Birmingham Councilman Proposes Extended School Hours to Fight Gun Violence
Birmingham is buzzing with talk about a new proposal from one of the city’s council members. Councilor Clinton Woods is stepping up with an idea he believes could make a big difference for our students and help them steer clear of gun violence. It might sound a bit unusual, but Woods is suggesting that we extend the school day for students from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade by three hours.
What does this Mean for Students?
You might think adding more hours means more time sitting in the classroom. But that’s actually not Woods’ plan at all. Instead of just cramming in more lessons, he wants the extra hours to provide students with valuable resources and support outside of traditional lessons. The idea is to keep students engaged and productive while giving them the tools they need to avoid trouble.
Woods has a vision: starting the school day an hour earlier at 7 a.m., which would not only give kids a chance to grab some breakfast, but also participate in mindfulness activities before diving into their studies. After the regular school day ends, from 3 to 5 p.m., students would have the opportunity for tutoring and career education, allowing them to explore various career paths. Plus, they wouldn’t leave empty-handed; Woods plans to see that students receive dinner before heading home.
Aiming to Serve the Community’s Needs
Woods understands the challenges of encouraging kids to engage in after-school activities, especially on weekends, but he believes that making participation a requirement could ease parents’ worries. He points out that the community needs to step up, especially since parenting looks different these days. “If you can serve them where they are,” he explained, “I think that gives you a much greater opportunity to deliver any and all wraparound services that are needed.”
A Mixed Bag of Reactions
As with any big idea, the community’s response to Woods’ proposal has been mixed. Richard Franklin, the president of the American Federation of Teachers Birmingham, appreciates that Woods is coming from a good place, wanting to ensure the well-being of students. He remembers a time when the city invested more in programs like recreation centers and after-school care. Franklin thinks that while Wright’s intentions are great, the city has a broader responsibility before leaning on schools to shoulder these tasks.
“Our community is struggling,” Franklin said. “We live in poverty. How are they going to get around?” He added that transportation isn’t always available, making it harder for some families to access the resources they need. Franklin wishes the city could offer more support to get kids to these programs, which were once more prominent.
Current Support Programs
It’s worth noting that the City of Birmingham currently has a free program called the Birmingham Safe Haven initiative. This program assists students with homework, personal growth, recreation, and meals, working alongside local schools and recreation centers. Woods mentioned that while after-school care wouldn’t be mandatory for parents who prefer to pick their kids up, the aim is to give families more options.
The Road Ahead
As it stands, Woods’ proposal is still in its early days. He has noted that schools face limitations on what services they can provide, and might need to push for some changes in state laws to get everything rolling. If all goes according to plan, Woods hopes to kick off a pilot program in Birmingham City Schools first, before expanding to other school systems down the line.
The community waits with bated breath to see how this initiative develops. Will it help steer students away from violence and onto paths filled with opportunity? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – Birmingham is ready to explore new ways to support its young people.
