A new class schedule could be coming to the four Lenape Regional High School District schools as early as next year.
The district is holding a presentation in January named “Building a Better Schedule.”
The presentation will be held at Seneca on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., Shawnee on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m., Cherokee on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. and Lenape on Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
Director of Curriculum Heather Xenakis said the presentation would give parents a broad overview of the changes the district is discussing for next year.
“The presentation is going to give a basic outline of the new schedule,” Xenakis said.
Each night will include a presentation from district and school administrators on the proposed changes. Parents will then have an opportunity to ask questions. The newly proposed schedule is designed to increase instruction time while also reducing academic stress and promoting student accountability and responsibility.
Xenakis declined to give additional information on the specific changes the district is discussing. The proposed new schedule is being discussed as the district also prepares for a full implementation of its new assessment schedule for the 2015–16 school year.
The district is replacing traditional midterm and final exams with periodic benchmark assessments throughout the year. Xenakis said the proposed schedule changes are not related to the changes taking place with exams. The presentation is for parents only. Each school will hold a separate presentation for students later in the year.
In other news:
• The Lenape High School marching band was honored at last week’s meeting for winning the Group II Open National Championship in November. Each of the band members received a “Lenape Pride” award for their contribution to the team. Lenape has won either a state or national championship 11 years in a row.
Band director Steve Waldron said the 2014 band is one he will always remember. “This was the best year that I ever had the pleasure of directing,” he said.
• Excellent scores on the Quality Single Accountability Continuum, or QSAC, may allow the district to skip its next evaluation. The state Department of Education is allowing school districts scoring between 80 and 100 percent on the QSAC to skip their next evaluation. Evaluations typically take place every three years.
“We’re going to apply for this new process, and it allows us to skip this part of the review,” said Chris Heilig, director of programs and planning for the district.
The QSAC is the state’s method to monitor school districts for compliance to state and federal regulations. Heilig said the district scored 100 percent on its last evaluation two years ago.
• The newest member of the LRHSD board of education was sworn in last week. Jung H. Lee took his seat on the board for the first time. Lee was selected to fill the board of education seat for Medford Lakes. Former Medford Lakes resident John Heitmann resigned after moving out of the state in September.
• The next LRHSD board of education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will serve as the board’s reorganization and regular meeting for January.
