Understanding the Hybrid Block Schedule at Glenbard West

Beginning with the 2024–2025 school year, Glenbard West and all District 87 schools began following a new Hybrid Block Schedule designed to support deeper learning, reduce daily transitions, and build in time for academic support.

We know changes to the bell schedule can bring questions - and that families need a clear picture of what to expect. The video below provides a helpful visual overview of how the new schedule works and why the district made this shift.

To help you navigate the changes, we’ve also created a step-by-step guide that explains:

• What each day looks like
  
  

• Why the schedule changed
  
  

• What supports are available to students
  
  

• Tips for staying organized
  
  

Whether you're a returning family or new to Glenbard West, this resource is here to help you feel confident and informed.

Watch the video, then scroll down to read the guide.

Summary

The Hybrid Block Schedule introduces two longer instructional days each week, maintains strong support structures via Glenbard Hour, and aligns with goals for deeper learning, improved student wellness, and future-readiness in compliance with Illinois educational standards. The district is actively adjusting based on community feedback, and this guide aims to help parents and students thrive under the new schedule.

What Is the Hybrid Block Schedule?

• Four 90‑minute class periods on Wednesdays and Thursdays (block days).
  
  

• Eight 40‑ to 43‑minute periods on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, with Glenbard Hour on Mondays and Fridays for student support and advisory.
  
  

• School hours have shifted to 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily, including on block days, maintaining the same total instructional time.

Weekly Overview

Why District 87 Adopted It

1. Deeper Learning Opportunities

• 90‑minute blocks offer time for labs, projects, and student-led work—mirroring college/work structures and boosting critical thinking.
  
  

2. Student Support Built-In

• Glenbard Hour and stretched block periods give students time for teacher help, retakes, enrichment, planning, and collaboration.
  
  

3. Aligns With Profile of a Graduate Skills

• Includes collaboration, critical thinking, creativity - matched by the deeper schedule format.
  
  

4. Better Adolescent Health

• Later start time (8:00 a.m.) supports adolescent sleep and mental health. 

Adjustments & Supports

• Professional Development: Teachers have received training for active learning, pacing, and handling long periods.
  
  

• Lunch Logistics: Students rotate lunches (A/B/C) within block periods to ease crowding. Extra seating and spaces have been arranged.
  
  

• App and Sign‑In Tools: Improvements made following rollout issues last year.

What Parents & Students Should Know

For Parents:

• Glenbard Hour on Mon/Fri is optional but highly valuable for extra support.

• Encourage students to develop time-management skills - organizational tools will help navigate alternating schedules.
  
  

For Students:

• Wednesday/Thursday feel different: fewer classes, but longer sessions - great for bigger assignments or labs.

• Use Glenbard Hour to catch up or get ahead - teachers are available!

• Stay organized with planners or digital calendars to track block vs. traditional days.

• Download the PowerSchool App (available on both iPhone and Android) to view your daily schedule in real time.

  1. When you receive your iPad from Glenbard West, you'll also be given a printed sheet containing your unique login credentials - including your Glenbard email address and our District Code: TDPZ.

  2. This information will allow you to sign in and stay up to date with your schedule, grades, and more.
     
     

Support Tips:

• Listen to your child share how longer blocks feel - this feedback is guiding improvements.

• Communicate early with teachers if attention or workload becomes overwhelming during blocks.

• Leverage the built-in block structure - longer periods are ideal for study groups and peer collaboration.