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New Bell Schedules Q&A

2025-26 School Year

Where can I see the full bell schedule for all SBLSD schools? 

View a complete list of start, end, early dismissal and Monday late start times for all schools at sumnersd.org/schedules. 

Why are the school schedules changing? 

The new start and end times bring the length of student day in line with the other school districts region wide. We anticipate that the new bell schedule will improve bus transportation and minimize the number of late buses at the elementary level. 

Will this impact my student’s bus pick-up/drop-off time? 

Yes, there will be changes to the time when students are picked up and dropped off. Bus schedules will be available about one week before school begins. SBLSD partners with My Ride K-12, a tool that provides secure access to student bus stop locations, routes and schedules. Learn more about My Ride K-12 at sumnersd.org/busroutes. 

Does this affect Late Start Mondays?

We will continue to have Late Start Mondays to allow for staff professional development. The new 2025-26 bell schedule includes a start time on Mondays that is 65 minutes later than Tuesday through Friday. Monday start times vary by school. The new bell schedule allows for increased instruction time on Mondays.

Do the new start and end times change the schedule during the school day, such as class periods? 

Yes, at the middle and high school levels, especially, there will be a change in school day schedules, which vary by school. Class schedules for secondary students will be available online about one month before school begins. 

Are there changes to lunch? 

While the time of the day might change for when students eat lunch, there is no change to the length of time they receive for lunch. All schools will continue with 30 minutes for lunch.  

Are there changes to recess?

Elementary students will still receive two recesses each day — one 30 minutes and one 10 minutes. 

Does this impact after school activities/sports?

Activities and sports will continue as usual. The 2 pm high school dismissal allows high school athletes the ability for full instructional time on game days. Middle school sports practice will end earlier than previous years. School-specific club meeting schedules will be communicated with students after the school year begins. 

Does the new bell schedule affect childcare or preschool? 

No, Right at School and district childcare hours will remain the same. Preschool will continue with 2 hour, 50 minutes half-day AM/PM sessions with start and end times that vary by location. 

Will you still offer transportation to the Pierce County Skills Center? 

Yes, we will continue to provide transportation to and from the Pierce County Skills Center for both morning and afternoon sessions.

How are the school schedules different from last year? 

  • Middle and high schools will dismiss 20 minutes earlier than last year
  • Early start elementary schools (CWE, DVE, LRE, MLE, VFE) and Sumner Early Learning Center will dismiss 10 minutes earlier than last year
  • Late start elementary schools (BLE, DEE, EHE, THE) will start 10 minutes later than last year 
  • Monday Late Start is reduced to 65 minutes, allowing more instructional time 

Will my child still receive their full instructional time? 

Yes, we will continue to exceed the state-required number of instructional hours with no impact to quality teaching and learning. Instructional time will increase on Late Start Mondays.

Are school office hours changing? 

No, office hours at all school buildings will remain the same. View school office hours and contact information. 

Is this a permanent change? 

Yes, this is a change that we see keeping for the foreseeable future, however, we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the schedule.