Both of the remaining half days, which were scheduled for April 20 and May 18, have been rescheduled as full school days due to a change in state policy.

In the past, the state of Michigan has allowed testing and professional development hours to contribute to the 1,098 instructional hours required by the state. This is no longer allowed.

To meet the new requirements, Monroe High School will also add on one minute to the end of the school day, making dismissal time 2:12 p.m. This is a small change that will prevent the district from adding more days.

Senior Jacob Traver said he thinks adding the extra minute is a good idea.

“I’m all for the extra minute if that prevents days from being added on,” Traver said.

Elementary and middle school students will still have half days on April 20 and May 18. The instructional hours for these students weren’t affected by testing.

Many Monroe High students are upset about the changes.

“The extra minute at the end of the day isn’t a big deal, but I wish we still had our half days,” senior Mitchell DuMoulin said.

Sophomore Brooke Shugarman agreed saying, “I think if we get our half days taken away, the elementary and middle school students should, too.”