The Daviess County Public Schools Board of Education is considering revisions to the instructional calendar for the 2020-2021 school year, including a delayed start date and slightly extended days.
The Board will consider a recommendation to change the first day of school for students to Aug. 26. The previous start date would have been Aug. 12.
DCPS director of student services Damon Fleming also recommended for the calendar include the removal of Sept. 25 as a professional development day (students will be in school on that date), as well as adding 15 minutes to the end of each day school is in session.
This change will allow the district to meet mandated instructional hour requirements without adding additional days to the calendar. Elementary schools will start at 7:40 a.m. and end at 2:35 p.m., while middle and high schools will begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m.
The revisions are designed to provide flexibility in responding to a potential resurgence of cases of COVID-19.
The Board will vote on these recommendations at their next meeting, which begins at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. The public may view the meeting on the district YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/DCPSTV/live.
Dates for Spring Break, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break and Christmas Break remain unchanged. As previously announced, students will return to classes on Jan. 5, 2021, after Christmas Break.
The last day of school for students remains unchanged at May 21. As always, that date is subject to change to make up days missed for inclement weather or other reasons.
These revisions comply with requirements of KRS 158.070(2)(f), passed by the 2018 General Assembly, which maintained the statutory requirement of 1,062 instructional hours and eliminated the requirement of a minimum of 170 days of classroom instruction.
“The proposed revisions will allow our schools the opportunity to train and prepare teachers and staff for new requirements and protocols pertaining to COVID-19,” Fleming said, adding that this may include such measures as daily temperature checks, face coverings and physical distancing. “This also allows additional time for our district to procure personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves.”
The delayed opening will also provide additional time for the district to communicate with families and the community regarding requirements that will allow schools to operate in a safe environment.
These recommendations were developed through the ongoing work of the DCPS Reopening Task Force. This 17-member committee is made up of four teachers, two support staff, two parents, two health professionals, two principals, one Board of Education representative, and four district administrators. The goal of the Task Force is to ensure the best possible transition to teaching and learning for students.
Superintendent Matt Robbins said district administrators will be closely watching schools across the country that are opening earlier in August to learn from their experiences.
In addition, Robbins announced that the district is developing a survey to invite input from parents and guardians.
“We remain in communication with health agencies at the local, state and national levels, while also remaining committed to our core mission of providing a quality education and meaningful learning experiences for all students,” Robbins said. “Further, we understand and accept the vital role schools play within the context of the broader reopening of the economy. We are navigating new territory as we respond to the pandemic and ensure the health and wellness of our children. Our ‘Kids First’ commitment continues to guide every decision we make.”
If approved, the revised 2020-21 calendar will be available on the district website on Friday. Visit www.dcps.org and click on “Calendars” in the red menu bar.
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