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GoogleMHS Principal Carol Smith reminds students and parents that weekly "late-start days" begin next week. That means the school day will begin at 8:15 on the first day of each week, even if that day does not fall on a Monday.
For example, Tuesday, Sept. 5, will be a late-start day because there will be no school Monday, Sept. 4, to observe Labor Day.
The new scheduling feature is more than just a perk for students. The time is being carved out of the schedule to allow teachers to have a regular opportunity to collaborate and converse on issues of curriculum, assessment and the alignment of the two, according to Smith.
Because teachers report to school at 7:30 a.m. every day, they will have 45 minutes set aside once each week to share questions and ideas.
Buses will follow their normal schedule, however, so some students will have time for breakfast, study or socializing before classes start.
Currently the commons area, gymnasium and Little Theatre will be supervised before classes start, Smith said. Eventually, she hopes to open other areas of school prior to the first class period, including the library and computer labs.
Students who do not ride a bus will not have to arrive before 8:15 on late-start days, Smith said.
"We're not saying the students can't come (earlier). We're saying they don't have to," she said.
Bueker Middle School and elementary school teachers will also have more opportunities to collaborate this year, but BMS and elementary students still have to arrive at school according to the regular schedule each day.
BMS Assistant Principal Glenn Miller II said teachers will spend time discussing curriculum and assessment issues, and they will identify struggling students and talk about options for helping them.
Time will be spent providing struggling students with additional help, and students who don't require more help will have special activities to participate in, Miller said.
Contact Eric Crump at