New Bell Schedule for 2024-2025 School Year

Dear La Salle Parents and Guardians,

As a part of La Salle’s five-year strategic plan, we continue to develop ways to enhance the student experience and maximize every opportunity for student learning and growth throughout the school day.

As you and your student prepare for the course selection process, we are excited to announce an enhanced bell schedule for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. With the development and launch of our new Centers for Innovation, along with our desire to expand La Salle’s course catalog offerings and improve student success and academic readiness, our new schedule will offer students more choices and streamline each school day to benefit every member of our school community. Below, we’ve highlighted a few key enhancements and improvements our new schedule will allow for next school year.

Key Enhancements and Changes with the New Bell Schedule

• Daily Academic Support: Late start days will be eliminated and replaced by daily dedicated periods for Academic Support. This mandatory period within the school day will empower students to work on academics or select options focused on their social, emotional, or physical health. This personalized approach ensures each student receives the support they need to thrive.
• Enhanced Zero Period: Our new Zero Period (7:30 AM - 8:10 AM) will be expanded to offer a broader variety of courses. Students can choose from co-curricular options, core courses, and academic pathways/centers, allowing them to delve deeper into their interests and passions.
• Consistent Daily Schedule: Predictability and organization are key features of the new schedule. Students will be released for lunch at 12:20 PM every day, and school will end at 2:45 PM every day. This consistent structure offers stability and facilitates planning for both students and families.
• Improved Morning Traffic Flow: School will now begin at 8:15 AM (for those not enrolled in a zero-period course or program), spreading out the morning drop-off rush and leading to a smoother, more relaxed start to the day.

Expanded Student Learning Opportunities and Support

• Increased Scheduling Flexibility: With more periods available, students have greater freedom to explore electives and pursue personalized learning pathways.
• Enhanced Academic Support: Daily dedicated time ensures struggling students or those with demanding workloads receive the individualized attention they need, and those who need extra support can do so during the school day.
• Reduced Competition: Expanded Zero Period options alleviate competition for specific courses, offering greater choice and opportunity.
• Improved Learning: Certain courses benefit from daily meetings, fostering deeper understanding and more effective teaching methods.
• Holistic Support: The dedicated support period ensures more attention to students' social, emotional, and physical health alongside academics.

Please know that while our bell schedule is changing, this will not impact graduation requirements or credits. We recognize that this transition will take some adjustment, but we are confident that our students stand to benefit the most from this important and strategic improvement. Thank you for your continued support of La Salle College Preparatory. We look forward to partnering with you in creating an outstanding educational experience for all students entrusted to our care.

Sincerely,

Ernest Siy, M.Ed.
Principal