The Plymouth School Board had a few questions on a proposal plan presented by Plymouth High School Principal, Jim Condon, to convert back to a semester system at the school.
Condon explained the reasoning behind the proposed switch from the current trimester system to a semester system at the Board meeting on October 7.
Board President, Todd Samuelson, questioned why PHS staff would want to go back to semesters after all of the research and discussions held when the trimester’s system was put in place.
The trimester system had been put in place before Condon was named principal.
Condon told the Board that the proposed plan to switch back to semesters came about as more classes became dual credit courses.
After listening to Condon’s explanation, the Board voted 3-0 to allow PHS to go back to the semester schedule. Board members Melissa Christiansen and Larry Holloway were absent from the meeting. Todd Samuelson, Larry Pinkerton and Jenny Sickmiller voted in approval.
According to Assistant Superintendent Dan Funston, the staff at PHS will now create a daily bell schedule after receiving input from the stakeholders.
After the meeting, Condon explained the proposed item further. Condon said, “Our dual credit program continues to expand.” Students successfully passing a dual credit course at PHS are awarded college credits as well.
He said, “Eight years ago, we had five dual credit courses and now we have well over 30, and that number continues to rise.”
PHS has partnered with a number of colleges and universities to offer the dual credits. Condon said, “Our college and university partners in our dual credit program operate primarily on a semester basis.”
“Our teachers are finding it more and more challenging to complete necessary curriculum for our dual credit courses in a 60-day trimester schedule in place of a 90-day semester schedule.” he said.
Condon emphasized that by making the transition now they can better stay on pace for established timelines for working 1:1 with students starting with the 2015-16 school year. He added, “We have already done much of the leg work in terms of having discussions with staff and student leaders. We have been working on the plan for the last year and one-half.”
“From here, we will identify a committee inclusive of representation from our faculty, student and parent groups. Collaboratively, they will make a proposal for a daily bell schedule that will be brought to me for approval.” he said.
PEA (Plymouth Education Association) President ,Laura Kryer , commented during the Board meeting, Kryer said, “We are proactive in bringing this to our students.” “After discussing it extensively, the teachers are ready for a decision.”
Condon said, “I envision students may be taking one less class per year while simultaneously having more classes meet per day.”
Parents are encouraged to call PHS and speak with a principal or guidance counselor to find out more about upcoming changes. Condon said, “Simultaneously, we will be keeping parents abreast of the progress made as we work towards the development of a daily bell schedule plan inclusive of the length of class periods, number of class periods in a day, length of semesters, etc.” Condon added, “Parents will need this information as they work with their child and counselor to develop the student’s schedule for the next year.”
Carol Andres Correspondent
