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Back to school: Pickerington Schools changes number of periods
(by Jillian Span, staff writer - August 20, 2012)
A new eight-period day is on the roster for high school students of Pickerington Local School District as they head into the 2012-2013 school year.
After experimenting with a seven-period day at 50 minutes per class time last year, the district found that students did not have enough time for a dedicated lunch period.
“We had quite a few kids that didn’t have a lunch,” said Assistant Superintendent Jim Sotlar of what became a grab-and-go approach for many students.
The new eight-period day will provide 45 minutes of class time, opening room in the day for more course flexibility and a designated lunch slot.
“We’ve had a couple different schedules over the last few years,” said Sotlar, adding that the district will develop a committee going into the 2013-2014 school year to determine the pros and cons of the new schedule and whether it maximizes student learning and opportunity.
The district also will see changes in earlier start times this year for the middle and elementary school students.
Due to the late starting times in the past, many parents were experiencing conflicts with work scheduling, Sotlar said.
The middle school students will start at 8:40 a.m. and the elementary school students will start at 9:10 a.m.
The district also will experience lengthened days for all students, with high school students now ending at 1:55 p.m. and junior high students ending at 2:30 p.m.
Students and faculty will see a new face in the administration offices as well.
As students in grades 1-12 head back to school Aug. 27 and kindergarteners on Aug. 30, the district welcomes new Superintendent Rob L. Walker, former superintendent of Lancaster City Schools, to the Pickerington Local School District community.
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