Kenston High to tweak 4x4 block schedule to add yearlong classes, more electives

Kenston Local Schools officials presented proposed refinements to the high school program of studies for the 2025–26 school year that would keep the block schedule while adding yearlong (all‑year) classes and shorter “skinny” electives to give students more options.

The changes, described at the Feb. 10 board meeting by Mr. Gabriel (staff member) and introduced by Dr. Willingham (superintendent), are intended to address gaps in learning caused by semester timing, expand opportunities for dual credit and career exploration, and improve state readiness measures for seniors.

Administrators said the hybrid model retains the current rigorous block pathway for students who want full‑block honors and AP courses while allowing other students to take more electives during the school year. Under the plan, some courses would be split into two 45‑minute “1A/1B” segments so a class runs across both semesters as an all‑year experience; other electives would be offered as half‑block options so students can take a greater variety of courses.

School leaders cited several drivers: new state accountability elements that emphasize “readiness” (college, workforce, military), the dual‑credit and remediation metrics tied to ACT/SAT performance, and student demand for broader elective offerings. Mr. Gabriel said the district has identified six potential College Credit Plus (CCP) courses and is pursuing an additional partnership with Tri C for expanded dual‑credit opportunities. He also said teacher credentials are being reviewed to determine whether staff can teach CCP courses in‑house.

Using a sample ninth‑grade schedule, Mr. Gabriel showed how a student could take an all‑year English 1 in shorter daily segments, pair half‑credit electives (for example, financial literacy or physical education as ½ credits), and still enroll in full‑block advanced courses such as AP Human Geography. Administrators also said the changes would permit band and choir to be taken concurrently and open the possibility of teaching marching band during the school day so fall athletes would not have to choose between music and sports.

The timeline: the district planned to release a program‑of‑studies booklet to families the Wednesday after the meeting, distribute scheduling forms the following week, and begin one‑on‑one counselor scheduling meetings on Tuesday, Feb. 18 for grades 8–11. Counselors will meet individually with students (the district said meetings would be about 10 minutes) and expect students to bring completed scheduling forms with a parent signature where possible.

Board members asked whether honors and AP courses would be affected; presenters said honors/AP and courses required by the College Board and CCP requirements would remain full‑block (the current 80–82 minute format). Administrators said the refined schedule is intended to protect accelerated pathways while increasing flexibility for the broader student population.

If approved through the district’s scheduling and registration steps, administrators said parents and students would see the detailed program of studies, course descriptions and the final scheduling form before counselors begin one‑on‑one meetings.