Charger time, running LS added to school schedule

7:20 a.m., the new start time of Chantilly High School, four minutes earlier than what Chantilly has been used to for the past years, not only has school started earlier, it also now ends later; the final bell dismissing students from their classes now rings at 2:10 p.m. as opposed to the usual 2:05 p.m. Nine minutes may not seem like a lot to add onto a school day, but it does serve some purpose.

Other than adding nine minutes onto the normal school day, there is another schedule change that is new this year. Students will only have one block of Learning Seminar’s (LS) for 35 minutes, instead of two. The rest of the block will be dedicated to a student preferred past time, called Charger Time.

Charger Time is a time where students can choose where they would like to go for about 30 minutes. For example, students are able to go to the cafeteria, gym, auditorium or a favorite teacher. But once the student has chosen their destination, they must stay there for the remainder of the period. Otherwise, the student will receive a minor punishment.

Students will only be allowed to choose where they would like to go for Charger Time if and only if they are a charger in good standing. This means the student must have a C average in every class. If the student is failing a class, they must go to that teacher for further help.

“It’s better that we have one LS period that’s longer rather than the break in between LS’s,” administrator Shawn Frank said, “we want students to have the choice with what they want to do with Charger Time.”
Another important topic upon the schedule change this year is the number of minutes each block. During the winter every year when there is an opening delay or we get out early, periods 1,2,4,7 and 8 are affected because of this. Periods 5 and 6 are never affected because of the lunches.  

“We extended the day by 5 minutes giving more instructional time to teachers and students. That is the number 1 goal,” administrator Mr. O’Reilly said.

Students might not be in favor of this slight change, but in the teachers and administrators eyes, this change is for the better.

“I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the schedule last year, there was really no need to change it,” sophomore Lauren Yates said.