The bell at International Falls schools could be ringing one hour earlier – or later – once a week when school starts in the fall.
The Falls School Board Monday, on a 5-1 vote, agreed to have a early-out or late start once a week to allow for staff to analyze data relating to academics, behavior and curriculum. Board Chairman Gordy Dault opposed the action.
Falls and West End Elementary principal Melissa Tate requested board members consider early outs once a week, explaining it mimics a schedule adopted by many schools in the state – including districts in neighboring counties.
“It would be every Wednesday of the week,” she said, adding it would allow all staff members one hour to meet. It would add up to 36 hours each school year.
Elementary-level students would dismiss at 2:30 p.m. and high school students at 2:45 p.m. The early dismissal, Tate explained, would provide a structured time for teachers to review data in a group setting.
“Every teacher reviews data of course, but we’re not doing it in a systematic fashion,” she said. “I need time to come together with my teachers and for them to come together to talk about kids in a small setting...to be more purposeful with our instruction. We are not taking advantage of data we have at our finger tips.”
Having the time to collaborate and have discussions with colleagues about students centered around data is very valuable for teachers, Tate continued. Other districts with an early-out schedule have said it helps both struggling and accelerated students.
Board member Darrell “Boxer” Wagner agreed with Tate’s plan.
“Data is useless if you don’t have time to look at it,” he said.
Board member Dena Wenberg said it might be difficult to have an early-out option for students who are in after-school sports.
“Parents aren’t going to want to, or be able to, bring their kid back at 3:30,” she said.
Kevin Grover, who will replace Nordy Nelson as superintendent July 1, suggested the board consider a late start once a week instead.
“I like the suggestion of meeting in the morning,” board member Michelle Hebner said. “You don’t have to worry about the student who needs something at the end of the day.”
The board is expected to decide which route to take during a special meeting next Tuesday after consulting with Jeff Veeder, the district’s maintenance and transportation director.
