Cheraw Schools Considers Year-Round Class Schedules

Description: Superintendent Seeking Input from the Cheraw Schools Community... See Two Proposed Schedule Drafts in the Photo Gallery Below...

Cheraw School Calendar 24-25 Going Year-Round?

In a letter posted on the school district's social media page on January 18th, Cheraw Schools Superintendent Matthew Snyder asked the Cheraw Community for their input on Jan 29th as the district considers year-round class schedule options. As a reason for considering the schedule change, Snyder quoted research claiming "on average, students' achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month's worth of school-year learning."

Two possible calendar drafts were included with Snyder's letter, which cited more vacation days built within the school year, which displaces school days into the traditional summer months and the same number of school days (144) scheduled. This could help combat "Summer learning loss," Snyder said, "I look forward to our robust and informative conversation Monday, January 29 at 6:30pm in the Cheraw School District Board Room."

Complete letter:

I'd like to hear from the community what they think about a year-round school option.

A message from the school has already been distributed inviting the public to a discussion in the Cheraw Board Room, Monday, January 29 at 6:30pm.

Why?

The primary purpose of schools is to provide knowledge to our youth. To that end, we see a strong dip in academic ability during the summer vacation. The research refers to it as "summer learning loss". One such report concludes that "on average, students' achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month's worth of school-year learning" Summer learning loss: What is it, and what can we do about it? (Brookings). Instead of ignoring it. I'd like to consider other options.

I realize there are a multitude of other benefits and concerns. This is where input from the community will be valuable.

With this letter are two drafts of what a year-round school could look like. They are meant to create a starting point with the public. THEY ARE ONLY DRAFTS. In no way have they been approved for next year. Some drafts have already been distributed. But without context, it can create confusion. Here are a couple points to consider as we move this conversation forward:

1) More vacation days are built within the school year, which displaces school days into the traditional summer months.

2) The number of school days are the same, 144.

I look forward to our robust and informative conversation Monday, January 29 @ 6:30pm in the Board Room.

Matthew D. Snyder, Ed.D. Superintendent

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