Synchronized Clocks Make Learning Easier

Royalton Public Schools serves approximately 950 students in preschool through grade 12 in Central Minnesota. Its elementary school building and its combined middle school/high school campus are located one half-mile apart.

The elementary and middle school/high school relied on wired clocks throughout their buildings, but none of the clocks were synchronized. This caused many problems for students and teachers.

For example, students had five minutes to dress and get to the bus stop at the end of the day. When clocks were a few minutes off, it caused students to be late, or nearly miss the bus.

One teacher lost three minutes of prep time every day because his students showed up too early from another class.

Tony Duevel, building and grounds director at Royalton Schools, began evaluating synchronized timekeeping systems that would keep all of the clocks showing the same, precise time. This would help the schools operate more efficiently, give students and teachers a better experience, reduce tardiness problems and cut down on maintenance costs.

Duevel selected the American Time SiteSync IQ Hybrid Clock System for the Royalton elementary and middle school/high school.

SiteSync IQ could integrate with Royalton’s existing wired clock system along with any new wireless clocks that they installed — an excellent solution for a district that wanted to replace many, but not all, of its clocks.

“I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback from teachers and staff about how helpful it is to finally have synchronized time. Every clock, computer and device in our schools shows the exact same time,” says Duevel.

“Even a bus driver commented on how much easier it is for them to stay on time because all of our students are coming out at the same time instead of three or four minutes apart. We’re very happy with the service!”

www.american-time.com

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • DLR Group Appoints New K–12 Education Practice Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has named its new global K–12 Education leader, Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, according to a news release. Her teams have members in all 36 of the firm’s offices in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia.

  • Abstract tech network data connections with orange, blue glowing dots, lines

    3 Trends for Higher Education to Stay Ahead of in 2026

    As universities enter the new year, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary, but how quickly institutions can convert technological potential into strategic advantage.

  • Beyond Four Walls

    Operable glass walls provide a dynamic solution for educational spaces. They align with today’s evolving teaching methods and adapt to the needs of modern learners. Beyond the functional versatility, movable glass walls offer clean, contemporary aesthetics, slim and unobtrusive profiles, and versatile configurations that cater to the evolving needs of students and educators alike.

  • Little Grand Market

    Designing for Belonging: Why Student Wellness Starts with Space

    From walkable site planning to flexible interiors, intentional design choices play a critical role in how students experience comfort, connection, and community.

Digital Edition