CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — One south metro school district has adjusted the start the school day for middle and high school students.
Instead of starting the day at 8:50 a.m. and dismissing at 4:00 p.m., high school students will now go in at 8:20 a.m. and will dismiss at 3:15 p.m.
For middle school students, the day will begin at 8:45 a.m. and will dismiss at 3:45 p.m. Currently, middle school starts at 8:15 a.m. and ends at 3:10 p.m. The change will not affect the elementary school day.
The county's board of education voted on the proposal during its Feb. 4 meeting.
Clayton County Schools Superintendent Dr. Morcease Beasley said the district believes the changes will benefit the students, especially at the high school level.
"It will provide positive support for our Dual Enrollment and Work Study programs while providing more time for study and extracurricular activities,” Beasley said.
In addition to the changed start times, the district also decided to adjust some of their school dress code rules for high school students.
“It’s time for our principals, teachers and students to put a laser-like focus on the actions that really count toward preparing students to be college and career ready,” Beasley explained. “While we will continue to have high expectations for appropriate dress for all students, we will not spend time on enforcing uniforms at the high school level.”
The new changes for Clayton County schools go into effect beginning in the fall of the 2019-2020 school year.