As a student sits in her fifth-period class, listening to the teacher and diligently taking notes, the bell rings. A plethora of questions spring into her head, all of which pertain to her sixth-period class. "What do I need to bring? Did I study this subject sufficiently last night? Did I forget something?"

When she exits the classroom, she notices that her fellow classmates are not darting to their lockers as usual. Instead, they are calmly walking to club meetings, getting out their homework and iPods, or simply taking a moment to chat with their friends. The student breathes a sigh of relief. It is not sixth period yet. It is Uni period!

For students whose days are packed with classes, Uni period is a well-deserved break from the classroom. Although there have been complaints that students do not spend Uni periods productively, student organizations and faculty members make sure that every Uni period is filled with clubs and activities in which students are welcome to participate.

Along with attending scheduled clubs and activities, students can also use Uni period to meet with their teachers for test revisions or help on a particular assignment. The math department has reserved room 206 for math help on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the English department holds the Writing Center on Wednesdays in room 106N.

Uni period is also a great time to schedule school-wide events, such as assemblies and celebrations. For example, the Halloween costume contest on Oct. 31, attracted a large audience of students and teachers.

Whether you want to attend club meetings, seek guidance from a teacher, or simply sit back and relax for 40 minutes, Uni period has an activity for everyone. If you still need ideas as to how to spend your Uni Period, take a look at how some students have been spending it in the past few weeks:

PICTURES FROM UNI PERIOD:

A group of students collaborates on a homework assignment in the second floor hallway. Gargoyle photos by Lara Orlandic.

Subfreshmen work on a craft project.

Mr. Bild helps a group of sophomores with their math homework.

Seniors play a card game in the kitchen.

Sophomores Bryan Hwu and Vinay Shanbhag take advantage of the lovely weather by studying outside.

Students carve a pumpkin as part of Art Club's Halloween celebration.

Sophomores Sam Leroy and Will Givens play football behind Uni.

Three contestants remain in the Halloween costume contest.

Sophomores Max Li and Sierra Maniates-Selvin simultaneously knit and study Spanish.

Students play their instruments in jazz band.