Over the past few years at Olentangy, students have noticed changes in the bell schedule we use every day.  Two years ago, Olentangy decided to do something new with “Flex Period”, a period during the school day that students can use to study, finish assignments, go get help from other teachers, and more. This new system was well-received by students all across the school, as they knew they had extra time to get things done. 

This year, though, the school made several changes to the period, which changed the way most students felt about it in general. This year, Olentangy decided to change the name to “Braves “period and end it from one day a week, to two days a week, which quickly spread mixed emotions among the students here. On the one hand, it gives students more time to study and collaborate with other teachers and students around the school. But on the other side, going back and forth daily from our regular schedule to the Braves Period schedule can overwhelm students and be hard to follow.

“Personally, I think it should be one day because it’s a day and a day off, and it mixes with my brain a lot, which for me can cause a lot of stress built up, so I definitely feel it should go back down to one day.” Richard” Towle ’27 said’27hat makes the mixed emotions about the updated Braves Period strange is that the administration used student feedback to make changes to the period itself. A survey was conducted at the end of last year to determine any changes the school should make to Braves Period. Most students expressed a desire for more of that period, but now that changes have been implemented, students are conflicted about their feelings on the schedule updates.

On the other hand, a handful of students enjoy the change of period for multiple reasons as well. One of the main reasons is that you get double the amount of work time, causing them to get more done, and have more opportunities to get help from teachers across the school, which a lot of students see as a positive. In contrast, others find it negative.

“I feel like two Braves Periods a week is good for me because every day I always have a bunch of assignments I need to do, and having even more time than last year, I’m able to get my stuff done on time.” Maclai” Campbell ’27  said

Whether students enjoy the BravePeriodod change this year or not, all students have done a great job adjusting to the significant schedule change.