The 30-minute conference period has long existed, implemented with the purpose of allotting time for students to get a jump on their homework, and allowing clubs to have meetings during school hours. However, it can be argued whether or not the period is actually useful for homework purposes as it was originally intended to.

The Chai Club, founded by Senior Josh Victoria, celebrates the art of tea-making, explores diverse tea cultures, and engages in discussions about their historical significance. For the club’s members, the conference period has been very useful, providing them with a regular time slot to connect on a weekly basis.

Victoria, the club’s president, expressed his enthusiasm about the conference period, stating, “Without it, it would be quite challenging to find a suitable time for our meetings that allow everyone to be involved. We would have to make due with random meeting schedules.”

The benefits of this structured time have extended beyond Chai Club, as other student organizations such as STUGO, art clubs, CTE clubs, and academic honors society groups have seen an increase in participation since the introduction of the conference period. Students have the freedom to explore their interests and passions without worrying about scheduling conflicts.