High School Effective Transitions
Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy • High School
High School Effective Transitions
Read your schedule, move with purpose, and report directly to class.
Teacher Start-Up
Use this page during opening activities to teach high school students how to read schedules, understand semester/quarter information, and transition directly to class within 3 minutes.
Student schedules, the posted bell schedule, schedule concern forms, and this Canvas page.
High school students report to assigned classes and arrive ready to learn. High School students may use the restrooms on the 2nd floor, but must not be late to class. They need a signed pass when alone.
Review schedule basics, then practice a realistic transition scenario.
Report directly to class.
Walk quickly and safely.
Enter ready to learn.
1. Teacher Script
We are excited to start the school year with you. Please take out your class schedule. Today, we are going to make sure you understand how the WSPA daily schedule works, how to read your schedule, where to find your classes, and how to transition safely and on time.
Teacher reminder: Open the Schedule Concern Form ↗. Students should not be sent to the office for schedule questions during this lesson.
2. WSPA High School Schedule Basics
4 Blocks
The whole school follows a 4-period daily schedule.
90 Minutes
Each class is about 90 minutes long.
5-Minute Transitions
Students have 5 minutes to move to the next class.
30-Minute Lunch
Students follow lunch procedures and return on time.
Friday Advisory / Clubs
Friday has a different schedule for Advisory and Clubs.
3. How to Read a High School Schedule
Students should ask the teacher or a classmate if they are unsure where a class is located. If they have a schedule concern, they should complete a schedule concern form. A counselor will follow up as soon as possible.
High school pattern: On regular days, students report directly to the 1st block. Students report to homeroom only on specified days.
Semester 1
Q1 + Q2
August–December
Semester 2
Q3 + Q4
January–May
Homeroom
99 means homeroom. Students only report to homeroom on specified days.
Class Periods
The period column tells students which class period or block the course meets.
4. High School Transition Expectations
Do This
- Report directly to your assigned class.
- Arrive before the tardy bell.
- Walk quickly and safely on the right side of the hall.
- Talk quietly with peers.
- Respond appropriately to staff directions.
- Enter class ready to begin.
- Has a signed pass when alone.
- Arrive at class on time.
Do Not Do This
- Hang out in the hallway.
- Walk friends to class.
- Use phones, earbuds, or headphones during transition.
- Run, horseplay, or block the hall.
- Go to the restroom during class change unless directed by staff.
- Wear hoodies or hats in defiance of school expectations.
5. Transition Video Activity
Watch the traffic intersection clip and connect it to the hallway movement at WSPA.
- Describe the traffic in one word.
- What problems might happen in this type of traffic?
- How is a hallway like a street or highway?
- What would happen if WSPA transitions looked like the video?
6. Quick Check
How many minutes do students have to transition?
When do high school students report to homeroom?
What does "99" mean on your schedule?
How many quarters make up a semester?
Teacher Answer Key
- Five minutes.
- Only on specified days.
- Homeroom.
- Two quarters.
Closing Message
Transitions are part of how we protect learning time and keep everyone safe. Move with purpose, follow staff directions, and report directly to class.
Rooted in Excellence • Growing Toward Greatness
Move with Purpose. Protect Learning Time.
Report directly to class, follow staff directions, and show Phoenix Pride.
