The last time the school schedule changed was when the class of 2025 were freshman. Now as seniors, they, along with the other students, are adjusting to a brand new schedule. The school day now runs from 7:55 a.m.-2:41 p.m. While the new time change may seem negligible, it has created a significant difference in the lives of both students and teachers. 

Senior Katelyn Hartmann said, “Even though I leave my house early, the line in the front takes so long that I’m always about two minutes late to my first class.” This means that she suffers the consequences of the late policy. At NVOT, if a student is late nine times, they get ten detentions, and any late after that adds another one.

The time change has also affected athletics. Athletes’ practice times remain the same as previous years only now they are rushing out of class to the locker room. Also a member of the girls soccer team, sophomore Lindsay Massaro said, “it puts a dent in how much time we have to get ready.”

With all of the students rushing to get home, Sophomore Katie Degenarro, a member of the varsity girls soccer team, said, “It’s really difficult because it’s hard getting to the locker rooms with all the crowded hallways.” 

Teachers have also experienced lifestyle changes due to this schedule alteration. Although it is a five minute addition to the end of the day, it is still a large adjustment that affects not only teachers, but their families as well. Art teacher Donna Beekman is now “late to pick up [her] daughter after school.” 

Students and teachers are all affected by this change, which means some changes have to be made. Whether it be leaving their house earlier or arranging new pick up solutions, five minutes has made such a big impact on lives around the valley.