Bridgeport To Make Adjustments To School Start Times

Information from Bridgeport Public Schools:

BRIDGEPORT, CT — In response to community feedback, Bridgeport Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Carmela Levy-David has announced upcoming modifications to the district's school start and end times, effective Monday, September 16, 2024. These changes aim to better support district personnel and families by reverting to the 2023-24 schedule.

New School Start and End Times:

· Elementary and Middle Schools: 8:50 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.

· High Schools: 7:53 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

· Fairchild Wheeler Interdistrict Magnet Campus: Times to be determined by campus administrators.

· Read School: Staggered start times to be announced by building administrators.

The Superintendent expressed gratitude for the community's input and acknowledged the need for more discussion and support regarding recent changes. "I truly value your input, and I hear you," said Levy-David. "Ensuring that teachers feel confident and empowered will ultimately benefit the well-being of our students."

Additionally, the district will allow the departmentalization for grades four, five, and six. Principals will support teachers by mapping out the school day based on past practices to ensure a smooth transition.

Levy-David emphasized the importance of teacher preparedness and the district's commitment to student success. "If the changes we implemented create distress for teachers and families, then we’re not helping students, so we need to pivot," she said.

The district looks forward to continuing conversations on improving student outcomes throughout the 2024-25 school year. Last year, Bridgeport Public Schools increased the number of teachers and counselors, enrolled more students, expanded magnet school programs, and strengthened community partnerships with academic organizations like Housatonic Community College and the University of Bridgeport.

A Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 17 at 5 p.m. at Central High School, 1 Lincoln Blvd, to discuss these changes and gather further feedback.

The Superintendent encourages parents to share their thoughts by emailing TalkToUs@bridgeportedu.net.