Dear OFA and OAMS Families,
We are writing to provide clarity regarding recent questions about scheduling discussions for the 2026–2027 school year.
At this time, no final decisions have been made regarding next year's bell schedule at either the middle school or high school. Currently, we have been reviewing our existing structure to determine how we can best support student learning, engagement, and access to opportunities in relation to New York State's Portrait of a Graduate initiative and the shift toward Performance-Based Assessments. We most recently shared the Portrait of a Graduate in September of 2025 and will continue to update the school community as we learn and develop more.
As part of this work, we are exploring a hybrid approach that allows the ability to create longer periods of instruction for specific classes, while at the same time providing the flexibility to maintain course structures already in place. This review is being done to examine how similar approaches might be refined or expanded to better meet students' needs. Staff recently spent time during Superintendent’s Day to become more familiar with teaching in extended time.
Key considerations guiding this review include:
Preserving a schedule that remains familiar and manageable for students and staff
Ensuring frequent and consistent access to music and physical education
Maintaining elective opportunities to allow students exposure to a range of interests
Increasing instructional time in classrooms to strengthen core learning
Aligning scheduling structures with instructional shifts recommended through Portrait of a Graduate
Some students may have heard scheduling concepts discussed during guidance meetings. These conversations were intended to share that scheduling structures are being reviewed and to gather perspective.
We would like to know your thoughts and questions regarding a possible schedule change. Please participate in our ThoughtExchange by using the following link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/924522868
We appreciate your engagement and partnership as we continue working to strengthen teaching and learning across our schools.
Sincerely,
Phil Schofield: Principal, Owego Free Academy
Sean Swider: Principal, Owego Apalachin Middle School
Click here for a PDF of the letter: https://aptg.co/dMfNtz