Grayling SDA School

On June 1, 2022, the GSDAS Board voted to implement a Michigan Conference pilot program designed to enhance the quality of teacher planning and school family/spiritual life: a four-day school week. After a successful pilot year, the board voted to continue with this schedule for the 2023-2024 school year.

To meet the hour/day requirement, school hours on Monday-Thursday will be slightly adjusted. School will begin at 8:00 AM, and will end at 3:30 PM.

What will Friday look like?

• Friday will be a planning/grading day for teachers (a work day) and a flex day for families—student academic learning would pause unless families decide to do something on their own that day. (Teachers may opt to provide some home review activities IF parents request them.)
  • This will give students time for working on something special outside of school (hobbies), for work experience, service activities, extra Sabbath preparation, doctor’s appointments or family events.
  • Teachers will work on planning, grading, administrative tasks, or other school responsibilities during this time, either at school or remotely. The teacher may provide extra practice for families via computer or other means if requested.

This move comes as a conference-wide initiative to meet the needs of teachers who lack planning periods during the school day as well as to support the mental and spiritual health of all school participants. Increased quality of learning (and life) is the intended goal, and the results will be monitored closely by the conference.

We hope this will continue to be an advantage to teachers and families alike!