Summary and Plans for 2021-22 School Year
-
In February 2021, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ announced the intent for an in-person learning model for the 2021-22 school year. As 911ÖÆÆ·³§ continues to prepare for full in-person instruction in the fall, the district must consider how to reintegrate all students academically, socially, and emotionally. Changes for the 2021-22 school year include:
- Clearing detentions and social probation
- Eliminating semester exams*
- Adopting a block schedule
Why now?
911ÖÆÆ·³§ recognizes that even prior to the pandemic, systemic changes were needed in order to address challenges faced by students. Guided by the creativity, thoughtfulness, and compassion needed during the past year, we are committed to returning to a different 911ÖÆÆ·³§. In order to implement changes by the upcoming school year, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ is working to adapt instructional practices and support our staff in their respective roles.
What process led to the changes?
Several committees met during the current and past school years to address the need for additional support for 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students. A bell schedule committee, tardy committee, discipline committee, and student wellbeing committee were among the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ groups that made recommendations.
Teachers, staff, and administrators identified and discussed challenges associated with the school day schedule in particular. In addition to reviewing the recommendations of the bell schedule committee, staff members gathered feedback through the lens of the current e-learning structure.
911ÖÆÆ·³§ has also recognized the need to address the amount of testing in high school, its impact on student wellbeing, and the need to increase instructional time. By eliminating semester exams, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students may be able to better focus on the courses taught by 911ÖÆÆ·³§ teachers already skilled at preparing students for options after high school.
As part of the student-centered efforts, all 911ÖÆÆ·³§ students will start the new school year with a clean slate. This means that all detentions, tardies, and social probation will be removed from student records by August 2021.
What is the 2021-22 block schedule and what are the benefits?
911ÖÆÆ·³§ will implement the new as of August 16, 2021, which is the first day of school in the 2021-22 school year. Benefits of the block schedule include fewer class transitions each day (and therefore a less hectic pace) and larger chunks of instructional time for more experiential, hands-on learning in all classes. The shift to a block schedule in 2021-22 will not interfere with the course selections made this semester.
*Please note that semester exams are currently reflected on the District Calendar, which will be updated after April 12, 2021.
