Newport Harbor High may go to eight periods

Newport Harbor High School is expected to convert to an eight-period schedule this fall in a move that administrators believe is a first in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

Under the plan sketched out by Principal Michael Vossen and Assistant Supt. of Secondary Education Chuck Hinman, the school would follow a block schedule, with four periods alternating each day. Vossen said the schedule would benefit students.

“The biggest advantages are that it essentially allows students more choices and reduces their conflicts, allowing more periods for courses during the day,” he said.

Vossen said the new system would give students room to take more elective courses, provide teachers with more collaboration time outside of class and allow student athletes to miss less instructional time.

— Michael Miller