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New Bell Schedule Update
As Principal, I have been made aware that there is further need to clarify the “new” bell schedule at the Jr./Sr. High. As previously stated, we have inserted an intervention period into the school day prior to the start of regular classes at 8:22. The intervention period runs from 7:50-8:20 and will have multiple uses. The following parameters are centered on how students will be assigned to this new “intervention period.”
· As a matter of practice, classroom teachers will print grade/progress reports at the end of each week so that a student will know what their current grade is in every class.
· At that point, the parent/guardian of any student with an “F” would be notified, and the student would then be assigned to intervention period. Once assigned, the student would be required to report to a studyhall at 7:50 until he/she is passing all of their classes. Once in studyhall, students can get a pass to go to a particular teacher or remain in studyhall to work on their assignment(s). Since it will be a studyhall, the expectation is that students that do not choose to solicit a teacher’s help will be visited and tutored as needed.
· Students with one or more “Ds” will be required to make an appointment to meet with that respective teacher prior to the end of the day on Monday or risk being assigned to intervention period. Should a student fail to follow through with such appointments, parents will be notified and the student will be assigned to intervention period.
Other uses of the intervention period could include a student’s voluntary attendance at a study session, study groups, organizational meetings, teacher mentoring of a student, peer mentoring, serve a detention, and/or simply ask a teacher a question. If a student is assigned to intervention period for a disciplinary reason a parent/guardian will be notified prior to it being served.
Although this week is homecoming week, students seem to have adjusted very well to the change and I continue to hear favorable remarks. In an effort to make sure that everyone understands the underlying reasons for the changes and in the interest of always moving forward, I would like to invite anyone that would like more information or give input to a community meeting to be held in the Community Room on Monday, September 24, at 7:00 PM.
Please be mindful that the parameters are general in nature and circumstances sometimes dictate the use of appropriate alterations in order to fit the needs of unique student/family situations. We will monitor intervention period closely to make determinations about its viability as a piece to the puzzle that is education and report these findings on a regular basis. Additionally, with the District’s move toward vast and swifter improvement of overall student achievement, the intervention period is viewed as a means for creating greater opportunity to improve upon student/teacher interactions that lead to the academic gains we all seek—thus leading to greater opportunities for success for our students during and beyond their years in Montello School District.
Again, I apologize for any confusion the lack of communication on my part may have caused earlier and assure you that we are working diligently to bring the best possible education we can to your children. Should you have any questions or concerns that need immediate attention please feel free to contact me at charsh@montello.k12.wi.us or (608) 297-2126.
Respectfully,
Chuck Harsh
Grade 7-12 Principal
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