Kennett Middle School to adopt 65‑minute core blocks and 'true teaming' next year

Kennett Middle School staff presented a proposed master schedule May 20, 2024, that replaces current 40‑minute classes for many subjects with 65‑minute core blocks and a 25‑minute PRIDE/advisory period. Presenters said the design aims to reduce hallway traffic, create true teaming by floor, expand grade‑level targeted interventions and improve instructional time for science and social studies.

Presenters told the board the schedule was developed over a series of committee meetings and teacher input. They said the plan keeps effective elements (long ELA and math blocks, collaborative team time and co‑taught classes) while addressing problems such as limited flexibility to move students in/out of interventions, cross‑graded interventions and insufficient science lab time under the current 40‑minute blocks.

Under the proposal, teams of four core teachers would largely keep the same group of students on one floor to reduce building movement. The district would create an Early Warning System period as an additional intervention window. Presenters said the schedule would start in the next school year and that teachers self‑selected new role assignments rather than being reassigned.

Board members asked about logistics, practice runs for staff and students, and union/collective‑bargaining considerations. Presenters said they expect an iterative rollout with transparent communications and training; one board member urged a practice run while presenters said they expect teachers to adjust without a full trial.

Next steps: presenters will keep the board updated and return with implementation details tied to staffing and collective bargaining constraints.