Chicago Heights School District 170 has announced that it will implement an extended school day for all students beginning in August 2019.
The 2019-20 school day for students will extend from 7:50 a.m. to 2:40 p.m., with staff on duty from 7:35 a.m. until 2:50 p.m.
"We were diligent in considering the established pros and cons of extended school days before committing to the move," said CHSD170 Superintendent Tom Amadio.
"After extensive research, deliberation, conversation, and investigation we decided that the additional academic time will afford our students the best chance to maximize their success at school."
Mary Kay Entsminger, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, expanded upon Amadio's thoughts.
"In providing additional learning time for our students we can augment classroom sessions in all core subjects, as well as devoting increased time to creative subjects such as music, art, and physical education which countless studies show are essential components of a well-rounded educational environment," she said.
"We sincerely believe that the addition of the extra 30 minutes in the school day will benefit our students in ways that can be quantified, as well as in ways that are more indefinable but equally important in the ultimate success of the learning experience," Entsminger concluded.