Early Release or Late Start?

RIDE.This ferry is leaving Vashon after getting out of school on an early release day, on the 12:40 boat. The school used to have early release, which I wish was still happening due to the time frame. Photo courtesy of Mele Nelson.

After coming back from quarantine, VISD had early release Fridays where students would get out early. Every year since, we have transitioned to late arrivals every Friday morning. There are many different angles and opinions that need to be made about this topic, but is late start or early release better? Both have their perks, but I think late start is better for the following reasons.

Late start has its advantages and disadvantages, but the reason I prefer late start is because I can sleep in a little bit more, and school starts a lot later than on a regular day., That is basically the only good thing about it. Because I am a commuter, it's hard to sleep in because I have to make the boat. On regular days, I try to get up at around 6:30 am, and for a late start I get up at around 7:30 am—either way I’m waking up early, therefore I would enjoy having more time. Meanwhile, Islanders get to wake up at 9:00 am, go to school at 9:20 and still be early. So for commuters, Islanders get way more sleep than them. For early release, I would go on the regular 7:20 boat, that depends on if the boat is late or not, and have school until around 12:30 because commuters need to catch the boat.

On the other hand, it is great to be out of school by 12:00 pm, and come home at about 1:00 pm and have a very chill day. One downside to early release is because of the timing of it all, people didn't take Fridays seriously because there were only about four hours of school, and then they were back home, so they didn't want to take the boat home because they would get back home by the time school would end on a regular day. It seemed pointless to the students, so that’s why the schools switched to late start. Either way, there would be four hours of school, but the timing is different and some people prefer a larger morning, while I want a bigger afternoon to do whatever I need or want to do.

For me, personally, it’s really hard to get up early because I am a night owl, so I don't get as much sleep as a regular Islander would have. Most of the time, the board is late, which is unfortunately not the most efficient. Especially when you have to get to school on a regular day.

In conclusion, having an earlier release is better than a late start because the boat's schedule is honestly unpredictable. I like to have less time to get ready and more time at home and to myself. School is meant for learning, and I don't want to abuse that time, but sometimes it’s nice to have a break and enjoy that outside time to myself and not have to rush.