1. The Balanced Day Schedule Osprey Woods Public School

2. What is a balanced day? Three extended blocks of uninterrupted learning time Two 40 minute breaks 20 minutes play time/20 minutes eating time Originated in Peel, but many boards have adopted this model 96 Peel schools on a balanced day

3. Comparison CURRENT TIMETABLEPROPOSED TIMETABLE Start time is 8:30 am End time is the same Tentative Start time is 8:40 am End time is the same 300 instructional minutes 4 short learning blocks with 3 breaks 3 longer learning blocks with 2 breaks Lost learning time getting ready for shorter breaks! Increased learning time with fewer but longer breaks Two snacks and one lunchTwo small lunches

4. Rationale extensive Loss of learning time (especially during the winter) and due to added snack time Student Safety

5. Breaks Both breaks will include 20 minutes outdoor play time and 20 minutes eating time

6. Benefits Potential for Increased student achievement through increased uninterrupted learning time and decreased transition time increased concentration improved hallway behaviour manageable amount of recess time (developmentally appropriate) healthier eating habits more time for focused learning reduction of interruptions

7. Secondary Benefits Improved student safety due to greater supervision (teachers and lunchroom supervisors at all times) Improved climate in school planning and supervision (teachers)

8. Other Considerations School Lunch program can still run (e.g., Pizza program) Extra-curricular activities can happen at either of the breaks Daily Physical Activity will be easier to schedule and integrate into an extended block

9. Proposed Balanced Timetable Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 1 8:40 – 9:00 2 9:00– 9:40 3 9:40 – 10:20 10:20 – 10:40 10:40 – 11:00 Energy Break (Outdoor Play first 20/Eat last 20) 4 11:00– 11:40 5 11:40 – 12:20 6 12:20 – 1:00 1:00 – 1:20 1:20 – 1:40 Energy Break (Outdoor Play first 20/Eat last 20) 7 1:40 – 2:20 8 2:20 – 3:00 100 minutes 120 Minutes 80 Minutes

10. Parent Feedback Survey Tomorrow you will receive a survey Please complete and return to school by Monday February 23, 2015

11. Questions?

12. References People for Education http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/faq/what-is- the-balanced-day/http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/faq/what-is- the-balanced-day/ Waterloo Region School Board: Report to the Community, 2005 Trisha Woehrle, Susan Fox and Brenda Hoskin The Hamilton- Wentworth District School Board, An Examination of the Balanced School Day Schedule. http://www.hwdsb.on.ca