This year, AMI days at SCHS and SCW are getting a big change. In the past, students had to check in online for classes throughout the whole day, but now the schools are moving to a block schedule organized by subject. AMI, which stands for Alternative Methods of Instruction, first started in 2020 to keep learning going during events like snow days, sickness, or other emergencies. Our state only allows six AMI days and a few real snow days.

Dr. Ted Happel and the teachers at both high schools have wanted this change for a long time. The new idea came from Hardin Middle School, which already uses a block schedule for AMI. After talking with the central office, Dr. Happel got approval to make the switch.

“Attendance was never marked by logging onto the meeting; it was determined if you did the work or not,” Dr. Happel explained.

Teachers were also frustrated with the old system because many students never logged in. 

“I was waiting all day on meetings waiting for people that never came,” said math teacher Austin Forney. With the new schedule, that issue should be solved, since students only need to check in during the teacher’s assigned block.

Students are happy about the change too. 

“This makes my day easier and quicker to get the work I need to do, well… done,” said sophomore Kaden Long. Many students agree the new schedule will help them focus better and finish their assignments faster.

Overall, the new AMI schedule is meant to make school days at home smoother, less stressful, and more productive for both teachers and students.