Bell Schedules

For those of you new to Alhambra, here's how the bell schedule works:

• All students (except seniors) are required to take at least six classes. Some students opt to take seven classes.
• Since we offer a seven period day, some students will be scheduled for periods 1-6, which means their day begins at period 1 and ends with period 6.
• Some students will be scheduled for periods 2-7, which means their day begins at period 2 and ends with period 7.
• Students do not get to choose which period begins their day, however, we recognize that having two different start times within one family/household can be extremely challenging. We are prioritizing siblings to make sure they are on the same schedule together (if it was indicated on the course selection, it's easy to catch). If we missed it somehow, please let us know. However, we cannot guarantee that siblings will be on a 1-6 schedule together or a 2-7 schedule together.

• We are excited to once again offer ACCESS periods this school year! ACCESS is a dedicated time built into the school day that provides students with additional instructional support from their teachers. Beginning this year, ACCESS will take place every Thursday for 40 minutes, giving students the opportunity to receive extra help, make up assignments or assessments, ask questions, or strengthen their understanding of course material. All students are assigned an ACCESS period (listed as Period 8 on their class schedule). Once the school year is underway, students may choose which teacher they would like to visit for additional support, or a teacher may require a student to attend their ACCESS session to receive extra instruction, complete missing work, or make up quizzes and tests. The goal of ACCESS is to provide every student with dedicated time during the school day to get the academic support they need to be successful.

When we start school, we will share our expectations with students on how to best utilize this time productively. Other key things to note about the bell schedule:

• The school day can begin no earlier than 8:30a according to California Ed. Code.
• Wednesdays are collaboration days for teachers, so students are dismissed a bit earlier. 
• During the first week of school we will not have block days.
  • Note the special bell schedule for the first Friday of the school year, August 14^th
  • Block Day Schedules will begin the second week of school.
• We have three minimum days this year. The first is on September 4^th. The second is October 9^th. The third is April 1^st. 
• Please also note the bell schedule for the first Friday of  the school year, Homecoming (parade and game), Rallies and their corresponding schedules.