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Oyster River High School previews move to eight‑block schedule to increase time on learning
Summary
District leaders showed example eight‑block schedules that keep 80‑minute instructional blocks, add a regular 30‑minute flex/advisory period and create an additional elective/study block; staff said the change aims to increase instructional time and reduce scheduling conflicts for students, including more supports for CTE and tutoring.
Oyster River school leaders presented detailed sample schedules on Feb. 4 showing how a planned shift to an eight‑block day would preserve 80‑minute classes while adding a regular 30‑minute flex/advisory period and an eighth block for many students.
Administrators said the change is intended to increase “time on learning,” give students more elective choices and provide a formal study hall or support block that can be used for the writing center, math lab or targeted interventions. Examples shown compared current student schedules with proposed eight‑block options for freshmen, juniors and students enrolled in CTE programs.
Board members asked about the effect on students who travel to CTE centers and whether those students would miss lunch or flex time. Presenters said the district coordinates bus times and leaves the cafeteria open so returning CTE students still have lunch and access to flex activities; some routes do return around 12:50 p.m. and staff said they would schedule flex accordingly. The district emphasized that teacher prep time would be preserved and that advisory/flex placement is still under discussion with staff.
Administrators also explained how the eighth block could allow more ELO (experiential learning opportunity) and CTE alignment for older students, and how it could support an option for freshmen study halls or electives. The board asked for further discussion on transit timing and staff training before formal adoption; presenters said they will continue to refine placement of advisory and flex and return with additional details.
Next steps include continued staff conversations about where advisory/flex best fits within the day, more detailed bus‑route impact analysis for CTE students and additional presentations for middle‑ and elementary‑level stakeholders.
