The older MHS schedule should be brought back so that school hours could remain shorter, student athletes wouldn’t have to miss classes, students wouldn’t have to set back their jobs(other responsibilities), students could be healthier with less in class screen time, and so that the large and unnecessary gap between 4th and 6th could be removed.

For students doing distance learning, flex period is optional, and most decide not to go to flex. Therefore, the long break between classes is distracting and can pull one away from learning. Students and teachers alike have been on screen for the majority of the day and by stretching the school hours, it is much more difficult to concentrate and to be an active learner in class. Although this, flex is a necessity and it's a helpful accommodation that some students use, even if not often. That's why the previous schedule worked quite well. If students online needed to attend flex for whatever reason they could do so comfortably after 6th period, and the rest who didn't need to attend flex could freely leave and use the time for sports, hobbies, going outside, and being healthier. The former schedule also works well for students returning to school in-person. If one needs to attend flex and to see a certain teacher, come in for a make-up quiz, etc, they could easily do so. Flex like before, should not be made mandatory, even for in-person learning students. Instead, they could go home, start homework, or can attend whatever other responsibilities or activities they usually frequent. Moreover, many students have jobs or need to take care of their siblings, so by extending the school hours, these responsibilities may be compromised. This is a significant issue considering some families depend on the extra assistance provided by students, especially during the pandemic. All in all, please rethink the new schedule due to it resulting in problematic consequences. Thank you for your time and consideration.