As a West Seattle High School community member I am very dismayed with the new bell schedule that is posted on the school Web site for the 2008-09 (school year).

Once again our students are being shortchanged on instruction time, in class, learning with a teacher.

The difference between 55 minutes and 50 minutes is 15 hours per class per year, or 360 hours per student over the course of four years. The 55 minute periods were mandated by Ms. Santorno, chief academic officer for the Seattle School District last October.

Those 360 hours can be used for much learning.

There has been minimal input from parents or community, the decision making matrix was not followed during this schedule change process.

I hope the community, parents and students will stand up to the principal and demand the full instructional hours the state requires.

G. A. Hollister

Alaska Junction