Searcy, AR (LP) — Shortly after the second semester of the 2022-2023 school year began, zero hour was implemented at Searcy High School. Beginning on January 17th, students reported for school at 8:20 A.M., with the zero-hour period being from 7:50 to 8:20. Teachers can assign students to a zero hour to make up assignments or receive extra help. Students can also voluntarily sign up for a zero hour. For the 2023-2024 school year, zero hour will precede seven periods instead of eight.
Senior Madalyn Bailey was skeptical when she first heard about zero hour. “I was a little worried about how it would affect my day. At first, I did see zero hour as a punishment until it was explained, and then I saw it as an opportunity,” she said. As the spring semester has progressed, her view of zero hour has continued to change. “I love getting to come to school thirty minutes later and having zero hour to lean on if I get behind on work or need some extra help if a big test is coming up,” Bailey said.
Math teacher Sandy Webb was a part of the guiding coalition made up of teachers and administrators that lobbied for zero hour to be brought to Searcy. The group found inspiration from nearby schools. “We talked to three schools initially but chose Cabot High School to observe. They have been using zero hour for about five years now, so we felt like they would be the best option. They were very helpful in giving us suggestions,” she said. Figuring out scheduling was the biggest challenge the coalition faced. “We have students that go to ASU-Searcy for classes and we also have teachers that travel to the Junior High for coaching/teaching responsibilities,” Webb said. Webb has been pleased with students’ utilization of zero hour so far. “I am seeing students ask if they can come and some students are just showing up because they need help finishing an assignment,” she said.
Sophomore Taylor Martin was not the biggest fan of zero hour. “Changing everything in the middle of the year messed things up. They should’ve started it at the beginning of the year,” Martin said. While she does not prefer zero hour, she understood why it was implemented. “I can see how it is helpful, and I like that they are doing it next year, but it can feel like a long day if you have zero hour,” Martin said. To Martin, seven periods will be beneficial to students. “It won’t feel like such a long day,” she said.
