Early+Release+Days

Hello Everyone:

Amazingly, we made it through a full week without a snow event!

//The links below are to the programs for the February 17 and 18 professional development days.//

On Thursday, February 17, Dr. Malcolm Smith, NH’s own national speaker on bullying, will be presenting his perspective on the new law and how educators/community members can help young people.

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Friday’s program, February 18, includes time to plan for a “Blizzard Bag” program. In response to continually asking the state to waive the day requirement, the Kearsarge Regional School District developed an at home education program to replace days lost to snow.

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As of this date, the Hopkinton School District has experienced four snow days. This year we instituted “no later than dates,” June 22 for elementary and June 23 for secondary, to help staff and families plan. When snow days exceed the three allocated in the calendar, a plan to accommodate the day(s) without extending the school year is needed. Currently, extending the school day for three weeks could accommodate the fourth snow day. Although it is still early in the snow day season, extending the school day has an impact on students and staff.

On Tuesday night, February 15, the following plan will be presented to the Hopkinton School Board and, if supported, to the New Hampshire Department of Education:


 * 1) //To make up snow day number four:// Request HEA and HESS support to extending the school day for three weeks in March (approximately 30 minutes/day).
 * 2) //To make up for snow day number five (if necessary)//: Develop a blizzard bag program, as described above. The February 18 early release day will be focused on the development of the blizzard bag program.
 * 3) //To make up for snow day number six (if necessary)//: Convert the previously allocated professional development day, April 8, a student day. Repurpose April 8 to a summer curriculum day or end of year professional development day.
 * 4) //To make up for snow day number seven (if necessary)//: Consider extending the school day an additional three weeks.
 * 5) //To make up for snow day number eight (if necessary)//: Discuss the petitioning of the state for a waiver of the 180 requirement with the Hopkinton School Board, as hours of instruction exceed the state requirement.

Guidelines for lesson development, at home availability, and other aspects of a blizzard bag program will be made available soon.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Steven M. Chamberlin Superintendent of Schools