WILLIAMSPORT – While there were no traditional classes held at Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, the school campus was still filled with first responders, emergency medical personnel and plenty of students.

It was the first ‘Innovative Friday’ at the Williamsport Catholic school as its new four-day academic model takes shape.

This year, students in grades 6 through 12 now attend classes Monday through Thursday, with extended school days to meet required instructional hours. Fridays are reserved for enrichment, tutoring, field trips, career exploration, service opportunities, and other experiences that extend learning beyond the traditional classroom.

For the inaugural ‘Innovative Friday,’ the school hosted an Emergency Preparedness and Safety Day, bringing together representatives from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), South Williamsport Fire Department, Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Department, Williamsport Bureau of Fire, Clearview Asset Protection, NOAA Weather Safety, PPL, Pennsylvania State Police, Williamsport Police and the Lycoming County Emergency Management Agency.

Students were encouraged to visit each agency’s outdoor station, learning everything from CPR to electrical safety, while also having the opportunity to tour emergency vehicles.

“Students don’t have to be here today and yet they’re here, they’re having fun and they’re learning about things,” Dr. Chad Greevy, Assistant Principal and Curriculum Director, said. “You don’t have to learn always in a school setting.”

The optional nature of the day was what made it significant.

Seventh-grader Zale McPherson appreciated the flexibility the ‘Innovative Friday’ schedule provided. After missing school earlier in the week, she was able to use the day to make up tests, quizzes and homework without sacrificing additional classroom time.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity,” she said.

McPherson also enjoyed the chance to socialize with classmates, describing the day as a “different kind of learning experience.”

For ninth-grader Audrey Blenman, a new student who said the four-day schedule was one reason she chose Saint John Neumann, the first ‘Innovative Friday’ allowed her to experience something new.

“I want to be an engineer, so I’m not sure if there is a connection,” Blenman said after donning a hard-hat and getting a first-hand lesson in electricity from a PPL lineman. “It is something different.”

Since announcing its new four-day school week, Saint John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School has seen a 20 percent increase in enrollment.

“I absolutely love it. All the staff and students are so nice,” Dalila Morales, a brand-new eighth grader, explained. “You can really count on everyone in this school. They always have your back.”

The school even incorporated an incentive into their first ‘Innovative Friday.’ Students who visited each participating agency could have a card signed and they became eligible for prizes, including tuition vouchers, gift cards and school merchandise.

Principal Alicia McNamee said the response to the day exceeded her expectations.

“We are over the moon with the attendance and the feedback and the amount of community partners willing to come out and support us,” she said.

The school’s ‘Innovative Friday’ calendar is filled through the fall semester, and administrators are already developing opportunities for the spring.

“We have so many companies, businesses and individuals willing to partner with us, we almost don’t have enough Fridays,” McNamee added.

Students have also offered ideas for upcoming ‘Innovative Fridays,’ including learning American Sign Language and touring local hospitals.

“We’re offering students a lot of opportunity. We are not just in tune with what the students need, we’re starting to learn what their passions are,” Dr. Greevy said. “The list of ideas that they have for ‘Innovative Fridays’ is incredible.”