In previous years, Wilsonville High School has had one early release day per month. These days are used for teachers to have some extra time to grade and do anything they need to catch up on. 

These days were always held on Wednesdays, which made for shorter class periods, and the option to leave at lunch time. Each class was held for fifty-five minutes, rather than the usual hour and twenty-five-minute class periods. 

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the West-Linn/Wilsonville School District has decided to let go of the early release days in favor of two extra days off throughout the school year. 

One student, Mia Winters, a Junior, doesn’t like the change too much.  “I don’t think it makes sense to switch from half days each month to just two extra days off, I don’t get why the school board would do that.”

One of these days off will be held in late September, and the other one held in February, according to Tate Olsen, the Wilsonville High School Vice Principal.

Olsen said the School Board came to this final decision after many meetings throughout the year with representatives from various schools throughout the district.

Students have been buzzing with opinions about this change, such as one Junior, Jackson Bonn Savage. “Hearing this news was kind of unfortunate actually. I enjoyed my half days, and I’m sad they are going away just for two extra days off. It doesn’t seem fair.”

Other students such as Michael Hanson, (also a Junior), seem to disagree with Bonn Savage. “I liked having half days, but I think it’s nice to have a few extra days off instead of just some half days.”

Hanson went on, “I like the idea of just not going to school for a day instead of going just to leave in like a few hours.”

Overall, many students don’t seem to enjoy the switch away from half-days, but some students seem to understand the need for change.