On Aug. 27, 2025, both the High School and Middle School began operating on a new schedule that pushes the start time of school back by 18 minutes, to 8 a.m., while maintaining the same end time. In order to accommodate this new schedule, one minute was taken off each period, and five minutes were taken off lunch.
While these new changes excited some and worried others,the administration has expressed the success it has brought had thus far.
“The process has been mostly smooth and we’re receiving positive feedback about the new time,” Principal Kimberly Westervelt said. “Families have shared the extra time in the morning and our staff appreciate less traffic as they arrive at work.”
Despite the positives, the new changes did not come without some difficulties. Adjustments had to be made to transportation as students, parents and bus drivers must adapt to the new schedule.
“With the new start time, we are being mindful of transportation issues,” Westervelt said. “We have to make sure the bus routes are appropriate and they are still able to get to their elementary routes on time.”
While the new start time seems to be proving successful, it is hard to tell whether there will be future impacts due to the loss of class time. These changes will continue to be monitored as the school year progresses.
