Classes to begin 30 minutes later

Here’s a curveball for the school year. Each Thursday – beginning today – classes will start 30 minutes late for almost every student in Spokane Public Schools. Classes still end at the regular time.

The extra 30 minutes, called collaboration time, creates a weekly meeting for teachers to gather and discuss teaching strategies. Long gone are the days when teachers can simply shut their doors and teach, said school officials.

Teachers voted on the change in May and the school board adopted the final changes this summer. In years past, collaboration time had been held either before or after school for 35 minutes.

A new message went up Wednesday on the reader board outside of Roosevelt Elementary, reminding parents of the late start.

Individual schools and the school district have sent out notices to parents as a reminder.

“It’s going to be a new routine for parents,” said Roosevelt Elementary Principal Rona Williams. “Once they get into it, it will be a good time.”

For parents who have rigid schedules and are concerned about what to do with their children in the morning, there is a solution.

Express Child Care Programs will offer care for families during the late start each Thursday morning, including today. Most of the 35 Spokane Public Schools elementary schools offer the service, and are preparing for a potential bump in business on Thursdays.

“We know it’s going to be pretty crazy (on the first collaboration day),” said Lisa Shoemaker, Express site director at Roosevelt.

Students who are not enrolled in Express on Thursday mornings can buy a pre-paid $30 punch card for 10 sessions. Cards can be purchased at the district administration building at 200 N. Bernard, third floor.

On the first late start of the year, parents will likely receive a one-time free pass if needed, said staff members.