North Thurston will stagger start times

By Diane Huber | The Olympian • Published May 19, 2008

Students in the North Thurston Public Schools district will have new start times next year and 18 early release days when school ends 90 minutes early, the board of directors decided at Monday's board meeting.

• High school students will attend school from 7:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.

• Middle school students will attend from 9:25 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

• Horizons Intermediate, Evergreen Forest Elementary, South Bay Elementary, Lakes Elementary, Lydia Hawk Elementary and Seven Oaks Elementary schools will be in session from 8:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Horizons Primary, Pleasant Glade Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Meadows Elementary, Woodland Elementary, Lacey Elementary and Olympic View Elementary schools will go from 8:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

School board members approved staggered start times last month as part of a plan to balance next year's budget. District officials are planning $3.8 million in cuts to the 2008-09 budget. The staggered times allow for fewer buses and drivers, saving about $500,000.

The 2008-09 calender the board approved Monday includes 180 school days for students, three paid professional work days for teachers and a day for teachers to prepare for second semester.

The first day of school will be Sept. 3; the last day will be June 17, unless there are weather-related closures.

In addition, the school day will end 90 minutes early about every other Wednesday.

The district decided to switch to early releases in response to feedback from parents, said Brian Wharton, district assistant superintendent of human resources.

The time gives teachers a chance to collaborate teaching and assess student progress.

The district will work with parents to find after-school care options, district spokeswoman Courtney Schrieve said.

The district will mail a letter announcing the changes this week.

The calender will be posted on the district's Web site, www.nthurston.k12.wa.us.