The Ector ISD School Board approved the 4-Day Instructional Week Calendar for the 2023-24 school year.
The community and staff surveys both showed favor for a 4-Day Instructional Week.
“Our strategy is simple – to attract and retain top educators. That’s the #1 way to impact student outcomes. WE anticipate that it will drive enrollment and this generating revenues which will allow us to offer more courses and resources that will directly impact student learning,” said the school online.
Why a 4-day instructional work week?
Curriculum…teachers can be more prepared. This schedule has built in time for planning/professional development, as well as built in time for remediation.
Morale…A 4-day instructional work week allows for a better work/life balance for all staff and more time with family for students and staff.
Staff and students will be more energized and teacher retention rates will improve because of less burnout. This will improve teacher effectiveness and help Ector ISD continue to recruit high-quality staff.
Chronic absenteeism can be lessened with the new schedule.
Frequently asked questions…..
Will students be off every Friday?
No, we have scheduled Power Fridays approximately every third Friday of the school year. Students will be required to attend Power Fridays from 7:45am-12:30pm. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Buses will run as normal on those days as well.
What is a Power Friday?
Students will participate in enrichment activities that include fine arts, small group instruction, academic groups and community activities. Power Friday will be from 7:45am-12:30pm. Regular compulsory attendance rules apply.
How long will the students have to be at school each day?
7:45am-3:55pm, twenty five minutes was added to the school day.
Will child care be available for the Fridays off?
Yes, we plan to have staff available to students without proper supervision at home. More information regarding this program will be communicated soon.
Will students that need food service support be provided meals for days off?
Yes, Ector ISD is currently organizing an Ector Cares backpack program that will support students in this area. More information regarding this program will be communicated soon.
How will a 4-day week affect athletic transportation and schedules?
Ector ISD Athletics will work with parents and students to ensure everyone is allowed to participate.
Will student instruction be cut short due to a 4-Day Instructional Week?
No, we are required to have 75,600 minutes of instruction each school year. The adopted calendar has the same number of instructional minutes as the previous 5 Day Calendar; the only difference is the structure.
Ector ISD looks forward to the 2023-24 school year and offering new opportunities for our students and staff!
