Everyone in the Upper School has different schedules, which also means that many people have free periods. The opportunity of having a free period means getting to choose what you want to do during that time. Depending on their grade, a student’s free period could entail different things.
“During some free periods when I’ve already done all my work, I’ll just watch Netflix because I have nothing better to do,” freshman Nikita Malik said.
“Watching a movie is a creative and joyful way to utilize your free period when it’s possible,” senior Lola Yee said. “I use the time to complete homework, study for a class, or complete SAT studying.”
The intention of Parker’s schedule is to help balance life in and out of school, but do free periods really make a difference? Many people at Parker are a part of various extracurriculars, including sports or clubs. With so many classes where homework is expected, it can all be hard to manage.
“As a student who is involved in many extracurriculars, having free periods is very beneficial because it gives me time within my schedule to get work done that I may not find time for after classes,” Yee said.
Parker changed the schedule from one where every weekday was different, to an eight day rotation. But what effect did this have on free periods?
“Previous years with free periods, I felt like I had more time on my hands. Maybe this was because I was younger then with lighter workloads, but now, free periods go by so quickly, not to mention, there’s less time for free periods with the new schedule. Freshman year, I had C free one semester, giving me over one hour free periods multiple days each week. Sometimes, I even had two hours of free time,” junior Ewuraesi Korankye said. Korankye used free periods to relax, unwind, hang out with friends, and do homework. “However, with free periods now, though they felt shorter, I feel more productive since phones are no longer allowed during school hours.” Korankye said.
According to students, there are pros with free periods. Some students feel that free periods are mentally helpful.
“Obviously getting work done is smart, but also taking a walk to Starbucks or another food place by Parker is a good idea and can help take your mind off a long day,” junior Gabby Isaacs said.
“It’s good to have a break during the day and a lot of high schoolers have stuff to do after school making it hard to do homework late at night,” freshman Sloane Truckenbrod said.
Overall free periods are viewed by the student body as a good and helpful thing, one they are grateful for.
