New School Hours - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are the three schools changing their start and end times?
The conversation began about 5 years ago. Each of the school buildings had priorities that needed to be addressed that could not happen within the existing schedules. Priorities included: additional instructional time at Todd Hall (which was at the minimum state requirement for time), larger instructional blocks of time at Rutledge Hall as well as an earlier start time, and additional time in the day which allows us to add intervention supports for all students at the buildings during the school day.

How did the decision to change the times get made? Who was involved?
Two different committees have investigated the schools' schedules over the course of many years. Representatives from the three schools, administration, and the parent community made up the committees. The committee members reviewed research on best practices and surveyed the school faculties, parents, and students.

Why is there a weekly Early Release on Mondays?
In order to make the best use of instructional time for students, teachers need to keep current on best practices in curriculum and instruction. This requires time set aside for professional development. Most other districts in the township have weekly Early Releases. Schedules are modified on Mondays to accommodate the adjusted schedule. Early release time will be utilized for professional development, team meeting time, PBIS, RtI training, and staff meetings.

What are options for students on the Monday Early Release days?
District 74 is working with staff from the Lincolnwood Library and the Parks & Recreation department to provide a variety of activities for students after school on Mondays. Watch for these to be posted on the individual organization web sites. In addition, program brochures will be distributed to parents.

Do other neighboring districts have a weekly Early Release?
Yes, in fact it is more common for districts to hold weekly Early Release days than not.

Will the half-day Early Release days still occur?
No, the weekly Monday Early Release days will take the place of the Early Releases we did last year.

Will the district still hold the Teacher Institute Days in August, November and February/March?
Institute Days will continue this year. The 2008-2009 Institute Days are August 25, 2008, November 4, 2008, and February 27, 2009.

Will the Band/Orchestra schedule be changing?
The band/orchestra schedule will remain relatively the same. Additional time will occur during the school day. While the schedule requires students to be pulled during instructional time, all efforts are being made to reduce this disruption to student learning.

When will Lincoln Hall students get homework help that typically has been provided before/after school?
Students will still have opportunities before school to attend teacher supervised support times in the library/computer center. During the lunch periods we will also have dedicated teachers available to support students who need extra help.

Will students from different buildings be riding the bus together?
Yes, we will be combining schools riding on the bus. In the morning, Rutledge and Lincoln will ride together and after school Todd and Rutledge will ride the same busses.

How will I know about changes in the bus schedules and bus routes?
Schedules will be mailed home in August prior to the start of school. The mailing will include bus route information and bus times.

Who should I contact if I have questions or problems regarding the bus?
Please contact the Administration Building at 847-675-8234.