Since 2022, PHS has conducted Early Release Days on the first Wednesday of each month. The shortened school days allow for professional development time in the afternoons but presented a unique challenge in what to do during the school day. During most early release days, the school organizes fun and educational activities or events, breaking the traditional schedule. This year’s activities have included the Amazing Race, the October Olympics, Kahoot, PHS’s Got Talent, Life Hacks, Peddlers Market, the Speech Contest, No Shave November Haircutting, and the LRCC Buildings Tours.
Each event offers students different opportunities for non-traditional learning, but we wanted to know from our staff what they enjoyed the most.
Of these Early Release Day activities, 32.9% of the Media Department’s favorite was Peddlers Market, 28.9% favored the Amazing Race, and 14.5% preferred the October Olympics. Staff members who enjoyed Peddlers Market were fond of it because it encouraged teamwork, taught management and business skills, and was fun overall. Some reasons students enjoyed the Amazing Race include helping students get to know their homeroom, bringing laughter, being a good competition, and encouraging good teamwork. The October Olympics was a favorite because students could have fun, be with friends, take a break from stress, and compete in a competition.
When looking at what activities everyone liked best and why, a pattern of what people enjoy started to form; our students enjoy fun and competitive activities that prepare them for the future. We look forward to these days because they are a change from the regular schedule and give us opportunities to learn different types of lessons.
When asked what type of activities the school should consider when deciding Early Release Days, most of the Media Department said activities designed to be fun should be a top priority. We also enjoyed the competition, and 71.1% of us wanted activities that encouraged competition between homerooms and gave us a chance to win an award or trophy. We also enjoy activities that connect us to opportunities in the outside world.
When deciding on future activities for Early Release Days, the school should repeat the favorite activities and include more competitive, fun, and educational activities that help develop teamwork, responsibility, and real-world skills.