A small town in Alberta is making a big change to its school schedule. Starting in the fall, students at the New Horizons School in Drayton Valley will attend classes for four days instead of the traditional five.
The decision was made by the school board after careful consideration and consultation with parents, teachers, and community members. The move is aimed at improving student well-being and academic performance, as well as addressing budget constraints.
According to the school board chair, the four-day week will allow for more flexibility in scheduling and will give students an extra day to rest and recharge. This is especially important for students who have long commutes or participate in extracurricular activities.
The change is also expected to have a positive impact on the school’s budget. By reducing the number of school days, the school will save on transportation, utilities, and other operational costs. This will allow for more resources to be allocated towards student learning and development.
While some may have concerns about the impact on student learning, the school board assures that the four-day week will not affect the quality of education. The school will still meet the required number of instructional hours set by the province, and teachers will have the same amount of time to cover the curriculum.
The decision to switch to a four-day week is not uncommon in rural areas, where schools often face budget constraints and low enrollment. In fact, New Horizons School is not the first in Alberta to make this change. Other schools in the province, such as the Fort Vermilion School Division, have successfully implemented a four-day week schedule.
The school board is confident that this change will have a positive impact on the students and the community as a whole. They believe that by prioritizing student well-being and optimizing resources, the four-day week will lead to a more efficient and effective learning environment.
Parents and students are encouraged to attend an information session in the coming weeks to learn more about the new schedule and address any concerns they may have. The school is also working on providing childcare options for families who may need it on the fifth day.
Overall, the switch to a four-day week at New Horizons School is a significant change, but one that is expected to bring many benefits. The school board is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and is looking forward to seeing the positive impact on students in the upcoming school year.
