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District 51 presents plan for weekly early-release Fridays at middle and high schools
Summary
District leaders proposed weekly early-release Fridays for secondary schools to create regular professional learning and student-support time. Principals and surveys cited high support; staff and logistics work remains and the board must modify next year’s calendar to implement.
Superintendent Dr. Brian Hill and secondary leaders presented a multi-year plan March 25 for a weekly early-release Friday across District 51 middle and high schools to create regular time for professional learning, MTSS (multi-tiered systems of support) meetings and building-level planning.
Leaders said early release would not shorten the school week but would reallocate time: Fridays would have shorter periods so students still meet curriculum requirements while staff use a predictable, sustained two‑hour block for collaboration, data review and targeted student supports. "The need for time hasn’t lessened," Palisade Principal Dan Bollinger told the board, and middle- and high-school principals described weekly early release as a way to make coaching, data cycles and…
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