Fountain Hills Unified School District will host a discussion concerning the possibility of merging the arrival and dismissal times of students in fourth through eighth grade on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Four Peaks Elementary School/Fountain Hills Middle School fourth/fifth grade team room.

According to a recent announcement from Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney, topics will include: benefits of merging the start times and dismissal times; changes to busing routes and schedules; changes to McDowell Mountains'’start and dismissal times; impact on before and after school activities, including clubs and athletics; issues related to drop-off and pick-up procedures; an overview of the instructional days of fourth and fifth graders compared to sixth through eighth graders; and other matters raised by attendees.

Sweeney stated that, following several conversations with smaller groups of stakeholders, the decision was made that it is now time to bring in all interested parties.

“I hope you are able to attend this forum as this represents a significant change to our current practices,” said Sweeney in the announcement. “We want to share with you the background and context for considering this change and hear your thoughts and ideas to assist us moving forward.”