West Plains Schools will operate on a half-day schedule on Friday, September 25, as part of this year’s Homecoming celebration.
The decision follows a districtwide survey that invited parents and guardians, district staff, and West Plains High School students to provide feedback on the Homecoming Friday schedule. Respondents were asked to consider three options: continuing with a full school day, moving to a half-day schedule, or having no school on Homecoming Friday with the instructional day made up later in the school year.
Results from all three surveys were overwhelmingly in favor of moving to a half-day schedule. After reviewing the feedback and considering factors including supervision, attendance, transportation, and the overall Homecoming experience, district leadership determined that a half-day schedule would be the best option for this year’s celebration. Above all, the safety of students remains the district’s highest priority and was the primary consideration in making this decision.
Moving to a half-day schedule will allow students to attend school during the morning while giving families the opportunity to make their own plans for attending the Homecoming Parade.
The Homecoming Parade will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, in downtown West Plains. Specific half-day dismissal times and additional Homecoming details will be communicated prior to September 25.
West Plains Schools appreciates the parents, staff, and students who participated in the survey and shared their perspectives as the district considered this change. The overwhelming support across all three groups helped provide valuable insight as district leadership worked to determine the best path forward.
The district looks forward to celebrating Homecoming and continuing a tradition that brings together students, families, alumni, staff, and the West Plains community.
