Now in its third year of four-day school weeks, the Warren County R-III School District is finding that the alternate weekly structure has created a lot of consistency in how the calendar for each …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, or you are a print subscriber who had access to our previous wesbite, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you have not yet logged in to your account on this new site.
If you are a current print subscriber and did not have a user account on our previous website, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
Now in its third year of four-day school weeks, the Warren County R-III School District is finding that the alternate weekly structure has created a lot of consistency in how the calendar for each year is scheduled. Board members approved the calendar for the 2022-23 school year during their monthly board meeting on Nov. 11, with minimal adjustments from the current year.
“We’re looking at pretty much the same calendar as this year,” noted Superintendent Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith, who added that some of those decisions are outside of district control.
“The start dates are all determined in Jefferson City (through legislation) of when we can start school,” said Klinginsmith. “That’s pretty much locked and then of course also affects when we finish the school year.”
Students in the R-III district will begin school on Aug. 23, and their last day will be June 2. This includes 160 staff days and 147 days in school for students. Graduation for the Class of 2023 will be on June 10.
The board chose March 20 through 24 for its spring break to accommodate those who attend the Four Rivers Career Center in Franklin County.
“Our spring break lines up with Washington, which is where our tech kids go to school,” said Klinginsmith. “I think a lot of districts have moved their spring break to that week.”
Students will be off Nov. 21 through 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday next year and Dec. 19 through 30 for the Christmas holiday break.
Sticking with the current four-day school week, students will be off on Mondays and in session Tuesday through Friday. Snow make-up days will be held on the following Monday, with the first five days utilizing the district’s Alternative Method of Instruction plan.
“The beauty of the four-day calendar is that it’s so consistent every year, that there’s not a lot of discussion needed about when we have to do professional development,” said Klinginsmith. “The calendar makes itself, really. That consistency is really nice when building a calendar.”
He said the district is seeing the benefits of the four-day week come to fruition, particularly in a few areas.
“It’s definitely helped us on the financial end,” said Klinginsmith. “This is really the most efficient way to operate. The main reason we did the switch was to have teacher retention, because we know the most important thing in the classroom is having that consistent qualified person. We’re seeing that retention, and we believe this is helping keep teachers in Warren County. We’re definitely seeing it as a reason people are staying.”
