December 9, 2024
Re: Important Update: Adjustment to the School Calendar for January 6th
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to inform you about an adjustment to our school calendar that has been thoughtfully planned to ensure minimal disruption to students and staff while addressing a scheduling requirement.
Why the Change is Necessary
After reviewing our instructional schedule for this school year, we identified the need to make up one instructional day. This adjustment is required due to the staggered start of the school year, with odd-grade students beginning on August 7th and even-grade students starting on August 8th. While this approach eased the transition for families, it created a situation where two days did not fully meet the instructional time requirements for all students.
To address this, January 6th, originally scheduled as a day of no school for students and staff in-service, will now be designated as a virtual (student remote learning from home) instructional day for students.
What This Means for Your Child
The day will be structured to provide a balanced and flexible learning experience:
- Morning: Students will participate in live, synchronous virtual lessons from home with their teachers.
- Afternoon: Students will work on independent, asynchronous assignments designed to reinforce their learning.
School Hours
Elementary School Hours: Morning: 8:20 AM - 11:50, Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom / Afternoon: 12:30- 3:00, Independent, asynchronous learning assignments
Secondary School Hours: Morning: 7:55 - 11:50, Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom / Afternoon: 12:30-3:25, Independent, asynchronous learning assignments
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Half-Day Remote Learning Schedule
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Periods
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Class Time
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Synchronous Learning Google Classroom
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1st Hour
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7:55-8:25
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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2nd Hour
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8:30-9:00
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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3rd Hour
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9:05-9:35
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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4th Hour
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9:40-10:10
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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5th Hour
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10:15-10:45
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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6th Hour
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10:50-11:20
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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7th Hour
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11:25-11:55
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Synchronous Learning via Google Classroom/Meeting
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Lunch
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11:55-12:40
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Lunch
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Afternoon
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12:40-3:25
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Independent, asynchronous assignments
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This schedule ensures that students receive meaningful instruction while allowing staff to engage in professional development and school-level activities in the afternoon.
Why This Option?
We carefully considered the available options and determined that this adjustment provides the best flexibility for both students and staff. It avoids the need to further extend the school year or modify teacher schedules and contracts, ensuring continuity and minimal disruption to your family’s plans.
Next Steps
Your child’s teacher or school administrator will provide more detailed information about schedules and expectations for January 6th in the coming weeks. Please feel free to reach out to your school if you have any questions or need assistance with technology to support your child’s virtual learning on this day.
Our food service programs will be offering a grab-and-go bag consisting of breakfast and lunch on January 6th for all students. Pick-up time will be from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM at each school location.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we make this adjustment to meet the needs of our students and staff. Thank you for your continued support of Española Public Schools.
Sincerely,
Eric Spencer,
Superintendent
Española Public Schools