On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the VBCPS High School Scheduling Committee presented a proposal to the School Board to redesign the master schedule for all division high schools for the 2013-14 school year. The committee developed this recommendation because the current high school schedule is no longer adequate for students who must meet new high school graduation requirements. Elements of the proposed schedule include: adding 15 minutes to the students’ high school schedule (7:20 a.m.-2:10 p.m.); combining the current A/B schedule with a 4×4 component; and requiring all high school teachers to teach a minimum of five classes or up to 150 students (in five or six classes). While there would be no time added to the elementary and middle school day, their start and dismissal times would need to be adjusted by 10 minutes to accommodate a new transportation schedule for high schools (elementary “A” 8:1- a.m.-2:40 p.m.; elementary “B” 8:40 a.m.-3:10 p.m.; middle schools 9:20 a.m.-3:50 p.m.).
Do you have ideas, questions or concerns about the proposed plan? If so, you may want to take the time to communicate through a special email address set up just to receive your comments and suggestions: vbschedule@vbschools.com. Copies of all email communications received will be provided to the School Board prior to a vote on the recommendation.
A public hearing on the Hybrid High School Master Schedule will be held at the Nov. 20 School Board meeting which begins at 6 p.m. Those interested in signing up to speak should contact the clerk of the board at 757-263-1016.
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I teach 3rd grade. I do not see a problem with the new schedule. Ten minutes later for start time will not hurt anyone in elementary and if it helps others, let’s do it!
I hope that during this examination of schedules for all schools, some consideration might be given to the way in which we make up inclement weather days as well. A few minutes added to the instructional day for all students would eliminate the need for the cancellation of scheduled holidays.
As a current high school SAC and parent of two future high schoolers, I sincerely hope this plan is implemented. This hybrid plan offers many opportunities for kids wanting to take advanced academic classes and fine arts courses, while still having time to eat. As an SAC, this plan will allow students participating in VHSL activities/sports more opportunities to pass the necessary classes to be or remain eligible. It just makes better sense and makes better use of the high schoolers time.
There are positives to this proposal-such as a daily planning period for high school teachers. Special education students will benefit from continual daily instruction-vs.-the A/B-every other day classes.
However, it would be wonderful if there were a way to improve the schedule so teachers will not have to have additional classes to teach nor additional preps. I believe that teachers are already overworked (and underpaid) and each year teachers are expected to do more and more-for less pay. In addition, I know that many teachers are working two to three hours beyond their contract hours already to keep up with the demands of teaching. Even with a daily planning period, teachers do not always get their planning; they are often pulled for meetings, duties, trainings, etc. It would be phenomenal if the school system could figure out a way to lighten the many responsibilities expected of teachers. Many teachers feel buried in paper work; leaving them too exhausted to work with children and to share their passion for learning.
I hope that VBCPS has truly considered the impact this proposal will make on our students who already have a difficult time focusing and being actively engaged for the current amount of time there is for instruction.
As an additional comment: I believe that in our military town, that Veteran’s Day should not be an inclement weather make-up day. With many of our staff having served-I feel like this was a slap in the face to them-what a way for VBCPS to show their gratitude to those men and women who serve or have served our country. I hope that in the future, VBCPS will consider actually taking advantage of those extra days already worked into our calendar and let us be able to honor our veterans by keeping this a holiday.
I work at an elementary school and I don’t see a problem with the adjusted schedule change. If it is going to help the advancement for high school students, then by all means, go right ahead!
I think it would be a good change if it benefits our high schoolers. I am all for it.
I am not in favor of this change. Elementary and middle school students will not gain 10 minutes of instructional time but will be required to remain at school due to busing issues. This will result in discipline issues as well, especially at the middle school level. Middle school students are already being pushed to take high school credit courses. Seniors who are taking advanced diplomas are graduating with several points past the needed amount. The argument is that all students will have a lunch. Let’s use Princess Anne high school as an example. They opted out of lunch at their school and have cut 20 minutes from their schedule. Class size will increase, teachers will be lost, and extraculrriuclar activities will suffer. The whole picture is not being studied.