Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Superintendent outlines 'ThriveTime' and plan to reduce high-school study blocks to expand course access
Loading...
Summary
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools superintendent described a new 50-minute middle-school 'ThriveTime' for enrichment and said the district will reduce high-school study blocks next year to move more students into at least four content classes annually.
The superintendent for Virginia Beach City Public Schools used a March deskside chat to describe schedule changes meant to expand student access to rigorous coursework. The superintendent said the division has worked since their appointment in the 2023–24 school year to increase course offerings and academic opportunities.
"ThriveTime, a 50 minute block where students can receive enrichment or remediation, explore careers, or participate in unique learning activities," the superintendent said, explaining the new middle-school block. The superintendent added that ThriveTime "also creates room in student schedules for 2 elective classes each quarter, which was not possible in prior years."
The superintendent said the district will reduce the use of study blocks at the high-school level next year to move more students into at least four content classes each year in grades 9 through 12. Officials framed the change as a way to address gaps they have observed: "We've seen evidence that many students were not enrolled in a math course during their senior year, yet still needed additional math to succeed after graduation," the superintendent said.
Parents and guardians were urged to review course requests with their students and "when appropriate, consider guiding them toward an academic course instead of a study block," the superintendent said, offering families steps to help students reach their goals.
The superintendent also celebrated middle- and high-school winter sports successes at regional and state levels and encouraged students to consider joining sports, clubs or activities to improve connection and well-being.
For additional information and family resources, the superintendent directed listeners to the division website, vbschools.com, and recommended the "Families" menu link. The deskside chat closed with thanks to families and a brief recruitment announcement inviting applicants to the division's careers page.
