Like the saying, “bigger is better,” more periods at high schools will improve students’ high school careers. Although students are given the option to take between five and seven classes, many find themselves unable to take all the classes they want. The insufficient amount of periods at CHS leads to very limited flexibility for students when requesting their schedules and for counselors when creating them. Since the option of allowing students to go to school earlier than normal with a first period has already been created, an eighth period should also be implemented at CHS to give students more flexibility when choosing their classes and to allow students the option to go to school later.

It has been reported by numerous research studies that teenagers get an insufficient amount sleep, which negatively affects important bodily functions and brain activity. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), the average teenager needs eight to ten hours of sleep per day for the most optimal functionality. Studies show that most high school students do not get enough sleep each night. An insufficient amount of sleep can limit one’s ability to learn, listen, concentrate, and problem solve, and can lead to aggressive or short-tempered behaviors with teachers or family. A three to eight period schedule can help students to avoid these negative effects by providing an extra hour of sleep. The learning environment at CHS would be improved and fatigue or exhaustion would be less of an issue within the student body. First and second period would not have to be removed at CHS, but an eighth period should be added as an additional option on top of keeping the earlier periods. Additionally, an extra period will give more options for students to choose from when creating their schedules.

Another reason to include an eighth period at CHS is to give students more flexible schedules. They would have more options with the eighth period and would be able to create a more personalized schedule that would conform around students’ after-school or before-school activities. Also, some students may take a total of eight classes to aid them in completing their graduation credits or taking more classes that they are interested in or required to take. Although it would take more work, this extra slot can be used for required classes such as Technology Education, Public Health and Fitness, and IB Theory of Knowledge that students would normally have to take by substituting other classes they might want to take. Rather than having to remove some of their classes, students would be still be able to take the classes that they are interested in while completing graduation requirement courses.

A first period class has been available to CHS students for many years, so an eighth period should also be made for students to be able to go to school later. The issue of lack of sleep within high schools students would not be as significant, and it would allow them to have a more flexible schedule to accommodate for their needs and outside activities. High school students are very busy with all of their classes and extracurricular activities, so having a more adjustable schedule like the schedules of college students could help them more easily organize and balance their days with school and other activities they are passionate about.