Granger High School introduced a fifth-period schedule option this school year, adding a late-afternoon block to give students greater flexibility with their coursework. Under the new system, participating students arrive during flex time and stay until 3:35 p.m.—an hour and 25 minutes after the standard 2:10 p.m. dismissal.

While the added period offers flexibility, some Lancers find the schedule difficult to manage alongside after-school jobs and family responsibilities.

“The fifth period is there to assist those students who have different needs and schedules,” Vice Principal John Cotten said. “For students who are not able to make it to first period on time, they can come in during flex time and stay through the fifth period, so they still get a full school day.”

Faculty members also volunteered to test the experimental schedule in their classrooms.

“I think it’s a good experiment, and my class is a small size,” naval science instructor Lt. Cmdr. Jerry Plumb said. “I get to come in later and have more flexibility in the morning. Part of what we wanted to do was be a team player for the school. The principal looked for programs to volunteer for the fifth period, and we were flexible enough to do it.”

Not all classes remained on the schedule, however. Mr. Stones, a math teacher,  noted that his fifth-period section was ultimately canceled due to low enrollment, though he appreciated the initial morning flexibility.

For students enrolled in fifth period, the extra block provides dedicated time to work on class packets and catch up on missing assignments.

“My first thought on the fifth period was that it was a great idea, especially for seniors,” Carlos Espinoza (12) said. “I didn’t choose the fifth period—it was assigned to me—and I was going to change it, but then I decided to stay.”

Espinoza noted that while the period helps him finish coursework, balancing it with personal obligations remains a challenge.

“The one flaw about the fifth period is the lack of translators, so I would add more translators,” Espinoza said. “Having a fifth period can be tough because I have responsibilities after school, and I have to work around the new schedule to get those done.”

Other students share mixed feelings about staying late at the end of the school day.

“The fifth period is alright because it gives me time to work on assignments I need to complete, as well as my packets,” David Estrada (11) said. “At the same time, I also dislike it because by the end of the day I’m already tired and want to go home, but overall it’s fine.”