Why Are So Many Students Ditching Their Sixth Period?

If you need to go to the bathroom at the end of the school day, there’s a good chance you won’t be alone in the hallway. During sixth period, students, mostly freshmen, are everywhere — except for class. These students don’t seem to realize that their classes matter and prefer to ditch. Their short-sightedness is confusing and frustrating, even for other students.

“I don’t understand why people ditch class,” says Eastside student Oscar Norman. “How are you supposed to graduate if you can’t even go to class?”

These students, however, don’t seem to be concerned about graduation. They’re more focused on their friends.

“I think most people who ditch last period are doing it because they want to meet up with their friends,” says senior Alana Silas.

And for some students, it might simply be a matter of needing a break.

“They’re ready to go home,” says Sienna.

But ditching can have serious negative consequences. First, students who don’t go to class won’t know what material they’re missing. Plus, they can get a ticket for not being in class. In fact, Principal Dunn and his staff are often outside this period, resulting in office visits for the offending students.

Will it ever change? Maybe, especially if the unannounced tardy sweeps continue with more regularity.

“Sometimes I think maybe one day I’ll come out the office and no kids will be outside,” says one member of the Eastside security staff.