Good Afternoon SVUSD Families,
On May 4th during a Governing Board work session, administrative leadership shared a proposal to change the release times at all of our schools. During the presentation leadership discussed how the district arrived at the current school day schedule. Factors like the removal of specials and budget cuts forced a change to the schedule, particularly at the elementary level. Now that many of the specials have been brought back and additional intervention programs have begun the shortened day is no longer the best option for our students and staff.
The proposed release time changes will allow more time in the classroom for elementary students and lengthen the time for Mascot Time and special classes like art, technology, PE and library. Mascot Time at the elementary level is time set aside to help struggling students master the essential skills needed for that lesson and allows enrichment opportunities for those students who already have mastered the skills.
Changes to the schedule at Buena High School would get students out of school 30 minutes sooner than the current schedule. It would only shorten classes by 5 minutes each. Joyce Clark Middle School will see a 10 minute increase in their school day. The new proposed times would also alleviate many of the current bussing delays, allowing students less time on the bus and getting home when scheduled.
There is no change being proposed for release times on our Early Release Wednesday and Half days, those would remain the same as they are now. If this proposal is approved the new release times would begin in the 2023-2024 school year.
A complete copy of the proposed changes can be found below and is attached to this email.
The complete proposal can be found here
Updated Proposal with parent and staff questions addressed
The Governing Board Work Session can be viewed on our YouTube channel.
We have also created a Google Form that all families can utilize to ask questions and make comments. Please complete the form with your questions and comments by May 15th . The form will ask for your name and contact information so if clarification is needed on your questions someone will be able to reach out to you to best answer your questions.
Parent Input for Proposed Changes to School Release Times- This is closed at this time.
A Town Hall meeting will be held on May 17th for parents and community members to address the questions and comments about the proposed changes. During the Town Hall we will address the questions and comments that have been submitted. The Town Hall will be held at the Klein Center for the Performing Art on Wednesday, May 17th at 6pm.
Thank you for choosing Sierra Vista Unified School District.