By Megan Javier, Staff Writer | March 10, 2023
Photo courtsey of Megan Javier
One of the many benefits of being a senior at Carson High School is receiving a free period. Free periods or home periods give senior students the opportunity to leave before dismissal time in order to complete work obligations.
Though there are requirements that need to be met in order to obtain this privilege, academies and schools at Carson Complex are happy to grant them. However, the Academy of Medical Arts does not participate in this privilege.
“I’ve gone back and forth with changing my schedule but still got refused,” said AMA senior Rozette Arganda.
Arganda explained the battle of fighting for a home period in detail while meeting her educational requirements and attendance goals. Although she is meeting all requirements, AMA has still reportedly denied her request for a free period. Instead of getting rest before work or leaving early to take care of her siblings and grandma, she’s given “filler classes.”
Filler classes are what seniors refer to as classes that are not needed in order to graduate but are in place to give students a reason to stay in school.
“It’s an Enginuity class…But I’m not in Enginuity,” Arganda said while holding back a laugh.
The frustration that Arganda feels is partly because she has other responsibilities.
Arganda said, “I could be leaving early to go to work but instead I’m stuck here till the last bell rings.”
Others from different schools had no idea of what was happening within AMA.
“I thought that everyone that met the requirements got free periods,” said CHS senior Garcelle Galeon.
Several seniors are in agreement with the notion that those who meet educational requirements should be able to have the freedom to leave school early and pursue other responsibilities.
After all, having the privilege of receiving a home period benefits students greatly where they have time to complete all homework given and time to rest. In addition, for those students with jobs, it is essential to have enough time between school and work, especially if they are already a great student.
“I think our school should reconsider giving seniors free periods. I’ve heard a lot of complaints about it,” said Arganda, shrugging her shoulders.
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