Interagency Bell Schedule Changes for Next Year

Hello Interagency families,

I hope you and your family are doing well. I wanted to personally follow up regarding the recent conversations we have been having at Interagency Academy about our proposed bell schedule changes for next school year.

As a school, we are continuously reviewing our student data, listening to staff and students, and asking ourselves an important question: “How do we create a school structure that better supports student engagement, attendance, credit earning, and ultimately graduation?”

Through our data and conversations, we have recognized that many of our students are taking several classes at one time, but are not always completing courses quickly enough to close credit gaps and move toward graduation at the pace we want for them.

Because of that, we are exploring a new bell schedule model that would allow students to focus on fewer classes at one time, spend more time in each class period, and receive additional FLEX and intervention support throughout the school day.  We also recognize this is a significant shift.

Any instructional or schedule change requires adjustment, learning, and support for both students and staff. We know there are questions, concerns, and understandable worries about what longer class periods could look and feel like for students. In our student engagement sessions, students shared clearly that they want engaging instruction, opportunities for movement and breaks, interactive learning experiences, and support throughout longer class periods.

This shift is not simply about changing the bell schedule.  It is about creating stronger instructional systems and intervention supports that help more students successfully complete courses and graduate.

Although our family engagement session has already taken place, we still wanted to share the presentation and information with all families so you can better understand the “why” behind this proposed instructional shift.

We would also greatly appreciate your feedback. After reviewing the presentation, please take a few moments to complete our family feedback survey so we can continue gathering family voice, concerns, ideas, and recommendations as we move through this planning process.

Your partnership and perspective are incredibly important as we continue working together to strengthen Interagency Academy for our students. 

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

Bobbie Sohal for 1418, Innovation, Recovery, and Southwest Campuses

206-735-5865
bksohal@seattkeschools.org

Joseph Mingo for Alder Southeast, UDYC, and GED North End campuses

206-930-4830
jemingo@seattleschools.org

Warmly,
Sharonda Willingham
Principal, Interagency Academy