Washington Township Schools leadership appreciates the active engagement of the school community in providing survey feedback regarding the modification of school hours and the 2022-2023 school calendar from December 22, 2021 – January 14, 2022.
Washington Township Schools understands the importance of aligning our practices to research. Extensive research conducted over the last 30 years continues to provide evidence that adolescent students perform better if their school day starts later in the day. As students mature into the adolescent stage, their sleep/wake cycle changes. Students in this stage of life tend to be more alert, focus better, and make better decisions if/when their academic day starts as near to 8:30 a.m. as possible. In addition to behavioral benefits, studies indicate that fewer automobile accidents involving teenage drivers occur if the students are on the road later in the day.
Recommendations:
Recommended 2022-2023 School Calendar
Recommended 2023-2024 School Calendar
In the video below, experts share the benefits of modifying our current school hours based on research. This information was shared during the February 9 School Board meeting.
Additional expert research materials can be found at this link: Secondary Research
Communications Archive
The following communications were sent to all student families and Washington Township School staff on the noted dates.
Dec. 22, 2021 – Parent Square
Currently, we are reimagining education in Washington Township and reviewing how modifications to school hours and to the school calendar could address current needs starting as early as next school year. During the past semester, we have sought outside expert feedback on transportation complexities and have conducted a task force focused on school hours. Additionally, feedback from staff on potential calendar modifications to support teachers leads us to an opportunity for district-wide family feedback. We would appreciate Washington Township parents/caregivers/guardians and interested students completing the following brief survey by January 10, 2022 (please note that secondary students are invited to participate in the survey through the canvas platform). Washington Township Administration will analyze the survey results and share them with the School Board. Possible modifications would not go into effect until the 2022-2023 school year. Please take a moment to give us your feedback on this Survey. (the survey link is no longer active)
January 7, 2022- Parent Square: Survey Extended to January 14
Currently, we are reimagining education in Washington Township and reviewing how modifications to school hours and to the school calendar could address current needs starting as early as next school year. During the past semester, we have sought outside expert feedback on transportation complexities and have conducted a task force focused on school hours. Additionally, feedback from staff on potential calendar modifications to support teachers leads us to an opportunity for district-wide family feedback.
We would appreciate receiving feedback from even more Washington Township parents/caregivers/guardians and interested students. Please complete the following brief survey by end of the day, January 14, 2022 (please note that secondary students are invited to participate in the survey through the canvas platform). Washington Township Administration will analyze the survey results and share them with the School Board. Possible modifications would not go into effect until the 2022-2023 school year. Please take a moment to give us your feedback on this Survey. (the survey link is no longer active)
February 11, 2022 -Parent Square
In March, the Washington Township School Board will be voting on modifications to the school calendar and current school hours, effective 2022-2023. These topics have been under critical review since spring 2021 by a School Hours Task Force and discussed by the School Board during the past four public meetings. All stakeholders are encouraged to review past public School Board meetings (once on page, click on the “Meetings” tab) and attend upcoming School Board meetings where this topic will continue to be reviewed and eventually voted on.
Objective/Goal for Review of School Calendar:
Support professional learning for staff while minimizing the disruption to learning for students and impact to operations.
Objective/Goal for Review of School Hours:
Align to best practice research on school hours for optimal student learning and improve routing efficiencies.
Please review the important summary information below so you can stay informed:
| 2022-2023 School Calendar and School Hour Review Update |
|
Community Survey Results |
Current Status |
Important Upcoming Dates |
|
Over 2,000 broad based stakeholders contributed to the following results. Thank you! Calendar modifications, including two added non-student days one per semester, plus three eLearning days to support professional development of staff due to substitute staffing shortages was favorably supported by over 80% of survey participants. Modifications to current school hours including changing the elementary and high school start times to better align with research was favorably supported by 54% of survey participants. |
A School Hours Task Force has been reviewing school hours since Spring 2021. Additionally, two external transportation vendor consultants were hired to do a comprehensive review of routing during the past year.
The School Board has discussed and reviewed calendar and hours at the past four public meetings. February 9 Board Meeting: A recommendation for a modified 2022-2023 school calendar and a new 2023-2024 school calendar draft was shared. Additionally, experts shared an analysis of research on school hours with the School Board. |
February 23 School Board Meeting: A detailed recommendation will be made for Board discussion on revised school hours for the 2022-2023 school year. ALL FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO VIEW THE BROADCAST March 23 School Board Meeting: The School Board will take action to determine if the recommendations for calendar and hours will be approved. |
Board Meeting Archive
February 23, 2022 Board Meeting
Recommended 2022-2023 School Calendar
Recommended 2023-2024 School Calendar
Recommended School Hours:
Elementary Schools 7:40 AM – 2:35 PM
High School 8:30 AM – 3:35 PM
Middle Schools 9:20 AM – 4:20 PM *No change
February 9 School Board Meeting
During the February 9 School Board Meeting, experts shared an analysis of research to support the modifications. A video of this presentation can be found above.
Board Meeting Guest Experts on February 9, 2022
Dr. Craig Canapari: Associate Professor, Yale University School of Medicine
Director, Pediatric Sleep Center, Yale New-Haven Hospital
Division of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine Yale University
Ms. Phyllis Payne: MPH & Start School Later/Healthy Hours Implementation Director
Let’s Sleep! Health Writer/Editor
Community Resources
Childcare Options in Washington Township
