Friday, May 24, 2013

School Calendar 2.0

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Parents and Community Members:

In 2010, the Champlain Valley Superintendents created a task force to review the current school year calendar, study alternative models, propose a modified calendar based on 21st century principles, generate an engagement plan and develop steps for implementing a transformed calendar for the 2014-2015 school year. 

Over the course of 2.5 years, the task force studied national and international calendar structures and analyzed potential constraints and challenges of altering the existing school year calendar – all with the goal of increasing student learning and achievement.  After much discussion, planning and exploration, the Champlain Valley Superintendents are ready to present a draft school year calendar to constituents. 

Below you will find resources that will help you understand the guiding principles of the draft school year calendar and some of the potential benefits of the model.  Please take time to review these resources and provide feedback.  It is important to emphasize that this is not an approved school year calendar.  The Champlain Valley Superintendents and I want to engage constituents in a conversation and get their input on the strengths and challenges of modifying a school year calendar format that has been in place for decades.  This communication is the first step in capturing feedback from individuals who will be affected by reconfiguring the school year.

Resources as follows:
Thank you for taking the time consider this change and share your perspective as we look for new and innovative ways to meet the academic and societal needs of every student. 

Sincerely,
John Alberghini
Superintendent, Chittenden East Supervisory Union

3 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. It would be nice to use non-instruction time for the administration of standardized testing (necap, sbac, assessments, plan/psats AND to have a requirement that special celebratory school trips, field days etc occur on the first day of those breaks so as to minimize disruption of instructional time.

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  3. I think the proposed calendar would present difficulties for students and parents. Creative learning opportunities like summer camps, summer educational programs, athletic programs and other creative outlets including time with family will be impacted. Cutting 5 days at both ends of the summer is asking too much. Parents get your kids away from the computer and television - that's a huge step toward eliminating "summer boredom".

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