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District proposes shifting sixth‑grade schedule to 60‑minute periods to align with grades 7–8
Summary
Administrators proposed moving sixth grade from three 80‑minute blocks to four 60‑minute periods, citing compatibility with Amplify science lessons, better pacing and increased staffing flexibility; teachers described classroom management benefits and some concerns about pacing and transitions.
Dr. Kaplan presented a proposal to realign the middle-school schedule so that sixth grade uses four 60‑minute class periods, bringing it into the same structure as seventh and eighth grades.
Administrators said the change would better accommodate the district’s Amplify science curriculum, which is designed for 40‑minute lessons, and would create more continuous, year‑round opportunities to teach science and history rather than alternating semester blocks. "It would open up a lot of opportunities for learning reading, writing, science and history year‑round," Dr. Kaplan said.
Amanda Thornton, a middle‑school ELA teacher, described a classroom practice used during a pilot: a whiteboard where students’ numbers rotate between science and history groupings. Teachers told administrators that the change could improve cross‑curricular planning and staffing flexibility, particularly for special education and gifted assignments.
Board members raised concerns about possible drawbacks: teachers said 80‑minute blocks can be long for younger students, but some expressed worry that shortening blocks could feel rushed, especially around holidays and special events. Administrators said teams would use professional learning time and benchmark/formative data to adjust pacing and gauge impact.
The meeting transcript records discussion and broad staff support but does not record a formal vote or final decision. Administrators said they will continue to refine the plan with teams and report back to the board.
