We’re always striving to improve, and with improvement comes change. With that in mind, I’d like to share an adjustment at the elementary school for the 2025-26 school year that I truly believe will have a positive impact throughout the District.
Two Main Changes for the Fall
1. Students may be dropped off beginning at 7:45am (previously 7:40am). They will report to the cafeteria until 7:55am when the first bell rings. Breakfast will be available beginning at 7:45am.
2. Elementary school student dismissal will move to 2:32pm (previously 2:25pm).
Need for Change
There are several key reasons behind these changes, including:
Reducing the amount of time students wait idly on buses after school.
Instead of elementary students spending 12+ minutes waiting on the bus for middle and high school students to dismiss, they will now only wait 3-5 minutes.
This change is a direct result of feedback from our Perception Survey.
Respondents expressed concern over the amount of time students were
spending on school buses and the behavioral issues that were stemming from that idle time.
Giving elementary students an extra 35 minutes of instructional time each week.
By shifting dismissal, we’re taking some of the time that students previously
spent waiting on the bus and giving it back to them in the classroom.
Over the summer, we will be sharing more details about arrival and dismissal practices at the elementary school. I’m confident that this adjustment will lead to meaningful improvements across our District. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions. Thank you for your cooperation as we implement these changes this fall.
Sincerely,
Michael Bennett
Superintendent of Schools
If teachers arrive earlier, will the school open earlier for students?
No, students will only be allowed in the school at 7:45am, at which time they must wait in the Cafeteria. Students may not be dropped off before 7:45am.
Will after school programs or sports be impacted?
After school programs begin at 2:45pm at the elementary school. Next year, students participating in after school activities will only wait in the gym for 5 minutes, instead of 20 minutes.
Will bus pick-up or drop-off times change?
No, these times are not impacted by this schedule change.
Will there be changes to drop off or arrival practices?
Students who arrive early will go to the cafeteria instead of the gym. Additionally, student drop off will begin at 7:45am (instead of 7:40am).
When can students be dropped off at the elementary school?
The doors will open for students at 7:45am. Early arrival students will wait in the cafeteria where they can enjoy breakfast. Students may go to their classrooms when the first bell rings at 7:55am, but no earlier.