conductive of learning due to the fact that all the students in his class have chosen to be there and thus seem more motivated.
While zero hour is seen as a major asset to many students, not all participants feel suited for the early class period. Senior Allison Parrish loves the course material that encompasses AP Language and feels Ms. Moore is a fabulous teacher, but has difficulty making it to class in a timely manner.
“I already have eight absences. It is hard to get up, “said Parrish.
While Parrish has acquired these absences, she is adapting the early schedule by waking up at 5:00 am and enjoying coffee before venturing to class. Like the other students involved with zero hour, Parrish is thankful for the perks the early class provides.
“I get to leave early,” said Parrish, “ I also know I am not going to be late for first.”
