Early Release Wednesdays

Middle school students have the opportunity to participate in an optional 2:30 P.M. Wednesday early dismissal to match the high school schedule and provide critical planning time for teachers.  This is not a required early dismissal, and students may choose to remain at the school until the regular 3:30 P.M. bell.  Buses will run at normal dismissal times, departing at 3:30 P.M. each Wednesday afternoon. Please note the following information:

• The optional 2:30 P.M. dismissal time applies to Wednesdays only.
• Students must have a signed permission slip on file to leave at 2:30 P.M. as a car rider or walker to HHS. 
• Students without a signed permission slip may be checked out from the main office after 2:45 P.M.
• Students not leaving early will remain at school in study hall until 3:30 P.M. This study hall is not punitive and affords students the opportunity to work on homework, missing assignments, read a book of their choice, etc.
• Students may also be required to remain at school for academic or disciplinary reasons. This will allow students to complete their discipline or assignments during regular school hours.
• Athletic practices will not begin until 3:30 P.M.
• Students who leave campus as a car rider or walker at 2:30 P.M. may not return to campus until 3:30 P.M. if they are attending after school activities.  Students are not permitted to return to school to ride the bus home.
• If you have a change in dismissal for your student, please let the homeroom teacher know by 10:00 AM that day (via email or note).

If you have additional questions, please email Dr. Melissa Travillian at mtravillian@catoosa.k12.ga.us or contact the school at 706-937-3568.

IN ORDER FOR STUDENTS TO LEAVE EARLY, parents/guardians must complete the permission form and return it to your student’s homeroom teacher.  If the form is not turned in, an adult on the student’s check-out list may come to the front entrance after 2:45 P.M. to sign the student out.  Please email the student’s homeroom teacher by 10:00 AM on Wednesday if changes need to be made for dismissal.

Heritage Middle School

Wednesday Early Release FAQs

Why did the middle schools move to the early release Wednesday schedule in January 2025?

CCPS is continually striving to improve student learning for all students.  In order for teachers to develop assessments, plan remediation lessons, and design effective instructional strategies to reach all learners, the school district has designated this time to allow for teachers at the middle schools to collaborate.  CCPS high schools have been successfully doing this for several years. This plan creates alignment with all secondary school schedules and ensures a more equal number of on-instructional/planning minutes for all school grade bands. 

Is my student required to leave early?

No.  Students may remain at school until the regular 3:30 dismissal time.  The school will host study hall during the final hour on Wednesdays for students who remain.  Athletic coaches may arrange separate study halls for teams to complete homework and missing assignments prior to practice at 3:30.  A few extracurricular activities (ex. band, chorus) may meet during this time.  Students who are failing may be required to stay during this time to complete necessary assignments. 

When will the buses run?

Buses will run at the regular 3:30 afternoon time. They will not leave early on Wednesdays.

Does my child need to have a permission slip to leave?

Yes, middle school students will be required to have a signed permission slip to leave early on Wednesdays just like on exam days.  Without a signed permission slip, parents/guardians will need to come inside and check the student out in the main office.

What will students do during the one-hour early release?

• Students leaving early (car riders and walkers with a signed permission form) will be dismissed from homeroom at 2:30.
• Students remaining at school will be escorted to a study hall until the buses run at 3:30.
• Students who have missing assignments or detention may be required to stay until 3:30.

Is there any additional cost to the district for this early release?

No, this will potentially create savings for the district's professional learning budget by providing the opportunity for teachers to plan collaboratively without the need for substitutes during this designated time.

Who will monitor the time to ensure it is used for collaborative team planning?

The principal at each middle school will ensure that teams are using the planning time for collaboration on lesson plans, assessments, and remediation activities and will keep track of agendas and minutes.

How will the school make up this time to comply with state requirements for instructional seat time?

All Catoosa County Public Schools meet the requirements for instructional hours and days as established by the Georgia Department of Education and this adjustment will not affect compliance with seat time regulations.