The Six-Period Day : Sibley's Plan

A committee of parents, community members and administrators recommended that Sibley change to a six-period day, and the change will take place for the 2013 – 2014 school year. Class periods will be lengthened by approximately nine minutes and the schedule will better align with the middle schools’ schedules. The district could also save up to $400,000 with the change. Here’s how it breaks down.

Schedule

Classes will be approximately nine minutes longer and passing periods will still be four minutes. The starting time of 8:30 a.m. and ending time of 3:04 p.m. will not change.

Graduation Credits

Students need 23 credits to graduate, and the six-period day, even without summer and hybrid classes, allows for 24 credits. Also, high school credit will now be recognized for Geometry and Spanish I taken in 8th grade.

Hybrid Options

Hybrid classes are those that are done part in a classroom and part online. For example, the classroom part of the course may be done on Monday, Wednesday and every other Friday, leaving the rest of the course to be completed online (generally through Moodle). Students who pursue this option will have to take two hybrid courses at a time. The hybrids currently offered are Advanced Film Studies, Economics, Health and Interior Design. There are no plans to offer classes only in a hybrid format or to offer AP classes in the hybrid format.

These classes require some independent study and are not available to freshmen. They require organization and discipline. Priority for hybrid courses will be given to world language and music students.

Study Hall, Early Release and Late Start

There will be no more study halls except for specific cases in which some students will have a guided study period. There is no longer a “late start” option. Only seniors with a 3.0 or higher and who are on track to graduate on time may have an early release.

Electives and Summer Offerings

Students will still be able to take both music and World Language courses with the new schedule, but it may limit their ability to take other electives. Hybrid and summer offerings may allow more flexibility in the regular school year. As of right now, physical education, health and French 2 are offered for credit in the summer. If interest in summer for-credit courses grows, more classes could be offered.

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