Bell Schedules
SRVUSD bell schedules are created in collaboration with staff and with input from families. They are based on a variety of factors including what best serves student learning, Senate Bill 328 (see more below), and traffic patterns. If you have questions about your school’s bell schedule, please contact the school main office. If you have general questions about bell schedules, please contact Educational Services at (925) 552-5071.
SB 328: Grades 6-12 Change to School Start (effective Fall 2022)
In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Legislature placed some restrictions on when the school day/instruction may start for middle and high schools. This law, known as Senate Bill 328, does not allow high schools to start classes that count towards instructional minutes before 8:30 a.m. and middle school classes must not begin before 8:00 a.m. All school districts are obligated to follow this law, beginning in fall 2022.
This law was authored by a state legislator who cited research that early school start times pose serious health and safety risks. They do not affect just mental ability and mood but also have an impact on physical health. Sleep deprivation increases the risk for diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Researchers believe that a lack of sleep alters hormone levels and puts additional stress on the body:
High School schedules have been created implementing these key priorities:
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Ensures equitable access to required courses
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Students who take six periods will end school between 2:30 - 2:45 and students who take seven periods will end school between 3:30-3:45
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Maintains a 7 period day option for all students who want that access
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Has robust and dynamic 7th-period offerings to maintain our commitment to students who want to extend/expand our academic portfolio
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Values supporting students to own/design their learning plan
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Students can still opt to take 5, 6, or 7 classes
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Centers students by honoring their desire to participate in extracurricular activities and extra academics
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Ensures that students engaged in after-school extracurricular activities can have a schedule with as much flexibility as possible to participate in those activities in ways that minimize missing class time
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Creates parameters for schools to follow, to ensure equity across all four high schools
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Leaves space for any emerging and shifting needs and demands
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Complies with all applicable laws
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Complies with SRVEA contract
Schedules have been created that are legally compliant and guided by our definition of success for our students as aligned with SRVUSD’s Strategic Directions:
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Our students achieve academically and are involved in deep learning and innovation.
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Our students are empowered to set personal goals and reach their full potential.
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Our students are engaged in their learning, and social and emotional well-being.
SRVUSD will continue to serve all our students, providing equitable access to desired classes at all our high schools, while supporting our students’ extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
