Timberline Secondary School Flex Time Timberline Secondary School

Flex Time An exciting opportunity for students to make choices about their learning. There will be opportunities for both support and enrichment.

What does Flex time look like? Wednesday afternoons will be Flex time All blocks will occur before lunch and will be 30 minutes shorter than normal Block: Times: A 8:55 – 9:40 B 9:50 – 10:35 C 10:45 – 11:30 D 11:40 – 12:25 Lunch 12:25 – 1:05 Flex 1 1:05 – 2:00 Flex 2 2:10 – 3:05

Student Accountability

Can a student work at home or in the community? Only with parent permission. Forms available on website and in the office. A work at home/community agreement needs to be signed by parents and submitted to A block teachers, or the office. Without the work at home/community agreement ALL students are expected to be in attendance

How will I know what is offered? List of activities will be posted on-line each week You will plan for flex time during A block and with the support and guidance of your A block teacher Support in each of the main academic curricular areas will always be available during flex time Students in grades 9/10 will be expected to use at least part of flex time for support or enrichment unless previously arranged with their A block teacher School Flex Offerings can be found at: Flex Sign Up Calendar

Researchers indicate that the following benefits can be realized by enhancing flexibility in high schools Student Achievement Levels (Quint, 2005; Kemple et al, 2005 and 2008; May et al, 2004; Southern Regional Education Board, 2005; Lieberman, 2004) Higher Retention, Promotion, and Graduation Rates (MRDC, 2005; Lieberman, 2004) Improved Student Engagement/Participation (Klem and Connell, 2008; MRDC, 2008; Kemple et al, 2008; Smith, 2007) Success for Disadvantaged Youth (Kemple et al, 2005 and 2008; May et al, 2004; Martinez and Klophott, 2005) Smoother Transitions to Post-secondary Education and Careers (Kemple et al, 2008; Lieberman, 2004) Safer and more Caring and Orderly Schools (Kemple et al, 2008) Schools as Professional Learning Communities (Kemple et al, 2008)

How can I as a parent support my child in this new learning opportunity? Review flex-time support and enrichment opportunities with your son/daughter each week If you are interested in contributing a workshop/lessons/or presenting about your career please contact the school Encourage your son/daughter to take advantage of the learning opportunities Provide feedback to help us refine flex-time Encourage your son/daughter to try something new or pursue an existing passion

The curriculum changes required by 2017 include: Increased emphasis on Self-Directed Learning opportunities Focus on competencies not just content Competencies are: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity Flex time will meet these goals while maintaining core academic skills