One of the most standout privileges offered to seniors at Champe is the option to have an early release or late arrival. Whether they are for their original purpose of having more time to work or simply to get some extra sleep, almost every student is approved for one if they request it.
When choosing classes for senior year, some students aim to make their year as easy as possible, while others choose to keep up the rigor hoping to increase their chances of getting accepted into more prestigious schools. Although these students’ schedules drastically differ, one thing students typically have in common is an early release or late arrival. A late arrival allows students to not have a first block and an early release rids students of their last block, both ultimately giving students more time and freedom to do whatever they need to do outside of school.
“My schedule wasn’t super hard,” senior Abby Hardiman said. “but having an early release definitely made it easier for me to get all my homework done.”
When early release and late arrival were first introduced as an option at high schools they were meant to give students a schedule that allowed them to work a job. In order to secure one, a student needed to be able to provide proof of employment. Nowadays, any reason can be used to secure a free block. Some of the excuses that have been mentioned to me in passing include that people wanted to ‘sleep in’ or ‘have more time to nap’. Other students have told me they just wanted more time for homework. I mentioned the struggles I had juggling sports with my already packed schedule and was told to just describe this on my early release form in order to be approved.
“I didn’t really give a reason,” Hardiman said. “I just asked my counselor and was told to fill out the permission sheet.”
Although the purpose of early release and late arrival blocks has changed, the positive benefits remain the same. Many students struggle to find time for sports, work, school work, and other activities, these stressors can be slightly alleviated by the extra time provided by a late arrival or early release. One of the issues I faced that was resolved by having an early release was constantly having to leave early for sports and missing content in my AP and DE classes.
“Having time to go home and change before practice is super nice,” Hardiman said. “I also get to eat and just relax.”
Early releases and late arrivals not only give students more time to get things done but can also allow them to get more sleep. Students who stayed up late to study may be able to get a full 8 hours with a late arrival or students with an early release may have time to nap before beginning homework or going to work. Students who get more sleep are more likely to be more attentive in the classroom, benefitting teachers as well.
“I have time to sleep, workout, and eat before coming to school,” senior Lauryn Carothers said. “I can focus much better after fully waking up before getting to school.”
Early release and late arrival blocks also help improve the traffic flow coming and going from the parking lot. Less cars coming and going at the standard start and end times of school helps get students and staff in and out of the school easier.
“It’s so nice to not be stuck in crazy traffic leaving school anymore,” Ghattas said. “I get home probably ten or fifteen minutes earlier than last year.”
While some teachers and parents may believe that students are less productive when out of school, the overall benefits of early releases and late arrivals are why so many students at John Champe have one.
“I love only going to school for the classes I need,” Carothers said. “I think having so much freedom will better prepare me for living on my own in the future.”
Copy of the loudoun county work early release form courtesy of loudoun county public schools
Image of student stressing over homework
Courtesy of people.com
Photo of John Champe parking lot
Image courtesy of homes.com
