We have it

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Home : 2008 : May : 26

We have it
By jch

We went to a 4-day week 2 years ago. There are at least 3 other districts in our state that went to a 4-day before us. We are a very rural district and did it mainly to save money. Our bus routes are the longest in the state.
We are hours from anywhere and our ADA was in the dumps as we had kids constantly going out of town for medical or family concerns. Our nearest district competitor in sports is 3 hours away.

Our survey last fall indicated that over 88% of the parents were in favor of it and wanted it to continue. Keep in mind that the majority of parents who we heard from are elementary parents!!!

We gave these surveys out during conferences and we always have a higher percentage of elementary parents come than secondary. Parents noted that it gave them more family time, and they liked not having to take their kids out of school for appointments.

We did a lot of research from districts who had successfully implemented it. We had National Honor Society students ready to baby-sit on Fridays (they do a certain amount of service), our After School program had a full day planned, and our school offered enrichment activities on Fridays. Once we started school, it seemed that parents had found "niches" for their kids. Regarding the concern as to what the parents will do with their kids on Fridays causes me to ask what do they do with their kids during summer months?

I love the 4-day week, but am very conscientious about pacing the curriculum - I teach self-contained 6th grade. Every second is precious. I finally have enough time to complete science labs in one period (66 minutes)!

One idea, which didn't pan out as completely as originally planned, was regarding our sports schedule. We tried to get most events on Fri and Sat, but because almost all the schools we compete against are on a 5-day schedule, we weren't as successful as we had hoped. Regardless, any sports on Thurs, Fri, or Sat give the kids a full night's sleep when they get home, as opposed to only Fri or Sat.

I love the 4-day week. On a selfish note, I no longer have to take days off to go to medical or eye appointments (a 3 hour drive - one way). I have time to get my chores done on Friday and then recreate on Sat and Sun. Teachers do work 1/2 day one Friday a month for grade level meetings and other needs. Many teachers go to school every Friday just to have some quiet time, and offer that time to help students on a one on one basis.

I don't see us going back to a 5-day week, mainly because of the increased costs of bringing it back in terms of energy - bussing and heating.