Here are some of the changes to come to the Lyle Independent School District in the 2000-2001 school year:.

Wednesday, May 03, 2000

Here are some of the changes to come to the Lyle Independent School District in the 2000-2001 school year:

K-5 elementary level

– Students in grades K-5 will be grouped and share a homeroom to start their school day.

Kindergarten students will attend classes half-days every school day. The morning kindergarten schedule will include: homeroom, 20 minutes; instruction, 77 minutes; physical education, 45 minutes; instruction, 44 minutes; music, library and art, 45 minutes; eat, 25 minutes; dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

For first- and second-graders who attend full days, the schedule is the same as morning kindergarten, but includes 136 minutes of instruction in the afternoon, with dismissal at 2:37 p.m.

For third- through fifth-graders, the morning schedule will include homeroom, 20 minutes; instruction, 140 minutes; lunch or band, 25 minutes; instruction, 70 minutes; music, library and art, 45 minutes; instruction, 47 minutes; physical education, 45 minutes; dismissal at 2:37 p.m.

– Thomas D. Hiebert, the Lyle K-12 school administrator, admitted, "Reading and math are the two areas most difficult for multiage grouping." At present, the administration is looking into the possibility of offering accelerated classes for high achievers at all grade levels.

– Twice each week there will be common planning time for all teachers.

– Parents as well as students should expect more "hands-on" science using the lab, as well as the outdoors and field trips.

– Parent-teacher conferences will begin earlier in the school year and there will be four sessions.

– Test scores will, in part, determine the placement and progress of students.

Middle school level

– Teachers Lynn Bingham, Jenny Rohne and Steve Baumann have "responded very well" to the concept. Baumann actually will be a half-time teacher and continue his activities director duties.

– Algebra will be offered to eighth-graders.

High school level

– Instead of the current seven-period day, students in grades 9-12 will have a four-period day. Each period – or block – will be 89 minutes long.

– Study halls will be eliminated.

– Lee Bonorden