Everyone has been in an uproar over the mandatory Silent Sustained Reading implemented in FLEX.  However, is having FLEX in the first place even beneficial? Other than in the allotted silent time to read, FLEX is loud and crowded. Hardly an optimal place to get work done, even though that is the whole point of FLEX. Loudoun County should do away with it all together.

 FLEX is meant to be a time where you can work on homework, class work, and take tests, but I honestly don’t get any of those things done, and most people don’t either. There are too many distractions. Having friends in your class makes it hard to work. I’d rather sit and chat with my friends than work on the Chemistry homework that’s due the next day. I get more work done at home then I ever can during FLEX.

The school implemented SSR as a way to destress and broaden our vocabulary and reading. I honestly do appreciate the time to sit and just read, but going home after 7th block would be a great deal better use of my time. If we all go home, we can read in the comfort of our houses or do homework without the distractions of being in a room full of teenagers. With almost 30 kids packed into a room, it gets loud. All the noise makes it hard to concentrate and work, even if I wanted to.

 All the students and noise makes it hard to get help from your teachers if you need it. Teachers have to watch over a whole class whilst trying to help you and any other person who needs it. You rarely get the total help you need. If the school got rid of FLEX, teachers could set aside the time we would have for FLEX and stay after and the kids who need help can get the help they need or retake the test or quiz without the distractions of 30 rowdy teenagers.

 FLEX can be beneficial, but for the most part, it is a waste of time. The FLEX system needs an update or no one will ever get anything done.