A week before the end of last semester, every student at PLHS went down to the gym where David Lund, the PLHS principal, introduces the newest change in the high school — a later school start time on Wednesdays as a way for students to come in before school to retake tests or get extra help.  

Laker Time gives the opportunity to “build some support systems in the school day for students” said David Lund, the principal of Prior Lake High School.  Being so tightly scheduled in Hours 1-6, “when do you get to meet with teachers?” he added.

For students who do not have a car, parking pass, or a ride to school, transportation is the main obstacle.  The only manner of transportation these students have is the busing system the school provides.  Most buses arrive ten minutes before school begins, and students have no time in their week to connect with a teacher or to work on a paper or project.

“The whole idea is putting some time during the school day to support the students,” said Lund. “We’re here for the students.”

Buses will continue to run at the normal time, arriving at school around ten minutes before 8:00 am.  If you ride a bus, this gives you time to retake tests, get extra help, or study with friends before the school begins at 9:05 a.m.  

“I think the Laker Time will be most used in our core subjects” (math, science social studies, and english) said Amanda Kapusniak, a guidance counselor at PLHS. “However, I also foresee a lot of students using this time to seek help from their elective teachers as well.”

Yet, not all students need to use this opportunity.  The later start time is not only for students to come in and get extra help, it also allows kids to get a little more rest during the week.

“If you’re getting straight A’s and you want to take a Wednesday morning and stay sleeping an extra half hour, more power to you,” said Lund.  

But what about the students doing PSEO part time?  PSEO or Post Secondary Education Option allows students to take some classes at PLHS and some classes at Normandale Community College.  The late start will affect their class times and they may miss some class her at PLHS to accommodate their college schedule.  

“Teachers will work with those students who are affected by this program,” said Kapusniak.  “Students just need to adjust.” 

Since only about 60 students in PLHS participate in the PSEO option, Lund believes the number of students who will benefit from this program outweigh the number of students who will be adversely affected by it.  
The new program started at the beginning of Semester 2 and has been a success so far. Students and staff are excited about the change, where everyone will be on their own time… Laker Time!