Dear Parents,
As you know, the district has been considering a four-day school week for the 2024-2025 school year. During the April board meeting, I presented the four-day week option to the school board and it was officially adopted.
Why did we pursue the idea of the four-day school week?
Research shows that the number one factor in student achievement is having a high quality teacher in the classroom. As a small rural school district, we experience frequent turnover in our teaching staff, and with the very real shortage of teachers in the state of Iowa, we needed to take action to set ourselves apart from other school districts to attract and retain quality teachers. We are confident that this transition will allow us to both recruit and retain high quality teachers at Twin Cedars.
After thorough consideration, careful planning, staff and community surveys, and public meetings we are confident that this transition will bring about numerous benefits for our students, faculty, and families alike. We believe it will not only optimize instructional time but also provide valuable opportunities for students to engage in enrichment activities, pursue personal interests, and enjoy much-needed downtime for rest and rejuvenation.
Here are some key highlights and considerations regarding the four-day week calendar:
Extended Instructional Time: Despite the reduction to a four-day week, we will strategically structure the schedule to ensure that students receive the same amount of instructional time as before. This means that learning will remain our top priority, and academic standards will not be compromised. Iowa law requires school districts to schedule and teach for 1080 hours. We will meet and slightly exceed that expectation.
Increased Flexibility: The new calendar offers families greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, extracurricular activities, and family time. With an additional day off each week, students will have more opportunities to pursue interests outside the classroom and spend quality time with loved ones.
Teacher Professional Development: Once a month the fifth day of the week will be dedicated to teacher professional development, collaboration, and planning. This will enable our educators to continuously refine their teaching practices, and provide even greater support to our students.
Click this link, or visit the school website, for access to the 2024-2025 school calendar. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we embark on this exciting journey together.
Sincerely,
Scott Bridges
Superintendent
Twin Cedars CSD