Early Release Times Announced for 2009-2010 School Year

Every Wednesday will be early release day. The Wednesday schedules are as follows:

Elementary Schools: 8:00am - 1:20pm

Middle Schools: 8:45am - 2:25pm

High School: 7:55am - 2:00pm

Times may slightly vary by school, please check with your school for specifics.

For more information and frequently asked questions please

Q: Why is the school district having a one-hour early release on Wednesdays?

A: Research clearly shows that one of the most effective ways to improve student academic performance is to have teachers work collaboratively in grade-level or content-area teams. These small teams of teachers meet regularly to share, refine, and continuously assess the impact of lessons and strategies to help increasing numbers of students learn at higher levels.

Q: Are there other school districts that use one-hour early releases?

A: Several, if not most of the school districts in the metro area use either a one-hour late start or a one-hour early release to accommodate collaborative teacher teams.

Q: Does the one-hour early release mean that students will be receiving one hour less of instruction each week?

A: No. The instructional day for the four other days of the week has been lengthened slightly in order to maintain the instructional time required by the state of Oregon.

Q: Will the early release occur every Wednesday?

A: The first early release will be held on Wednesday September 16th and will occur every Wednesday thereafter except during parent-teacher conference weeks.

Q: On the early release day, when will my child leave school?

A: Buses will leave school one hour earlier than usual and therefore get to your child’s home stop one hour earlier. Students who walk will leave school one hour earlier than usual.

Q: Will the district be providing childcare on the early release days?

A: All of the district’s elementary schools have extended day programs. These programs run until 6:00 p.m. and will be available to children who need childcare on the early release days. A nominal fee is charged and scholarships are available based on need. If you need this service, please contact your school as soon as possible.