Why Explore a Balanced Calendar?

It's all about our students. After our experience with teaching and learning during a pandemic, it became obvious that a great deal of learning loss occurs when students have large breaks of time when not in school. Many schools across the nation have reported improved student performance and a boost in morale after they implemented a balanced calendar. In addition, during the more frequent breaks, many schools have included intersessions where students and teachers can come together without the stress of testing, assessments, and assignment anxiety.

• Merge teacher passion and student interest

• Distribute learning throughout a calendar year

• Extended breaks occur every 9 weeks, fostering improved mental well-being and increased engagement--for students and teachers

• Extended breaks can include Intersessions to provide additional opportunities for enrichment/remediation

• Address learning loss from prolonged summer breaks

Hopewell City Public Schools implemented a new division-wide “balanced calendar” during the current 2021-22 SY. This is the first year of their new school calendar.

Several members of the Exploratory Committee visited HCPS in early October and observed Intersession classes at an elementary, middle, and high school, and met with the superintendent, calendar coordinator, and teachers/coordinators at each school.

Much of the committee’s current learning is based upon Hopewell’s calendar journey and process, and feedback/recommendations learned from HCPS staff.

• 180 instructional days

• Breaks incorporated after each marking period

• First semester ends prior to winter break

• Traditional holidays and spring break maintained

• Winter break nearly two full weeks

• Six-week summer break for students (if not participating in Intersession)

• Two dedicated PD periods for teachers:

  • July - prior to first day of school

  • January - after the winter holiday and prior to student return

  • New teachers return two weeks prior to first day of school in July

• School year ends early/mid-June

• Six intersession weeks per school year (fall, spring, summer)