Cars line the entrance of Okkodo High School as parents wait and buses packed with students pull away. 

It’s noon, dismissal time for the Bulldogs and the start of the school day for F.B. Leon Guerrero Middle schoolers, who share the Okkodo campus.

“They started doing double sessions when I was a sophomore, and from there, it felt like every school year went by quickly,” said Jayden-Ziah Ulloa, a senior at Okkodo High School. 

“I don’t even remember how it is supposed to be like with the full time anymore,” added another Okkodo senior, Ayannah Doromao. 

The split-day schedule will continue into the School Year 2025-2026, a decision finalized by the Guam Education Board Tuesday night, which took into account input from stakeholders through a survey.

And while seniors Jayden-Ziah Ulloa and Ayannah Doromao prepare to graduate, younger students will remain status quo. 

“It’s kind of sad for those trying to experience a full high school experience–their class times get cut down, their quality time with their friends, after-school activities, sports, all of that is cut short,” said Ulloa.

“Especially if you’re in honors classes, it’s hard to keep up because you have to do everything outside of class,” said Doromao. 

The students are also voicing frustration for their peers as the refurbishment of FBLG remains stalled, with millions in American Rescue Plan funds still in limbo.

“Now that they’re learning about how they may not have it for the rest of the school year–it just seems like they don’t really have a place to call home–it kind of sucks for them,” said Ulloa. 

And while both school principals acknowledge the situation is far from ideal, they agree the current setup is the least disruptive option for now.

Both schools say discussions are ongoing to increase instructional time, a move the board requires. 

Meanwhile, students at John F. Kennedy and Simon Sanchez High Schools will also continue on double sessions through SY 25-26.