As new portable classrooms are added across campus due to ongoing construction, many students and teachers say the five-minute passing period is creating problems, including increased stress, tardies, and missed instructional time.

The portable classrooms were placed across campus as a temporary solution to allow construction to continue in other areas of the school. While the layout may be practical, the distance between some classes has made it difficult for students and staff to arrive on time, especially during crowded passing periods.

Student Jocelyn Gonzalez (12) shared that on certain days she must walk from the 500s  portables, a trip that takes nearly four minutes without accounting for hallway traffic. She explained that the tight space near the portables and the number of students walking at the same time makes it difficult to move quickly. Because of this, students often have no time to use the restroom or ask teachers questions after class. Gonzalez also explained, “That rushing increases stress, especially when I arrive late to my AP class and start missing important instructions at the beginning of the period.”

Teachers working in the portables have noticed similar issues. One of our English teachers, Ms. Mikell Benton stated, “There has been a clear increase in tardies, even among students who are normally punctual.” She explained that the problem is not limited to students, as teachers also struggle to move across campus in time. According to Ms. Benton, there are no nearby restrooms for teachers or students in the portable area, forcing them to walk long distances and sometimes return late to class. She added that construction and narrow walkways slow traffic and make the situation worse.

Vice Principal Mr. Carson Souza explained that the decision to place the portable classrooms across campus was made for logistical reasons during construction. He stated, “Multiple staff members walked the longest routes on campus and determined that the distance could be covered within the five-minute passing period.” At this time, the administration is not considering extending passing periods and expects students to plan ahead, limit socializing, and manage restroom use throughout the day.

While administrators believe the current system is manageable, students and teachers feel the reality is different during busy passing times. Many have suggested small changes, such as adding a few extra minutes to passing periods or allowing more flexibility with tardy policies for classes that are far apart. 

As construction continues, the challenge remains finding a balance between keeping the school on schedule and ensuring students and teachers can move across campus safely and on time.