As a new school year begins, so do changes to regulation of student behavior.  One such change has been found by many students to be a great relief and time saver. This year it has been made possible by way of parent signature for seniors to sign out of their study hall. This allows students to leave the school as they see fit.  Passes can even be handed in during lunch, giving the student two periods of release.  If study is the last period in a schedule, the seniors of the period can often be found home bound long before dismissal.

Outside of personal enjoyment, students now have the opportunity to be more active during their days rather wasting their hour unproductively; although, many still do while in their cars.  On a journey out through the main entrance of the school, I got the luxury to interview some of my fellow escapees about their thoughts on the new policy.

The first of two, Jayna Patel, responded to the questions: “‘How often do you leave study hall?” and “Has the new system improved your quality of life at school?”  Jayna told me, “I leave pretty much every time during study hall.”  She also remarked that the policy “has definitely given me a well needed break in the day.”

Emily Caslander responded to the same questions, stating that she leaves school “almost everyday during study” and that she “can confidently say it has made my days easier to get through.”  She went on to explain why she believed this change is important: “Being a senior is hard and not talked about enough.  College is a big part of the stress we face as we are in the middle of applying.  Having a break in the middle of the day is a big deal which I take advantage of every time I can.”

Seeking responses from different study hall classes, famed track star Tanner Newman from period 7 said, “I leave whenever I have it right after lunch.”  Mr. Newman added that “it did improve the quality of my life.”

Although a larger sample size would be required for concrete results, this small study suggests the system appears to be quite well received.

As a student myself, I can say that I have not attended study hall once yet this year, largely because I have been very busy sitting in my car and cruising around Wayne.  The extra time spent on leisure between worrying about college is something I very much appreciate.  Earnestly, I find that it has been a find addition to my day, and while balancing my academic workload, the time I get to myself is having a sizable amount of positive impact on my mood.

Hopefully seniors keep returning to study on time so the school doesn’t think to revoke this privilege.