In the 2013-2014 school year, the bell schedule will be changing for everyone, although the actual class modifications will only be applied to freshman and will not affect sophomores, juniors and seniors. For freshman, they will have three hour-long core classes consisting of English Language Arts, math and science. These classes will be referred to as “house courses”. Three elective classes, including social studies, which will last for the length of a regular 90-minute block, will occupy the rest of the day. The order of the classes will rotate every day. This will apply to all incoming freshmen except ones in the pre-International Baccalaureate program.

Assistant Principal Chad Brinton said that he believes that the changes to the schedule will assist incoming ninth graders in adjusting to high school.

“We are still working out some of the details,” said Brinton, “but we are very happy with what we have planned out so far and I think that it is going to be a very successful change for next year.”

Falcon Hour will still be existent for all grades, but classes will not be changing at all for sophomores, juniors and seniors. According to nkcschools.org, 12 minutes will be added to the school day in all high schools and 10 minutes will be added to all of the middle and elementary schools. The weekly Thursday early release schedule will apply to elementary schools, making Thursday early release a district-wide experience.

In February, the Board of Education approved recommendations made by a district committee of administrators, principals, teachers and other staff members. The committee made four recommendations, one that was approved in December and three that were approved during in February for a change in the part of the 2013-2014 academic calendar. A decision as to exact bell times and the early release schedule will be made at the April 9 board meeting.