Academic Calendar approved for 2023-24
JOHNSTON, Ia. (Jan. 23, 2023) — The Johnston school board on Monday night approved the Academic Calendar for the 2023-24 school year, extending from Aug. 23, 2023 to May 31, 2024..
The new calendar eliminates early-out Wednesdays and replaces them with full-day professional development days spread throughout the year.
Some teachers advocated for the change, saying they would get more benefit from full-day professional development days, instead of one hour after school each Wednesday. That’s because by the time some teachers help students get on the bus after school, they don’t have a full hour for professional development.
Another change is the introduction of a new “Fall Break” day on Oct. 9, as well as an extra day of winter break on Jan. 2, when staff will return for professional development.
The decision on the academic calendar followed a public hearing, as well as a survey taken last month of the district’s more than 1,000 staff members.
Board members discussed the need for child care for younger children on these full days off of school. The district’s KTC child care program is expected to be available on these days for families who register in advance. Two of the full professional development days, in October and February, were moved to align with federal holidays to ease this challenge for families.
The most updated Academic Calendars can be found on the district’s website at the link below.