While many students count on zero period to leave campus early, all current zero period A-G classes, excluding football, aquatics, AVID, and possibly band, will be cut.
“We plan on cutting Gov/Econ and zero period math options,” AGHS principal Brad Grumbles said.
In knowing that this cut may inconvenience students and student-athletes with impacted schedules, certain athletic and extracurricular zero period programs will still be offered.
“The trend of students getting out at fourth period is really hard for campus culture and programs,” Grumbles said.
Administration hopes to improve campus relations by reducing the number of students who get out after fourth and fifth period.
“What we have to do is try to maintain staff and programs throughout the school day,” Grumbles said. “So, we are trying to cut back on those zero periods that create a shortened day for students.”
Administration has been working with counselors since the beginning of the year to limit the reduced day option, ensuring that every student who requests a reduced day is applicable. The reduction is absolutely necessary for their academic plans and thought-out schedules.
“We want to keep more students on campus so that we can have more robust programs, which was the initial goal of the zero period [inclusions],” Grumbles said.
Students getting out after fourth period severely reduces the number of students present for clubs at lunch and leadership’s lunchtime activities, negatively impacting campus culture and student relationships.
“We will continue to allow [certain zero periods] for students [who] have impacted schedules,” Grumbles said. “So, if you’re a student who wants to take six periods and a zero period, you would be an ideal candidate.”
This might scare some students, knowing that next year’s schedules have already been finalized, an issue which administration has accounted for and has prepared counselors to assess and repair the situation.
“We will individually meet with the students that have [already] built their schedules around a zero period and finalize a plan that is best for them,” Grumbles said.
While some may not agree with the cutting of zero periods, administration believes it will ultimately prove beneficial for AGHS staff, campus culture, and student progression.
