Smart Use of Time

Our new seven-period day implemented this past fall at the middle school has been a great success.  The schedule has provided for focused attention on the four core academic subjects and additional opportunities, both for remediation purposes and for students to take additional electives.  Now, after considerable research and study, the high school will be implementing the Trimester Schedule beginning this coming fall. Compared with the common six-period day, each with 58 minutes, the Trimester Schedule consists of five classes per term, each with 70 minutes of class instruction time.  Instead of the traditional 16-week duration to complete a semester course, students will now be able to complete the same course in one of three 12-week trimesters.  Students will now be afforded more course selections per year.  The advantages of the Trimester Schedule include:

• The longer periods of class time allow for more in-depth instruction and varied teaching styles.
• We will be maximizing student opportunities to take more courses within a school year and over a four-year period.
• Students and teachers will feel less overloaded with one less preparation.
• Students will be able to comply with the new State of Michigan increased course requirements (from 13 to19 courses) while still being able to take an array of electives.
• There will be opportunities for students to retake specific classes for remediation purposes.                                                                

A special Parent Forum to review this innovative and proven schedule will be held Tuesday, February 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle School Large Group Room.  All high school parents are encouraged to attend this meeting.  Please contact Susan Jacobs, Principal at 526-4855 or Shelby Richardson, Counselor at 526-4856 if you have questions.