Letter from Dr. Mark Cohen, Deputy Superintendent - High School

  • Dear High School Families,

    As a follow-up to last week’s district communication, I am writing to share important details about the proposed changes to the high school schedule. These recommendations, developed by a design team of certified educators, educational support professionals and administrators, are based on feedback from students and staff, research on best practices, and a commitment to creating a more engaging, efficient, and student-centered learning experience.

    Key Changes 

    Transition to a Block Schedule for Deep Learning
    The high school day will shift to a block schedule with four block days and one anchor day each week. This model is designed to enhance student learning by allowing for extended instructional periods and more time for project-based, hands-on experiences.

    • Four block days: Students will attend four 85-minute class periods per day, reducing the number of daily transitions and increasing time for deeper engagement in learning. The third block will be extended by 52 minutes to accommodate lunch, which will remain flexible, allowing upperclassmen to retain off-campus privileges.
    • One anchor day: A traditional schedule with 46-minute periods will ensure students meet with all of their teachers three times per week, maintaining continuity across their courses.

    A Shorter, More Efficient School Day
    Students emphasized the need for a later start or earlier end time to better align with their sleep needs and improve overall well-being.

    • The school day will be reduced from 7 hours and 25 minutes to 6 hours and 50 minutes, making it more consistent with surrounding districts.
    • The later start time (8:20 AM) will provide students with additional rest, improving focus and overall mental health.
    • Transportation schedules will be adjusted so buses arrive closer to the start of the school day, reducing the need for long wait times before first period.

    Expanded Support for Students
    The new schedule will include two dedicated 40-minute periods for intervention and enrichment (WIN and SOAR), doubling the time currently available for academic support, social-emotional learning, and individualized learning opportunities.

    • Students will have structured time to receive extra help, work on coursework, or engage in extension activities aligned with their interests and needs.
    • This approach provides flexibility while ensuring all students have access to the support they need to thrive.

    Increased Opportunities for Collaboration and Engagement

    • Project-based and real-world learning: Longer class periods will allow students to engage in deeper discussions, collaborative projects, and hands-on learning experiences.
    • More time for teacher collaboration: The new schedule will provide additional structured collaboration time for teachers, ensuring they can work together to design engaging lessons and interdisciplinary learning experiences.


    Why These Changes Matter

    The proposed schedule is designed to maximize instructional time while reducing inefficiencies, ensuring students are engaged, supported, and prepared for success in high school and beyond.

    By streamlining the school day, reducing unstructured time, and expanding access to academic and SEL supports, we are creating an environment where students can:
    ✔ Experience deeper, more meaningful learning with extended class periods.
    ✔ Benefit from a later start time and a more efficient schedule that aligns with research on adolescent well-being.
    ✔ Have structured time for interventions and enrichment, ensuring all students receive the support they need.
    ✔ Develop skills for college and careers, including time management, independent learning, and collaboration.

    This model is not the same as the block schedule used during pandemic learning. It is a research-based, thoughtfully designed structure that will enhance student learning, well-being, and overall school experience.

    We are excited about the potential of these changes and look forward to continued conversations with families, students, and staff.

    For more information, please visit our Innovative School Experience webpage or reach out through Let’s Talk. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement as we work to create a high school experience that meets the needs of all learners!

    Sincerely,

    Mark Cohen

    Deputy Superintendent - High Schools