The school year can sometimes feel dreadfully long; 182 days a year can really drag on. With students having to wake up early to make the 7:30 start time, a shortened day in the middle of the week could be refreshing for students, which is why I personally believe Wednesday half-days could help bring a spark to Lincoln students. It could be a good opportunity for students to get their work done, sleep, spend time with their family and get ready for the remainder of the week.
If Lincoln went through with his, it would not be the only school to take on this type of schedule. Other school districts like Cumberland and La Salle have Wednesday early dismissal.
“Essentially the students are released an hour early every Wednesday so that teachers have time for common planning,¨ said Cumberland High School Science department head Anthony Silva. “I like how Cumberland does it because they allow all teachers who teach the same content to get together and discuss different strategies.¨
Many students I’ve spoken to have said that Wednesday half days could rejuvenate themselves and help prepare them for the remainder of the week. I personally think it would be a good idea as it would give me more time to complete homework and study for tests and quizzes.
When asked if he thinks Lincoln should consider half-days, Lincoln senior Ace Cote said, ¨Yes, I think Lincoln should consider Wednesday half-days because I´d get to sleep more.¨
Lincoln Junior Mason DiDomenico said, “I would like Lincoln to have Wednesday half-days. It would give me a lot more time to get homework done and spend more time with my family.¨
The ultimate decision, however, is in the hands of the school committee and Lincoln school district, and it doesn’t look like Lincoln will be seeing these half-days anytime soon.
¨We have not thought about Wednesday half-days, said Lincoln Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kevin McNamara. “While there are benefits to teacher planning, the impacts on families outweigh the positives. There are also schedule impacts in terms of calendar days and minutes of instruction.”
It would take a lot to swing the mind of the school department, but, if things ever do change, Wednesday half days could bring a new energy to the school week in Lincoln.
