By: Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor
tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
At a work session on Monday, November 25, the Woodruff School Board received an extensive report from a committee tasked with evaluating potential changes to the current high school schedule. This committee, composed of teachers and administrators, recommended implementing a hybrid schedule at Woodruff High School for the 2025–2026 school year. The move is aimed at providing greater flexibility for students while addressing academic needs in light of new state accountability models.
Committee Findings and Recommendations
Aaron Chappell, a member of the committee, began the presentation by emphasizing the importance of adapting the current schedule to meet evolving student needs and new state requirements. The committee examined traditional, block, and hybrid schedules, ultimately proposing a hybrid model as the best fit for Woodruff High School.
The hybrid schedule blends elements of traditional and block formats. Students will have a mix of yearlong “skinny” periods (45-minute classes) and semester-long “block” periods (90-minute classes), depending on the nature of the course and student needs.
Key advantages include:
- Increased Flexibility: The model allows students to recover credits midyear and provides more opportunities for dual enrollment, advanced placement, and electives.
- Improved Continuity: Subjects that require consistent engagement, such as math and foreign languages, can be scheduled yearlong to maintain skill progression.
- Expanded Opportunities: Students could potentially earn up to 32 credits before graduation, compared to 28 under the current system.
Dr. Patience Bolden, another presenter, highlighted the committee’s timeline and the research conducted, including visits to other schools that have adopted hybrid schedules. The committee also surveyed Woodruff High faculty to gather feedback, with results indicating strong support for maintaining some elements of the traditional schedule.
Impact on Students and Teachers
The proposed schedule aims to enhance academic outcomes while accommodating diverse needs, such as those of multilingual learners and students requiring special education services. Additionally, the flexibility of the hybrid model will benefit students participating in extracurricular activities like athletics and fine arts. For example, students could take certain classes yearlong while still having time for sports or band practices.
Faculty input will play a critical role in determining which courses are taught as blocks or skinnies. Principal Christine Morris stressed the importance of teacher expertise in shaping the schedule, stating, “You know your content and what your students need to succeed.”
Concerns and Next Steps
Board members asked questions about the potential impact on faculty workloads, staffing needs, and the ability to maintain high academic standards during the transition. Acting Superintendent Dr. Aaron Fulmer acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in the staff’s ability to implement the changes effectively.
“We want to learn and modify as we go,” Fulmer said. “The first year will be a learning experience, and we’ll adapt based on what works and what doesn’t.”
The board also considered the effect on extracurricular activities and vocational training. The hybrid schedule is expected to facilitate access to programs like RD Anderson, where students can gain technical skills and certifications.
Implementation Timeline
If approved, the hybrid schedule would be implemented in the 2025–2026 school year. The next steps include departmental discussions among faculty to determine course structures and professional development to prepare for the transition.
Community Input and Final Decision
The WHS report and recommendation is the result of request made by the board last spring to evaluate and explore scheduling options at Woodruff High School. The board expressed general support for the recommendation and now the WHS faculty will be working over the coming months to establish detailed plans. The final results will be shared with students and parents.
The proposed changes represent a significant shift for Woodruff High School. However, the committee and administration remain optimistic about the positive impact these adjustments will have on students and the community.
Author: Tracy Sanders
Back in 1969, this was done with 90 minute classes. However, they rotated and was confusing. For instance, on Monday, classes began with meeting first period, second period, third, fourth and fifth. On Tuesday it was sixth period class in the first 90 minutes, then second, then third, and so forth. On Wednesday, it was first period, sixth period class, then third, and so forth. That sixth period class rotated while only having five classes per day. On Thursday, there was a 90 minute free class where there were intramurals, club meetings, etc.
It was only done for one year and was very confusing. I think the idea might be okay but the way it was done was confusing and not successful. I hope what they are proposing is different.