2023-2024 Academic Calendar
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- Gainesville ISD
- Student/Parent FAQ
Parent/Student FAQ
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Will the loss of one instructional day have a negative impact on the progress of student learning?
Students who need additional time will be able to come in on the extra day for small group instruction, remediation, and intervention.
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How will the four-day week affect students receiving special education services? Will there be SPED teachers for students requiring intervention on the non-instructional day? (Dyslexia, OT, etc.)
Yes. All full time staff will be at work and available those days and all special education services will be offered as required by the state and needed for the student. The IEP is an individualized education plan and the ARD committee will determine what services that each student will need to make meaningful progress. The department and therapists will be collaborating to look at a variety of service delivery models and services. A similar process will be conducted with regard to reading instruction through the dyslexia specialists. Under the 4-day school week, the students will be attending school the required hours outlined in the student attendance guidelines, so services will be determined based on the ARD committees’ recommendation for each student to make meaningful progress. There will have to be adjustments made according to the minutes of the day under the 4-day school week. The Special Education ARD teams will work to prioritize meetings to be held during the students’ day off, but there will be meetings that will be held when school is in session. The department will develop a plan to ensure there is a balance, so we are in compliance with required timelines. Each year, the Special Education department analyzes staffing needs and determines if additional staff in a variety of areas are needed. This staffing plan may include various positions including behavior and academic support based on need. After collaborating with surrounding districts who have transitioned to the 4-day instructional week, the consensus is that the additional day off each week takes a lot of stress off the students who struggle in school.
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How will parents be able to find childcare for one day a week?
Parents will need to plan accordingly like they currently do for days that are scheduled student holidays. Given this a shift in the entire community, we are confident that our local childcare providers will be able to assist families with this change. Many discussions have already been had with district administration and these entities, including the Boys & Girls Club.
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Will transportation be provided to students that require intervention on the non-instructional day?
Yes
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Will meals be provided to students on the non-instructional day?
We are working on this with Child Nutrition and the USDA through grants to see our options.
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Will tutorials be held on the non-instructional day, or after school on an instructional day?
Both options will be available.
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Will there be extra recess, nap-times, for small children due to the increased time added to the school day?
We understand that a longer day for our youngest learners could be an issue. We will make scheduling adjustments within the learning day as needed.
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Will there be an increase in homework for students due to the loss in instructional time?
No. Students will have the required amount of instructional time required by the state. The additional day without instruction does not equate to less instructional time overall and therefore will not increase homework assigned.