Avon gets feedback about potential schedule change

Local News

November 13, 2009

By Ryan Palencer The Hendricks County Flyer Fri Nov 13, 2009, 03:34 PM EST

AVON — School officials here met with about 65 parents Thursday night to get their input on a proposed schedule change at Avon High School.

“I think that (the parents) were very receptive,” Principal Rick Adcock said. “We thought that we had to do a good job of explaining the issues to them.”

Though the high school is fond of its 70-minute, five-class period day, Adcock admitted that there were gaps in the school’s current trimester design.

“We like doing five periods for 70 minutes,” he said. “The issues are the gaps left there. A student can take the first half of a class in the first trimester and not take the second half until the third trimester.”

In order to solve that dilemma, school officials are proposing a block schedule that will rotate over three days. Students will have a class two out of three days for the duration of the year.

For example, a student may take a 70-minute math class five days a week during the first trimester, and then switch to some type of science class for five days a week during the second trimester.

Under the new plan, a student could take a 70-minute math class three days a week and a 70-minute science class two days a week for the first trimester; then a 70-minute science class three days a week and a 70-minute math class two days a week for the second trimester.

Under this plan, the school will be able to maintain its 70-minute class duration. It will also allow for the school day to begin at 8 a.m., rather than 7:30 a.m., to allow for teacher prep time.

“The research shows strongly that beginning classes later is beneficial,” Adcock said. “This way, we do not have to change our structure to get it done.”

Adcock plans to have another parent meeting in December and says he thinks there will be a final decision on the schedule change before Christmas break.

He said the schedule change is necessary to coincide with the opening of the school’s new Advanced Learning Center, set to open next fall. Adcock said that he expects the Advanced Learning Center to play a key role in the students’ future.

“The whole idea is for (the students) to build an ownership in their learning,” he said. “When they leave high school, there will be no teachers. They will have to be more self-motivated.”

Adcock said 90 percent of AHS seniors go on to post-high school training or education.

ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com

Text Only

Local News

Purdue Extension offers free tax filing
Beth Switzer has heard and seen cases of citizens who want their tax refunds quicker filing through agencies that charge them hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

February 3, 2012
City encourages recycling during Super Bowl events
Officials with the Office of Sustainability are encouraging visitors attending Super Bowl XVLI festivities to dispose of recyclable waste in any of the more than 200 pedestrian recycle bins placed throughout the downtown area.

February 3, 2012
Skillman announces 2012 'Stellar Communities' program
Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman recently announced that the state is looking for its next Indiana "Stellar Communities."

February 3, 2012
‘American Idol’ winner visits Sheltering Wings
The residents, staff, and volunteers of Sheltering Wings were treated to a visit by Jordin Sparks, 2007 winner of “American Idol.” Sparks has been trying to make a positive impact on the Super Bowl cities for the past five years.

February 3, 2012 7 Photos 1 Slideshow
Patriot fan feels welcome...in his own town
This week I don’t live here. I flew in on a plane, have more money than I know what to do with, and brush my teeth with Sam Adams. Nevermind the fact that I actually do live here, played basketball
collegiately in this state, and ply my trade craft here eight hours a day.

February 3, 2012
Teens start non-profit to reach out to peers
BROWNSBURG — Kendall Daugherty and Jordan Mutnansky have teamed up to start their own non-profit organization — Drop Your Dress Foundation — to help empower teens with terminal and debilitation illnesses.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
VIDEO: Punxsutawney Phil makes his prediction
More than 18,000 people descended on Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney for the annual Groundhog Day celebration.

February 2, 2012 1 Photo
TCM hosts inaugural cruise
Last December, some 2,000 people from across the United States, Canada, and Europe made their way to Miami for a four-day round-trip cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. But it wasn't the golden beaches or sparkling blue waters that united the dedicated band of travelers; it was the onboard events and list of eminent guests.

February 2, 2012 2 Photos
Super Feathers initiative reaches goal
What started as a way for the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau to support one of their own while teaming up with Indy's Super Cure, a Super Bowl initiative to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research, turned into a countywide effort that reached its goal of raising $5,000 in one month.

February 2, 2012
Mayor announces awards luncheon
The city of Indianapolis' third annual Sustainability Awards luncheon will be in March, so now is the time for Indianapolis businesses, non-profits, schools, and other organizations to submit applications for the 2012 Sustainability Awards.

February 2, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Avon gets feedback about potential schedule change

Has Indianapolis done a good job of hosting the Super Bowl?

Site Map