3.2.9. School Hours with No Classes Scheduled (SDL/PRT)

During periods when a student does not have a class scheduled, they are responsible for how they use their time. There are certain parameters students must follow for SDL/PRT; it is not “do whatever you want” time. For Gr 7-8 students, the goal is that students learn to manage their study time, self advocate for assistance, and prepare for the greater freedom of PRT time in Gr 9-12. Our goal is for Gr 9-12 students to have time management training so they learn to make wise decisions before they experience the freedom of the college campus.

Student Directed Learning (SDL) – Grades 7-8

SDL time is during the last bell of the day. (The myUpper School webpage puts daily schedules at your fingertips.) Gr 7-8 students have the following SDL options:

• Work in quiet rooms or in collaboration spaces
• See a teacher for help
• Get help from a peer in the NJHS tutoring room

Personal Responsibility Time (PRT) – Grades 9-12

All students must stay on campus except seniors with approved Senior Privilege. All Gr 9-11 students and Gr 12 stduents without pre-approved Senior Privilege may choose from the following on-campus PRT options:

• Use the McSwain Family Collaboration Center (library) for research, study, reading, etc.
• Conference with a teacher who does not have a class
• Visit the Guidance Offices to meet with your counselor
• Attend a meeting in the SOS Room
• Visit the Leaning Eagle Coffee Bar
• Use the cafeteria for study, conversation with a friend, eating, etc.
• Since food is NOT allowed in these locations, eat in the cafeteria first or following your visit to these spaces:
  • Exercise in the gym
  • Take a study break in Theater Commons (Students may study on the stairs or balcony in Theater Commons)
  • Quietly study in designated areas of Miracle Commons being sensitive to the business that takes place there
• PRT students may not be in the hallways during any class time except to get something quickly from their lockers alone. There is to be no gathering outside of classrooms.
  

Since PRT is a privilege, any student who is failing a class or has below a 2.0 GPA for the quarter is required to report on time to the library during their PRT for the entire next quarter to provide more concentrated study time. The PRT privilege will be restored at the beginning of the following quarter if their grades have sufficiently improved.

See the Senior Privileges Open Campus handbook section for further information.
See the Lunch/Food and Drink handbook section for further information about food consumption in the buildings.