Chester Schools Move Forward with Modified Balanced Calendar

CHESTER, S.C. (CN2 NEWS) – Like other school districts throughout the Tri-County the Chester County School District is moving forward with a Modified Balanced Calendar for the 2023-2024 year.

The District listened to community feedback and surveys showed more than 65% of families approve of a modified balanced calendar.

School will start earlier in August, but now there are multiple week-long breaks scattered throughout the year to give teachers and students a break and to help with academic assistance.

PRESS RELEASE:
Chester County, SC (01/24/2023): The Chester County School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve a Modified Balanced Calendar for the 2023 – 2024 school year. The District is joining others in surrounding counties in implementing the change. District officials presented the calendar as a recommendation to the Board based on community feedback.

Director of Marketing and Communications, Chris Christoff, presented public survey data showing a total of over 65% of survey respondents voting in favor of the new calendar. “We’ve received input from our parents, high school level students, teachers and staff, business leaders, and other stakeholders. Most of the feedback sent in was positive and in full support of trying this new calendar.”

The Board and District leaders feel the new calendar will provide an opportunity for students to receive additional academic assistance, and give teachers a chance for a much-needed reprieve throughout the school year. “Teacher burnout is very real,” CCSD Superintendent, Dr. Antwon Sutton, said. “School districts around the country are in a state where teachers are leaving the profession due to high stress, or other factors, and we’re trying to find ways to help relieve that stress and create an environment where they can continue to be successful, which in turn, will greatly benefit our students.” The Modified Balanced Calendar includes two intersession weeks, one in the fall, and the other in the spring. Students may use this time as a break, or to receive additional help with classwork similar to the District’s summer school program.

“We cannot afford to wait until the end of a quarter, or the end of a semester to get those students who need help back on track. We are still feeling the impact that COVID-19 had on learning, and this is an opportunity for early intervention into learning recovery.” The District plans on monitoring the impact of the new calendar in the hopes of seeing a decrease in summer remediation, and an increase in teacher and student performance.

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