Zero periods are electives that happen before school starts. Jazz bands, seminary students, and swimmers get up early as early as 5:00 in the morning to get ready for school. Even though they get up with the sun, many still end up late to their first-period classes, either from not being able to find parking, (often due to their zero period being far from the school), or due to being let out of their band class at 7:38. This can be hard, especially when your teacher doesn’t understand the reason why you are late to class consistently. 

     For jazz band students, it can be easier to explain by saying that they are band kids. However, if a seminary student is late, it is much harder for them to explain because it isn’t a school-recognized class. When these students have an understanding teacher, it makes their lives much easier. Many jazz band students are let out of class with only 4 minutes to rush to the other side of the school. 

     For seminary students, having to drive past the train tracks and find parking are the biggest problems. These band and seminary students share the same problem of having to rush to class. Both situations, however, have logical explanations with band students needing to put their instruments away and the issues with parking. 

     But that doesn’t mean that the students should be rushed. Feeling rushed is a terrible feeling. Not to mention these students then have to speed walk to their class with the walls of fellow students walking slowly blocking their way. Having barely enough time, walking in on time when the bell rings. All of these students have their own problems to go through and their own solutions. However, that doesn’t mean that the outcome is different. 

    That is why there should be a system for the students who have zero periods to have an extra five minutes to get to class without a tardy, should be put in place. This would help those students who have an instrument that is hard to put away or who can’t find parking. Saving them from the feeling of having to run, be late, or feel rushed can completely transform someone’s demeanor, mood, and day.