Wednesday, September 27, 2000
|
Wednesday, September 27, 2000 |
| Homeroom is history
in Fayette high schools
By PAT NEWMAN Homeroom, in its traditional form, is history in Fayette County's four high schools. Students who became accustomed to finishing up homework before their first period classes are out of luck. This year, homeroom is commonly referred to as an "extended first period" with an average of 12 minutes tacked on for teachers to take attendance, make announcements, recite the pledge of allegiance and observe a moment of silence. Each high school handles the time a little differently, but the practice of visiting homeroom before the first period class of the day is over. "All students start out in their first period class," explained Wayne Robinson, director of secondary school operations for Fayette County Schools. The rationale behind the change is to discourage student tardiness, improve discipline and give teachers a few extra minutes of instruction time. Greg Stillions, principal at McIntosh High School, said the revised time schedule has worked out well, despite some trepidation among teachers and students. More accurate and up-to-date attendance records surfaced as one result of the change, according to Stillions. When students need to meet by grade level, for elections or a special event, time is allotted on an "as needed" basis. They are called "grade level meetings" at Starr's Mill.
|
||