Oliver Ames H block and advisory changes get mostly positive reviews; district will reconvene schedule committee

School leaders told the Easton School Committee on Dec. 19 that the new "H block" flexible learning period and adjustments to advisory in Oliver Ames’s seven‑day cycle are showing early, mostly favorable results, and that a schedule committee will review survey data and recommend changes for this year and next.

Principal Kelly Kavanaugh presented results from November surveys that included responses from 443 students (about half the secondary population) and 81 staff members. The changes this year added a 49‑minute flexible learning block (H block) three times every seven days, and reduced daily advisory to four times per cycle with one extended advisory on day 1.

Findings and next steps Kavanaugh said about 85% of students "really like" the longer advisory and that a majority of staff and students felt the shorter 14‑minute advisory meetings were generally sufficient for advisory purposes. On H block, a slight majority of students and staff indicated they would prefer more frequent H blocks, though most respondents reported the block is being used for its intended purposes—enrichment and intervention.

Administrators and several committee members praised the district’s iterative approach. "Not waiting a whole year to make adjustments" was singled out by Kavanaugh and others as a benefit. Kavanaugh said the schedule has been adjusted this fall so most classes now end at the same time each day except on advisory or H block days, a change she said reduced confusion and scheduling stress.

Student voice and implementation Student representative Marvel told the committee that participating students value being able to schedule help, work quietly in a library, or do makeup work during H block. Several board members emphasized the district’s practice of sharing survey results with students and inviting student volunteers onto the schedule committee.

Committee action and timeline Kavanaugh said the schedule committee—staffed by students and teachers across demographic groups—will reconvene in January to review the November data and recommend any adjustments for the remainder of the current year and to draft the 2025–26 schedule. The principals plan to return to the School Committee with further progress reports in late winter.

Quote "We're overwhelmingly in support of it," School Committee member Kelly Percio said of H block, adding that the period is teaching students scheduling and organizational skills.

Speakers - Kelly Kavanaugh, Principal, Oliver Ames (Oliver Ames/Oliver Ames High School), government, Easton Public Schools - Marvel, Student Representative, affiliation_type: citizen/student

Clarifying details - Survey sample: 443 students (about 50% participation) and 81 staff (about 80% participation) - H block length: 49 minutes; frequency: 3 times per 7‑day cycle (survey asked if frequency should increase)

Searchable tags ["H block","schedule","Oliver Ames","advisory","flexible learning"]

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