Washoe Country School District

May 22, 2012

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Bell Schedule Information

At the Washoe County School District, we have been examining every aspect of our operations to ensure that we are functioning as efficiently as possible and in the best way to support all children in the classroom. As a part of this process, we have been looking at the possibility of changing the bell schedules at our schools. This would change the daily start and end times at most of the elementary, middle and high schools in the District.


As a result of the District Strategic Plan (Envision WCSD 2015) Goal 5, “align and maintain efficient and effective performance management systems to sustain a cycle of continuous improvement in support of student learning,” Objective 5.4.4 “Transportation routes will be aligned to school schedules to maximize educational programs and services for students and will address cost implications,” the District implemented a year-long research process during which it became clear that a change would not only improve efficiency, it may have a powerful impact on student achievement, attendance and safety.


Community Input and Research

Throughout the spring of 2011 numerous discussions took place at each of our schools and during town hall meetings throughout the community. In May 2011, a survey (please see link below for more information) was administered to parents, school district employees and community members. We had 3,971 people respond to the survey, and more than 75 percent of the respondents supported a change or indicated they would be supportive depending on the proposed changes to the bell schedule.


Through this survey, one schedule emerged that primarily focused on moving the middle school start time to later in the day and maximizing the instructional opportunities for all students by adding 30 minutes to most elementary school schedules. Although the vast majority of stakeholders supported a change, there were remaining issues that needed more research and discussion.


One area of concern was the need to review the possibility of moving all secondary start times to later in the day, which would mean that the elementary start times would move to the beginning of the day. Another major theme was the need to look at moving high school schedules to a later time. Other related questions included: How would kindergarten work on this new schedule? What about athletics in secondary schools? How will these new schedules work with multi-track year-round schools? What about middle school teachers who coach at high schools? Why are some high school campuses closed and not others?


On May 24, 2011, information was provided to the WCSD Board of Trustees (please see below for PowerPoint of that meeting). The decision was made to study this issue in more detail, gather additional information from our stakeholders and return to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation for the 2012-2013 school year. Throughout the summer months and into the fall of 2011, staff continued to study the potential impact of bell schedules on instructional time, safety, health and related issues nationally and in comparable school districts.

In October 2011, WCSD created the Bell Schedule Advisory Committee (please see below). This committee is made up of parents, teachers, principals, association representatives, researchers, administrators, specialists, and subject matter experts. In addition to the total committee work it was decided to break the committee into four teams to look at specific areas in addition to the big picture. The teams include safety, time, elementary logistics, and secondary logistics. The advisory team has been using guiding principles to focus and direct their work (please see guiding principles below).

In November 2012, WCSD launched another series of meetings and gathered additional feedback and ideas from parents, school district employees and the community. The bell schedule advisory committee members were available at all meetings to provide information, answer questions, and explain how to provide input. These community meetings were held on the following dates and locations: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - Alice Smith ES Cafeteria (4:00 & 5:30 PM), Tuesday, November 29, 2011 - Lois Allen ES (7:30), Thursday, December 01, 2011 - Shaw MS Library (4:00 & 5:30 PM), Monday, December 05, 2011 - Van Gorder ES Cafeteria (4:00 & 5:30 PM), Tuesday, December 06, 2011 - Dodson ES (5:30 PM), Wednesday, December 07, 2011 – Galena HS Cafeteria (5:30 PM), Wednesday, December 14, 2011 – Reed HS Cafeteria (5:30 PM), Saturday, December 17, 2011 – McQueen HS Cafeteria (9:00AM). Summaries of the December meetings can be reviewed below. In addition to the above community meetings all schools have held numerous staff meetings regarding this project.

 

Additional Information:

adobe icon Draft Options
  -ABC Draft Bell Schedule (All Schools)
adobe icon Draft Options updated 4.3.12

Sample Bell Schedules Elementary 6 1/2 Hour Day

 

Proposed 6 1/2 Hour Student Day Elementary Wellness Program Information

Proposed 6 1/2 Hour Student Day Elementary Counseling Program Information


adobe icon Are other schools changing their start times?
adobe icon Eight Major Obstacles to Delaying School Start Times
adobe icon School Start Times and the Sleep–Wake Cycle of Adolescents: A Review and Critical Evaluation of
Available Evidence

adobe icon Bell Schedule Frequently Asked Questions 

Next Steps

While the decision to keep the bell schedule the same for the 2012-2013 school year has been made, it is important to note that no final decisions have been made regarding what a new bell schedule could look like for 2013-2014. We will continue to look at the different options until we determine the best schedule that will support our children and their success. We will be continuing these conversations with you, District staff, parents, and the community in the coming months.  

 For more information or would like to provide input on the Bell Schedule, please email: rjharris@washoeschools.net