WHS Principal Eric Anderson Explains New Hybrid Schedule in Video

A new schedule goes into effect next school year for Wenatchee High School, and principal Eric Anderson has created a video that explains the details of the new four-period hybrid block schedule. Find the video on the Wenatchee School District YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zGaReYix9U

The modified block schedule will allow students the option of taking some classes every day and completing them in a single semester, or every other day for the entire school year. Some classes like foreign language, music, newspaper production and Advanced Placement classes lend themselves to a year-long schedule. Other classes like math, science and humanities will be paired together over two semesters. All classes are 90 days in duration.

The hybrid schedule allows students to take anywhere between four and eight classes per year, although they’ll only attend four classes each day. Anderson says an eight-class schedule isn’t recommended due to the heavy class load, but they won’t stop students who request eight classes. Classes will be 65 minutes long on late-start Mondays and 90 minutes Tuesday through Friday. 

Professional development is already underway for teachers, since teaching in longer blocks of time requires a new application of skills and engagement strategies.

The move from a six-course schedule to as many as eight classes will also allow many new class offerings, Principal Anderson said. Other classes will be offered before school and online.

The high school is also forming a parent advisory board to invite parent participation in high school issues and policy. Anderson asked the School Board if they will choose parents from the three middle school boundary areas. The group will meet monthly to discuss school changes and concerns.