As a student-athlete, this issue is one that hits particularly close to home. Balancing academics with sports is a daunting task and most days of the week, there simply isn’t enough time to complete all the required tasks.

Not only me but, in October, many of my peers were impacted by early year colds and fevers, and this affected our ability to keep up with schoolwork. This isn’t unique to student-athletes or those overcoming illness. Many students returning from exchange trips face similar struggles in trying to catch up with what they have missed. 

The proposal on the table is to introduce a study hall class primarily for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The freshmen would not take the class because of the benefit from dedicating their first year to focus on their main, required credit classes. These classes would be better than just having intervention due to the fact it should be where students can interact with their teachers, clarify doubts, and complete work that they might struggle with outside of school. 

Not only would this help in maintaining our academic grades, but it would also positively impact our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. This study by the American Psychological Association suggests that homework-related stress can contribute to a variety of mental health issues.

Resource classes for those with 504 plans and Math ELT learners have already shown improvements in student performance. A study hall class could potentially replicate the same benefits to an even larger student body. 

We strongly urge Lodi High School to consider this proposal for the benefit of all students struggling to balance their time. Please sign this petition to push for the implementation of a study hall class.