School flex-time offered

You're heard of flextime at work, it will soon be offered at an Oklahoma school. Bartlesville Mid-High recently announced plans for a "Flex Schedule," giving students choice in the starting time and

Saturday, March 17th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

You're heard of flextime at work, it will soon be offered at an Oklahoma school. Bartlesville Mid-High recently announced plans for a "Flex Schedule," giving students choice in the starting time and length of their school day.

Bartlesville Mid-High's innovation in scheduling will make it possible for more students to take classes like this one in visual arts. Ninth and tenth graders here will soon arrange their fall schedules with choices they've not had before. Its called "Flex Schedule." Fred Bailey, Mid-High Principal says, "We're giving all students an opportunity to take elective classes and also repeat some classes if they didn't pass them the first time." Students have three schedule options, 7 to 1:30, 8 to 2:30, or 9 to 3:30.

Everyone must take six consecutive classes, but in addition to that, if they would like to start at 8 and go to 3:30, they could pick up an extra class during the day. Students may even start at 7 and go till 3:30, taking eight classes, though Bailey says that will be monitored carefully. Mid-High held its annual Cultural Fair Friday, where students explored customs of different world cultures.

Though they won't decide on Flex Schedule till after Spring Break, most like the idea. Mid-High student, Katie Rumph "It's a good chance for us to take more electives if we like, and I have not failed any classes personally, but if you have, it's a great opportunity to make up those courses instead of going to summer school." Teachers are also enthusiastic, with several already volunteering to work early and late. Teacher, Jeannie Stie, "Oh, absolutely. I think this would offer people who have young children an opportunity to come a little bit later and people who might want to have some activities in the afternoon come early and leave early."

Bailey predicts most students will stick with the traditional six-hour school day. But for now, parents, students and teachers appreciate the new opportunity to be flexible. Bailey says "Flex-Schedule" also responds to recent research indicating that high schoolers would be better served by a later start to the school day.