LCSD 56 School Board Votes to Approve First Reading of 23-24 Modified School Calendar

Last week the Laurens County School District 56 Board met and on the agenda was the first reading the 2023-2024 school calendar. The following day, Superintendent Dr. O’Shields sent a letter out to all parents and guardians.  In the letter, Dr. O’Shields advocates for the modified school calendar saying that it provides the district the flexibility start earlier and provide for extended fall and spring breaks.  You can read the letter in its entirety below.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Last night at the Laurens County School District 56 board meeting, the School Board voted to approve First Reading of the 2023 – 2024 School Calendar. The 2023 – 2024 School Calendar is a modified calendar which provides the district the flexibility of starting school before the third Monday of August, but still provides our students 8 weeks of Summer Vacation (June 2 – August 1)! The modified calendar also provides our students and families with extended fall and spring breaks. This calendar also allows the district to hold intersession remediation for students to enhance their educational experience.

Here are some facts about modified calendars:

• Students attend school 180 days.
• Teachers attend school 190 days.
• Intersession Remediation will be recommended for students who are not meeting grade level standards and expectations or who are struggling with attendance and tardies. This provides opportunities for students to complete content recovery throughout the semester instead of falling farther behind and not having an opportunity to recover until the school year is over (summer school).
• Summer Reading Camps will still be held to support students beyond the school calendar.
• Students will have traditional holidays and winter breaks.
• Sports and extracurricular activities will run as normal.

On the back of this letter, you will find a draft of the modified calendar. We would love your input and feedback. Please email [email protected] to provide your comments and questions.

Sincerely,

David O’Shields, Ph.D.

Superintendent