WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Getting out of school an hour early, one day a week…it sounds like a dream for students, but an area school district is trying this new schedule to help teachers.
At the Waupaca School District, superintendent Greg Nyen tells FOX 11 News it’s not an easy time to be a teacher,
“Today, probably more than any other time in public education, our teachers have more demands placed on them.”
To help teachers meet those demands, Nyen says the district will release all students an hour early every Wednesday starting next year.
“Professional development opportunities and collaborating with each other, addressing everything from curriculum to assessments.”
The district will partner with colleges to further teacher education.
Nyen says this time will create better teachers, and students will reap the benefits.
Now, if parents are unable to pick up their children an hour early the district is going to make accommodations for those students.
“We will be providing opportunities, structured opportunities, for the students to remain at school,” Nyen explained.
Nyen told FOX 11 the bus schedule will stay the same so this won’t cost the district extra money.
“Our staff members are already under contract during that time, so there are no additional costs.”
Parents like Bruce Gibbs say they appreciate the idea of teachers getting more education.
“You have to always keep up on stuff so you can pass it down. So I think it’s definitely important.”
They said they just want what’s best for their children.
“Because their education is very important. So they’re furthering their education, they can go on to college,” said Emma Trindal.
The district will be adding a few minutes at the beginning and end of each of the other school days.
This will offset the hour of teaching lost.
