Schools

Dexter High School Considers Changing Back to Semester Scheduling

The high school moved to a trimester schedule four years ago to accommodate Michigan Merit Curriculum guidelines.

Students at could see a change in their schedules next year once school officials finalize a plan to shift students back to a two-semester academic year.

DHS Principal William "Kit" Moran presented the school's proposal to the Board of Education at Monday's meeting.

Currently, DHS operates on a 12-week trimester academic year. Trimesters allow students to select new classes three times per year. Moran said the high school made the switch to trimesters from semesters as a way to accommodate Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements that went into effect in 2006. Saline High School and Chelsea High School also use trimester scheduling.

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"Trimesters brought us a lot of things, but one of the biggest problems it brought was that the short trimester didn't allow teachers to build relationships with their students," Moran said.

Moran said students also expressed frustration with trimesters.

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"With the trimesters, kids have exams three times a year, and the preparation that they go through takes up a lot of class time," he said. "We were hearing that it's pretty stressful on the students."

Moran said that after talking with teachers, parents and students, the majority have expressed interest in a six-period day, 18-week semester. Moran said some parents have expressed concern that the change would mean more homework for students.

"We're certainly not looking to increase the homework load, that's for sure," he said.

Moran said the school day would still begin at 8 a.m. and end at 2:51 p.m., with 57-minute classes. Students would have the option of adding an "hour zero" class that would start at 7 a.m. The school would also continue to offer summer classes and online classes. This would allow students who take four years of music, world languages or advanced-placement classes to fit all the required classes in their schedule in order to graduate in four years.

Moran said his staff will continue working on the proposal with Superintendent Mary Marshall before bringing it back to the board for final approval.

In other action:

  • The board authorized the payment of $225,000 in bond funds for building and grounds equipment at the district's new transportation center, which is under construction.
  • The board authorized payment of $50,000 from its reserve funds to purchase a new dump truck.


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