Review Agenda Item
Meeting Date: 6/11/2021 - 7:00 PM
Category: Teaching, Learning and Leadership
Type: Info
Subject: Francis C. Hammond and George Washington Middle School Bell Schedules for SY 2021-2022
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 2: Instructional Excellence
ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.
Policy: IA - Instructional Goals and Objectives
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable)
File Attachment:
210611_Brief_FCH_and_GWMS_Bell_Schedules_for_SY_2021-2022.pdf
Agenda Item Summary: The purpose of this brief is to specifically highlight the enhancements of the middle school daily bell schedule for the 2021-2022 school year, as well as how it will benefit our students. The structure of the bell schedule will offer students increased instructional time and SEAL support on an alternating day schedule.
Background: The bell schedule for SY 2021-2022, was first introduced through Enhanced Continuity Of Learning Plan 4.0. After extensive feedback from school and community stakeholders along with feedback from Francis C. Hammond and George Washington Middle School staff, middle school students implemented the block schedule during the 2020-2021 school year. This block schedule featured extended class time on an alternating day schedule, SEAL support, and opportunities for remediation and extended learning on asynchronous and synchronous days. Professional learning has been provided for staff on explicit instruction and small group instruction to support the implementation of block instruction.

Moving into the 2021-2022 school year, students will transition to a five-day per week schedule. In the Enhanced Continuity Of Learning 4.0 bell schedule, students were afforded an hour for lunch and teacher office hours. In addition, Block 8 was used for SEAL support, intervention, and MTSS support. Minutes from teacher office hours and Block 8 were equally dispersed among the instructional days in the 2021-2022 bell schedule now that we are returning to five days of instruction. The block schedule affords students continuity in a schedule currently being implemented, additional instructional time which will maximize instructional opportunities for our students and align schedules between both middle school comprehensive campuses and the high school. The alignment of schedules across both middle school campuses further promotes opportunities for student collaboration and staff professional learning.
Recommendation: The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the information within this brief.
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Terri H. Mozingo - Chief Academic Officer
Signed By:
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent