Late Start Wednesdays

  • Education is a field that continues to change rapidly and we are dedicated to our staff furthering their commitment to the education of each of our students by meeting the challenges of today’s educational environment. Supporting this commitment includes providing the time for staff to work in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) each week, at a regularly scheduled time, to collect, review and utilize student data to more effectively serve our students’ needs.

    Beginning August 21, 2019, School City of Mishawaka will utilize a "Late Start" model where staff will be engaged in PLCs for one hour before the start of the student day. This "Late Start" schedule will take place EACH WEDNESDAY. See the schedules for "Late Start" Wednesdays below:

  • Elementary Schools Icon

    Start Time: 8:45 AM

    Breakfast: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

    NOTE: Elementary times are not impacted by late start Wednesdays

  • John Young Middle School Icon

    Start Time: 8:45 AM

    Breakfast Start Time: 8:25 AM

    Transpo: Delayed drop off by 40 minutes

  • Mishawaka High School Icon

    Start Time: 8:35 AM

    Breakfast Start Time: 8:00 AM

    Transpo: Delayed drop off by 35 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a Professional Learning Community (PLC)?

    Posted by:

    A PLC is a group of educators who are committed to working together to help each child to be more successful in school. PLCs measure their effectiveness on the basis of student results, rather than intentions or good ideas. PLCs monitor data, take action, and continual adjust to meet student needs.

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  • Why are Mishawaka Schools implementing a Late Start model?

    Posted by:

    The Late Start Model is a part of the district’s plan to implement Professional Learning Communities in every school. By dedicating time for collaboration, a focus on data informed decision making, and best instructional practices our entire team of educators can work collectively to provide an educational experience that meets the needs of all learners with a greater levels of impact on student achievement and success.

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  • Why not schedule this PLC time during the summer or after school?

    Posted by:

    Scheduling PLCs or Professional Development time for teachers outside of the contractual hours would increase costs incurred by the district. Using the contractual time makes the process of professional learning a “job embedded” expectation and in a cost effective manner.

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  • Don't teachers already have planning time?

    Posted by:

    Yes, but teachers need that time to prepare lessons, grade student assessments, communicate and meet with parents and students, and work toward school goals. We don’t want to jeopardize the great work already taking place, but rather to add to this work a collaborative time for focused professional learning and growth that benefits instruction and student learning.

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  • Will my child still be offered breakfast on late start days?

    Posted by:

    Breakfast operations will continue as normal for elementary schools. JYMS breakfast will be served at 8:25 a.m. and MHS breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m.

    Comments (-1)
  • How will the Late Start PLC time help my child?

    Posted by:

    Our staff will work collaboratively during PLC time to refine their teaching strategies to engage and empower all learners by reviewing data and research to improve instructional and intervention practices.

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  • What if there is a two-hour delay on a Late Start PLC day?

    Posted by:

    In the event of inclement weather or other circumstances that would require a two-hour delay on a Wednesday, the Late Start PLC time will be cancelled and the district will run the two-hour delay schedule.

    Comments (-1)
  • What is the rationale for selecting a delayed start instead of an early release?

    Posted by:

    A delayed start allows for more focused, undistracted collaboration time before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. It eliminates unsupervised after-school time during which students are waiting for athletics/activities and permits full participation of coaches and after-school activity sponsors.

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