In Introduction to Journalism (JRN 270), taught by Jack Dimond, the class was assigned to cover a "real-life story" that had happened in the last few weeks. The assignment involved interviewing at least three people, one being an expert, and creating a text story and a broadcast story out of the content we got.
For me, finding a topic was easy. My high school had recently gone to a four-day school week and I had heard that a nearby school would be moving their school district to a four-day school week. I immediately submitted a pitch, and lucky enough, my professor had been wanting to know about four-day school weeks. I completed six interviews, not all of which were used, that helped me explore the topic also while giving a unique insight on the four-day week, especially since I never got to experience this change.
As much as I didn't want to admit it, I thought this was a really cool assignment, and I really got to dabble in both things I had done in high school and newly introduced concepts, such as a broadcast script.
Fair Grove to implement shortened week, Warsaw reflects on decision
Text version
The Fair Grove school district is shortening their school week for the upcoming 2019-2020 school year. The proposal passed at a school board meeting held on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Students will attend classes from Tuesday through Friday and will be adding an extra 33 minutes to their school day.
Superintendent Mike Bell felt the decision was urgent in order to recruit and maintain a group of higher quality teachers in the district.
“The thing that most impacts students is the classroom teacher. Teachers being there more often, without having to implement subs, is much more efficient,” Bell said. “We can’t compete financially with local Springfield schools. We can’t pay as much but [the four-day week] gives teachers the benefit of preparing for the classroom in enough time.”
Bell feels that this change could open many opportunities for students within the district.
“We’re looking at how it impacts some student achievements and hoping to get kids more involved. They will have extra time to get more involved in extra curriculars,” Bell said. “They could join clubs or an athletic team they weren’t able to do before.”
During Bell’s research process, he reached out to officials at other districts near the size of the Fair Grove district. The Warsaw and Stockton school districts were included.
Warsaw superintendent Shawn Poyser came across the idea of the four-day school week while researching for his specialist degree.
Poyser expected a negative reaction from the community once the transition was made but has been pleasantly surprised to have heard nothing but positive statements.
“I have not had anyone in the community come up to me and complain about it. People have come up to me that originally didn’t like it and said, ‘I was wrong,’” Poyser said.
Amy Spunaugle, an upper math teacher at Warsaw High School, feels that she could teach for many more years after this transition.
“Honestly, teaching takes a toll on people. It is a go, go career that has a lot of stress. As teachers, we put our heart and soul into our job,” Spunaugle said. “Being able to come to school well rested and ready to tackle the week has made me a better person. I am not exhausted all the time. I have a better outlook on my career. I really love it.”
Warsaw senior Brenna Smith has felt that she is focusing more on more important subjects while at school.
“Teachers don’t fill the time with nonsense; they get straight to the point,” Smith said.
Poyser felt that it would be difficult to transition back to a traditional school week after seeing benefits throughout the district.
“It would be awfully hard to go back now. For us, we needed more in-depth instruction. It’s been a sense of urgency,” Poyser said. “We have to take advantage of our time and use it well. I do believe overall that’s what we’ve done.”
Broadcast version
(Anchor)
Fair Grove has decided on doing away with a traditional five-day school week. Makayla Mais from A-U-B reports on how this will impact the district.
(Reporter)
Fair Grove passed a proposal for a shortened school week at a school board meeting held on Wednesday, November 14th. The week was shortened in efforts to recruit and maintain a group of higher quality teachers in the district. Superintendent Mike Bell felt the decision was urgent.
(Cut – sound bite)
“The thing that most impacts students is the classroom teacher. Teachers being there more often, without having to implement subs, is much more efficient. We can’t compete financially with local Springfield schools. We can’t pay as much but [the four-day week] gives teachers the benefit of preparing for the classroom in enough time.”
(Reporter)
The shortened week will go into effect for the 2019-2020 school year. Students will attend classes from Tuesday through Friday and will add an extra 33 minutes to their school day. For A-U-B, I’m Makayla Mais in Springfield.
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