Thursday, May 11, 2023 Volume 17 Issue 30
Last week the district announced that 12 schools, including Thurgood Marshall, would have new start times for the 2023-24 school year. The reason for the change is the significant cost saving to the district because the shift in start times creates a more efficient transportation plan. The district will be saving around $5 million with this new plan. The new schedule for our school will shift everything earlier by one hour. Our morning bell will be at 7:55 and we will dismiss at 2:25 every day except for Wednesday, when we dismiss at 1:10 PM. The district released a short video to help explain the change, which you can view here: https://vimeo.com/824233096/59b8bf688d
In past years, the district has discussed changing Thurgood Marshall’s start time, but we have remained close to the same time, even when there was a change from three tiers of bussing to two tiers. There are many reasons why TM families have preferred later start times, but the district has been very clear that the change in start times for the identified schools will definitely happen, as they just cannot afford not to make the change in light of the current budget shortfall. While this will be an adjustment for all of us, saving this money will allow the district to continue funding other programs and staff.
The district is taking your feedback and questions through this Let’s Talk link: https://www.k12insight.com/Lets-Talk/embed.aspx?L=PB1G88N4B9LT . The district is also hosting a community information session to discuss budget planning strategies, including the start time changes. The meeting will be held on May 23, and the district will send details sometime this week.
This change will require many families to figure out new logistics. Some families may no longer need before school care for their child but may need more after care. Families may struggle with getting to school on time, especially if that is a difficulty with our current start time. These are things to start thinking about now so that your family has a plan in place to get to school on time each day and to have an afterschool plan, as well. Our school schedule prioritizes morning blocks of learning time for math and reading. The day is tightly scheduled to provide intervention services to students who need extra support. When students arrive even 10 or 15 minutes late on a daily basis, this can have a real impact on their learning.
Community Partners that provide before and after school care for our students, such as the YMCA have been notified of the changes and are making plans to accommodate families.
Enrollment for afterschool care at the on-site YMCA program opened May 10. You can sign up here: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/seattleymca/daycare/program/10499?_ga=2.253989192.1333157685.1683616500-594907972.1683616500
While we are thinking about next year, especially with this significant change, this year isn’t over yet and being on time is still important for this year! Important learning is happening at TM every day through the end of school on June 30. If you are not planning to finish the year with us for any reason, please be sure to make your plans known to our attendance secretary, Ms. Cherese at cnwilliams@seattleschools.org . We are collecting student devices (iPads and laptops) on June 22 and 23. We want to help you get these in to avoid a fine. Please make sure to talk to your child’s teacher or our office about getting your child’s device turned in before you leave if you plan to leave prior to June 22.
