01/30/14 Several area school corporations are exploring possible changes in their school calendars in an effort meet higher expectations for educating today’s youth, while at the same time, making sure there is sufficient time for remediation.

Argos, Culver, John Glenn, Knox, North Judson, Oregon-Davis, Plymouth and Triton School Corporations have scheduled a series of meeting to gather public input and answer questions on a balanced schedule that could be implemented for the 2015-2016 school year.

The new type of schedule being considered is not the same as year round school, according to information displayed on schools websites. If adopted, the number of days in school would remain at 180, the number required to meet state mandates. However, the proposed scheduling would mean that the time out of school in the summer would be limited to eight weeks.

An added advantage could be opportunities for family to take vacations at different times throughout the year.

During four breaks throughout the school year, interventions for those students experiencing would be offered. Traditionally, remediation has taken place primarily during the summer, but the dispersed sessions would take the place of summer school.

Presentations during information sessions could answer concerns by parents and other community members on the possible impact on athletic events, summer jobs for students or teachers, transportation, required attendance, conflicts with special education of vocational education classes, and host of others.

Those attending one or all of the sessions will be given a survey to help administrators and school boards make final decisions.

Sessions are scheduled as follows:

Feb. 5       Plymouth Riverside Intermediate       6:30 P.M.

Feb. 10      Plymouth Menominee Elementary      6:30 P.M.

Feb. 11      Plymouth High School                 6:30 P.M.

March 4     North Judson  Elementary             7:00 P. M.

March 6     Knox High School                      6:00 P.M.

March 6     North Judson High School              7:00 P.M.

March 10    Triton Administration Building         7:00 P.M.

March 11    Walkerton Elementary                  7:00 P.M.

March 12    Oregon-Davis Board Room             6:00 P.M.

March 12    Culver High School                     7:00 P.M.

March 13    Argos Administration Building          6:00 P.M.

March 13    John Glenn High School                7:00 P.M.

 

Carol Anders Correspondent