Seven periods or eight? School debate continues

McCook Public Schools board of education members discussed the school calendar for the next couple years and addressed parents' and students' concerns about seven-period days during their meeting Monday.

A proposed perpetual calendar has school starting for students the third Thursday of August, and following a heat schedule through Labor Day.

The perpetual calendar also includes a 1 p.m. early dismissal for K-3 on the first Wednesday of every month.

Board member Dawn Andersen said this early dismissal concerns her when it immediately follows a Monday that students have had off because of a teachers' in-service. Fellow board member Mike Gonzales wondered whether it was hard for students to get back into a rhythm during a week such as that.

Andersen said she has no problem with the teachers taking a half-day off for curriculum development, but wondered if there wasn't a better regular day that wouldn't disrupt the school week as badly.

"There might be some other arrangement better for students and parents," Andersen said.

Elementary Principal Kathy Latta said she will discuss the situation with calendar committee members.

Board members scheduled a special meeting Monday, May 3, at 8 p.m., to further discuss the seven-period day and graduation requirements.

Board member Jack Clark said he can see the money-saving benefits of a seven-period day, but is concerned that students may be losing class opportunities by not having an eight-period day.

Fellow board member Ron Soden said feedback from students, teachers and parents is indicating that students' class choices are being limited by having only seven periods in the school day.

An analysis of the situation by the Program Committee indicates that returning to eight periods could require hiring three teachers and two paraprofessionals, adding one to two study halls to each student's schedule, developing curriculum for mini-classes and/or increasing annual building budgets to support the new courses.

Berry's analysis also indicates that an eight-period day would not help reduce class size and would increase each teacher's class preparation and student load.

Andersen said she is against returning to eight periods if it would take money to do so. "If that's the case," she said, "I can't see how we can go back. Maybe seven-period days are just something we'll get used to," she said.

Brad Haas, the student body representative on the board, said most students prefer the eight-period day.

High school principal Jerry Smith said students are not missing core curriculum classes with the seven-period day.

"Some students are not going to get (the electives) they want," Smith said, explaining that 117 students want to take photography, and there is one teacher.

Smith said, "Without additional staff, we can't return to an eight-period day."