As the new 2025-2026 school year starts, several changes: new faces, teachers and even a new Braves schedule. The Braves’ schedule used to be once a week on Wednesday; however, after the surveys given by students, OHS now has it twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. People love the new Braves schedule and are excited to have it two days a week.

“I think it is very beneficial, because it allows students to have the opportunity to complete homework and meet with teachers. As well as it gives students a study hall if they don’t have one daily,” Mya Ruff, a member of the principal advisory, said.

Ruff explains how important it is to have this change. It helps students manage their stress and ensures they can access the help they need. Workload is a major worry for students; it’s hard to balance extracurricular activities with schoolwork. The Braves period can be a time for students to catch up.

“I use my Braves period to ask questions on homework and with extra assistance on topics I might not have understood,” Suhana Aashiq, a sophomore at OHS.

The decision to have the Braves period twice a week was a process. It wasn’t a spontaneous decision. It was thought out and planned by students and staff. They used data from other schools to see how the increase in Brave periods could help students. 

“We took data from the surveys, and after looking at the results, most people voted for it two days a week. It was a team effort, the principal’s advisor, me, and heads of departments at the school helped make the decision.” Nichole Crothers, principal at OHS, said.  

This year, the focus of the administration and students has been on how to make the Braves period better with stress management programs, school meetings and activities. Overall, the decision to change the Brave period schedule is supported by students and staff to “increase student productivity.”