The Mycenaean

Leesville Road High School operates on a structured daily schedule. Each school day is divided into four class periods, with each period lasting 83 minutes. This block scheduling allows for longer time in classes and minimizes transition between said classes. However, the extended periods can lead to trouble focusing for many students.

The first bell of the day rings at 7:18 and students should make it to class by 7:25. Fourth period ends at 2:18, when they leave to go home for the day. There’s seven minutes between each class’s ending and beginning bell to allow students time to use the restroom or simply make it all the way across campus.

Theo Hill, sophomore, said, “I think that school should start a little bit later and end a little bit later too because as teenagers, we need as much sleep as we can get, because we are still developing.”

Hill’s concern is proven in many studies that young kids, especially teenagers, need the most sleep because they are in the most crucial, brain-developing stage.

Lunch at LRHS is mixed into the third period, which is structured to accommodate two different lunch schedules: A lunch and B lunch.

Students assigned to lunch have their break from 10:33 am to 11:08 am, followed by class from 11:13 am to 12:43 pm. Students with B lunch attend class from 10:38 am to 12:08 pm and then have lunch from 12:08 pm to 12:43 pm.

Lucy Killian, junior, said, “I have A lunch, and it’s way too early. Especially if you’ve eaten a big breakfast, you just aren’t that hungry.”

Although many students, like Killian, feel as if A lunch is too early, allowing all of the students in the lunch line at once would be overwhelming. The lunch workers wouldn’t be able to prepare enough food, and the lunch period is far too short to make it through the whole line.

Another major concern is the length of the lunch period itself. Students currently have about 35 minutes to eat lunch and socialize. This is one of the only times in the school day where students can see and talk to their friends. 

Some students buy lunch in the lunch line. With how many people purchase a school-provided lunch, the line just gets longer and longer. Hill said, “When I buy lunch, the line goes so far back. It probably takes me 15 minutes to get some food.” 

This only leaves Hill 20 minutes to find a seat, eat his food, and talk with his friends.

While the standard schedule does not include a daily advisory period, Leesville incorporates homeroom sessions during the second period, shortening all of the classes. These days are designed to address administrative tasks and provide students with important information.

The school’s commitment to a well-structured schedule shows its dedication to providing a balanced educational experience for all of the students. By giving time for classes, lunches, and homeroom activities, Leesville ensures that students receive teachings and support throughout the day.

Although the current schedule has its benefits, there is still room for improvement. LRHS continues to adapt and revise its schedule, however the focus remains on the well-being of the students. Many students advocate for a later start time, even if it’s by thirty minutes. Others argue they need to be able to eat in certain classes when they might be hungry to improve their attention span and energy levels.