Easing the burden of the dual credit load

Students who take three dual credit classes get an off period

Katie Brucher, Staff Reporter • September 10, 2014

Students enrolled in dual credit through Collin College have an off period a few times a week.

Off periods are one of the most coveted “classes” that a student could get in their schedule. Virtually every student wants one, but very few actually get one and the only way it happens is when a student takes multiple dual credit classes.

“Some students with dual credit do get an off period but it’s only when they are taking all 3 dual credit classes and when all three of the classes are scheduled in 2 periods,” counselor Amanda Breeden said. “Students may have an off period but they are still taking 8 classes.”

The off period’s purpose is to keep students from taking nine classes instead of eight.

“There are other students who are taking 3 [dual credit] classes but maybe they have one 2nd period and the other two 7th and 8th so they don’t need an off period because they will still be taking 8 classes,” Breeden said.

There are recommendations as to how the students utilize their off period; however, it is essentially up to them.

“Our recommendation is that they stay on campus and maybe study in the library and work on their dual credit work or they can always come in the counselors office and sit up here,” Breeden said.

The question that is on everyone’s mind, however, is whether or not students are permitted to leave during their off period.

“Students can leave campus during their dual credit off period opening in their schedule,” Principal Chris Mayfield said. “What we are asking students to do, however, is have their parents sign off that it is okay to leave school on a form and we are making that form right now because that is a change and will send it off so that students will be eligible to leave during that time.”

There are several different options as to how students use their off periods. They might hang out in the library or leave campus for a while. However, some students have their off period in the middle of the day so that limits their options as to what they can do.

“I have mine 5th. I haven’t left [to go off campus] yet, but I probably will,” senior Hannah Field said. “I go to the library and work on homework.”

Some students are lucky enough to have their off period during 8th and essentially have a shortened day.

“Usually I like to go home and either take a nap or use the extra time to get homework done because of all of my AP and dual credit classes,” senior Claire Becker said. “Sometimes though, I run errands for my family or for myself.”

About the Contributors

Katie Brucher, Staff Reporter

Katie Brucher is a senior this year. There is nothing in the world that she hates as much as cheese. She loves pizza; however, she likes her pizza without cheese. If you ask her she will tell you that Rome has the best bread and sauce. Katie Brucher is also a gelato enthusiast. She pretty much loves anything that has to do with Italy. Hands down her favorite movie is The Incredibles. “Honey where’s my super suit?” If you ever watch the movie with her you are in for a treat. She will quote every line in the movie. If you ask Katie when it is okay to listen to Christmas music she will tell you that its okay anytime and any day. She loves nothing more than Christmas.

Stu Mair, Photo Editor

Stu Mair has been taking pictures of things for years, but has only been on The Red Ledger’s staff for a year. Now the editor of the photo department, he ensures that noteworthy events receive coverage from the Red Ledger. Stu splits his time between several extracurriculars, which has severely adverse effects to his amount of sleep. He is passionate about many things, and photography is one of those things. When he isn’t standing on the sideline taking photos of various sporting events, he can be found reading textbooks or chilling by the pool. Stu is sad that his high school career and his time at the Red ledger is coming to an end, but he is also excited to head to college and turn over a new page in life.