February 16, 2024

 

 

Good afternoon West Shore students, staff, and families,

 

We received 522 responses to the calendar survey this year and last night, the Board of School Directors adopted a calendar for the 2024-2025 school year.  I have attached a copy (attachment available at the bottom of the page) for your reference and planning. Highlights of the calendar include…

 

As you are aware, we are opening two new intermediate schools next year. Beyond construction timeline concerns, this additional time will be needed to move resources to the new grade level configuration and provide time for transition activities to be held in the new schools for our students and families. We will likely return to a late August first day in the future.

 

We have heard from many families that ending in early June was important, especially for those with high school students. In order to accomplish this, some breaks throughout the year were shortened. Again, this may or may not be a change which reoccurs moving forward. 

 Student Days Off

 

Next year's calendar incorporates six scheduled remote learning days for students with professional and support staff members using the day for staff development, data analysis, and collaboration. Students will be counted as present for the day unless parents indicate an absence. Teachers will provide work equal to a half day of instruction with assignments to be turned in the next day students are in person. Remote learning days are asynchronous and allow for flexibility at all levels.

 

Make-Up days are those days built into the school calendar to be used if unplanned school closings occur. Our intent is to use weather-related remote learning days with teacher-led, online Zoom classes, when weather necessitates a school closing; however, by specifying days as make-up days, the District is given the flexibility to use them should circumstances make it necessary to cancel all classes on a given day.

 

We heard from parents and staff that a designated day would be appreciated for parent conferences. While conferences can occur anytime throughout the school year and may be requested by parents or teachers, November 1 is a day designated for parent conferences at all levels.

This school year we are holding Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2024 on Friday, June 7 due to the availability of the Farm Show Complex. Some feedback received during the calendar survey was related to traffic concerns. We will be closely monitoring traffic and other factors this year and, if needed, may make adjustments for next school year. However, at this time it is our plan to hold Graduation Ceremonies for the Class of 2025 at the Farm Show Complex on Friday, June 6, 2025. 

 

 

Again, thank you for your participation in the calendar development process. I hope you have a great weekend.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Todd B. Stoltz

Superintendent

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