Madison Consolidated Schools are starting the 2024-2025 school year with a new early dismissal policy. Introduced at the beginning of this school year, the policy aims to give teachers and staff time to meet and complete necessary work.
The district administrative team proposed the early dismissal at the end of the 2023-2024 school year to provide dedicated time for staff collaboration. The new schedule includes a revised bell schedule on Wednesdays, an updated phone policy, and additional rules affecting classes and schedules.
Reactions to the early release schedule are mixed. Destiny Nicholson, a senior and athlete on the Lady Cubs volleyball team, said, “I like it because you get to leave school early and prepare for your sports… It could be beneficial to go home, rest, do homework, and eat before practice.”
High schools must meet certain requirements for instructional and training hours, which can be challenging given teachers’ busy schedules.
“Early dismissal is crucial for high school faculty to collaborate and share insights,” said MCHS Principal Ronnie Lawhead. “Finding common meeting times is difficult, especially for those involved in extracurricular activities like coaching or clubs. This dedicated time allows staff to discuss strategies, student data, and practices, promoting a more cohesive educational approach.”
The 2023-2024 school year was comparatively relaxed for the Madison Cubs, with fewer policies and rules. This year, however, brings significant changes in the second year of Lawhead’s leadership with not just the early dismissal plan but also a stricter cell phone policy and off-campus policy.
Early dismissal allows students to go home earlier or have a break before after-school activities. Teachers, however, must meet every Wednesday to discuss ongoing issues and future needs.
Some students have suggested adjusting the schedule so that they start later in the morning. For instance, students could begin classes at 9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., while teachers would continue their usual start time and have an hour to collaborate.
Tim Chandler, a teacher at MCHS, said, “A later start would avoid conflicts with sports practices, but it could complicate arrangements for teachers who drop off their children at school.”
Opinions on early dismissal vary widely. Chandler expressed concern about students who may be home alone after dismissal, noting, “I worry about kids who go home to an empty house.”
Early dismissal impacts everyone differently, depending on individual schedules and plans. While it represents a significant change, many students and staff are supportive of the new policy.
