Dear South Umpqua Families,
We are writing to inform you about an important change to our school start times, which will begin at the start of the next school year. After careful review of research on child development, survey results from our community and staff, and alignment with our district’s strategic plan, we are implementing a new schedule designed to better support student learning and staff collaboration.
New Start and Dismissal Times on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (Beginning Next School Year – Sept. 2025):
- Myrtle Creek, Tri City, and Canyonville School: 7:30 AM – 2:10 PM
- Coffenberry Middle School: 8:25 AM – 3:05 PM
- South Umpqua High School: 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM
Rationale for Later High School Start Times: Research consistently shows that high schools students benefit from later school start times due to their natural sleep cycles. Studies indicate that later start times for high school students result in improved academic performance, better mental health, and reduced absenteeism. By aligning our schedule with these developmental needs, we aim to foster greater success for our students both in and out of the classroom.
Community and Educator Feedback: Our decision is based in part on feedback from the recent district survey. Approximately half of the community expressed support or neutrality toward the change. Given the feelings were split, we have decided to move forward with the change based on what the research tells us will be best for students.
Wednesday Early Release: Additionally, we will be making a change to our Wednesday early release schedule by increasing early release time by 45 minutes, allowing for one hour and forty-five minutes dedicated to professional development and collaboration. Survey results indicated that two-thirds of the community were in favor of or neutral toward this change. The new Wednesday schedule is as follows:
- Myrtle Creek, Tri City, and Canyonville School: 7:30 AM – 12:35 PM
- Coffenberry Middle School: 8:25 AM – 1:20 PM
- South Umpqua High School: 8:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Strategic Plan Alignment: These adjustments support our district’s strategic plan, particularly:
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- Pillar 1: Supported and Successful Students
- Implementing high-leverage instructional practices across all content areas
- Providing individual academic and social-emotional support for student
- Pillar 2: Empowered and Valued Staff
- Using data-driven approaches in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Aligning vertical and horizontal academic standards
- Providing meaningful professional development with follow-up and consistent implementation across all schools
- Offering training for staff on managing diverse student needs
- Pillar 1: Supported and Successful Students
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We recognize that changes to the schedule require adjustments for families. In particular, there will be an increased need for after school care for elementary aged students with this change. We are actively working with community partners to make this more accessible to families. We believe these modifications will positively impact student achievement and well-being while providing educators with the support and collaboration time necessary to enhance instructional effectiveness.
Thank you for your continued partnership. Together, we will realize our mission to unlock the unlimited potential in every student.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Erika Bare