Every summer, we approach a fresh school year with great anticipation, but because of a historic change this fall, we’re more eager than usual.
Starting with the first day on Monday, Aug. 27, our district will operate with new school times. Elementary students will start earlier at 8:10 a.m. and dismiss at 3 p.m., providing more time for learning opportunities. Middle and high school students will begin and dismiss later, going from 8:40 a.m.to 3:40 p.m., which research has shown is more in line with adolescent sleep patterns, leading to increased academic performance and better health.
We’re especially looking forward to the expanded elementary day. Students will benefit from having additional time in mathematics, language arts, music, art and health/physical education.
Moreover, this change allows for expanded individual and small group experiences based on needs and strengths. This doesn’t mean we’ll pack more content into the period or pile on homework. Rather, we’re simply creating space for teachers and students to explore our existing curricula in a more in-depth, relaxed manner.
That said, the new elementary day will bring an exciting addition: a weekly, hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) class for every kindergarten through fifth-grade student. We appreciate that a local expert, Christine Cunningham, assisted us in developing a STEM curriculum that will promote teamwork to solve real-life examples of problems from around the world.
Cunningham is the founder and director of the acclaimed Engineering is Elementary STEM program at the Museum of Science in Boston, Mass.
Of course, students will need to play as well, because we recognize the importance of physical activity and fun time. Our elementary schedule now incorporates a daily 30-minute recess for all students and provides additional recess for kindergarten through second-grade students.
Launching these changes may occupy our thoughts these days, but there’s more to anticipate. We’re implementing a new elementary mathematics curriculum and, as part of physical education, an updated elementary health and wellness curriculum. We have in place a director of diversity and inclusivity, a first for our district, who will oversee our continuing efforts to make our schools welcoming environments for all. And who could forget that we will be finishing a new high school and three elementary school renovation projects by the start of the next school year?
Yet, with all that’s occurring, two aspects of our district won’t change.
First, we’ll keep on emphasizing the importance of classroom interaction between teachers and students, the critical relationships that have been the foundation of our success. More than curricula and buildings, they drive our mission to prepare students for lifelong success, and we will continue to build upon them.
Secondly, we anticipate another amazing year full of growth, achievement and camaraderie across the district within our classes, clubs, ensembles and teams.
I’m always grateful to our community for its ongoing commitment to public education. With your support, I’m confident our students will have a tremendous year ahead.
Bob O’Donnell is the superintendent of schools at State College Area School District.
