Zero Hour Brings Opportunities for Students

Because of Michigan’s increase in requirements, students can barely fit electives into their schedules.

Michigan Merit Curriculum has recently sanctioned that all freshman in the state of Michigan are required eighteen credits containing English, math, science, history/social studies and two full years or a foreign language, which will be put into play this upcoming fall and will continue on for all approaching classes.

Due to the stressful increase in requirements for graduation, the Brighton district has come up with the idea of a zero hour to lessen student’s loads and allow more wiggle room in schedules for any desired classes.

Many students and parents are asking the same question, what exactly is zero hour? Zero hour is really like having a seventh hour in the day but before school even begins. The purpose is to give students the chance to make up a lost credit, get a required class out of the way, or take a required class to allow more flexibility in the regular six hour schedule.

Zero hour classes will start at six-thirty a.m. before school officially begins. Some students don’t like the idea of having to wake up an hour or so earlier than usual to show up for school.

Participating in zero hour, along with having sports, clubs, or any other extracurricular activities after school could make for a very long and stressful day. Students are already worrying that the schedule may be too much and the day too long. Luckily Zero hour is not a requirement, it is simply a choice every student is offered.

“Zero hour is really for the students who will take advantage of it and are willing to get up earlier each day and stick with it. I think there will definitely be students interested and as long as we get the word out I think it will become more successful year after year” Brighton High school counselor Mrs. Hanzo said.

Classes offered for zero hour are going to be ninth grade biology, tenth grade world history, and eleventh grade civics/econ and Brit. Lit. As of now there aren’t any classes offered for seniors but suggestions for classes will be greatly appreciated and taken into consideration.

So far at least fifty students have signed up for zero hour with the memo having been sent out only two weeks ago! There is great hope for more interest, suggestions, and students who would like to participate. There is no guarantee that classes offered will be added or changed but there is great possibility.

“I’ll definitely be taking suggestions and ideas for other class options. Not this upcoming school year, but the next we hope to have a zero for seniors as well. As long as it’s a success I think the program will continue to grow” Principal Gavin Johnson said.

Also it is to be noted that busing will not be provided, so for those who may be considering signing up know that reliable transportation will be needed. As long as transportation is available there is no reason students shouldn’t take advantage of such an incredible opportunity.

Brighton school district and teachers involved are making this possible for the students to enhance their high school careers and hope for a positive outcome in the end. If zero hour has become an interest in any way or if there are additional questions needing to be answered don’t hesitate to contact Brighton High school principal Gavin Johnson.

Jodi Neisz - BHS Times Staff Reporter