For decades, the Newton School in Strafford, Vermont has kept a schedule on Fridays which includes early release for students and development and planning time for teachers and staff. Newton’s Friday schedule has unquestionably resulted in a better teaching environment, improved student outcomes, more recreational opportunities for kids, and a stronger community in the school and the town.

On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, the Strafford Board of School Directors voted (3-2) to change the Friday schedule to a full day ending at 3:00 PM - eliminating the traditional Newton Friday schedule. This change leaves school staff with less time for planning and eliminates a decades-long tradition of activity and community gathering on Friday afternoons - most notably the ski program.

The Board did not receive much, if any, feedback from the Strafford community about this change prior to the August 24 vote. This is due to the fact that the Newton community and the Board itself was provided incorrect information by school administrators throughout the summer that the change to Friday’s schedule had already been made without any opportunity for feedback.

The good news is that the Board has the ability and legal authority to restore the Newton Friday schedule. This petition asks the Board to restore the traditional Friday schedule after the Thanksgiving Break. While it may be preferable for many to restore the Friday schedule sooner, this proposal to resume the traditional Newton schedule beginning December 3 is designed to give teachers, staff, and families enough time to prepare for any changes.

Please join us in asking the Board to restore the traditional Newton Friday hours of operation.