Resources For Schools Considering the Switch

We are often contacted by schools who are considering a switch to the four-day week.  These schools often ask if we have any resources that other schools have used to explore the transition.  Below you will find some resources that have been shared with us and may be helpful as examples from other school districts.   

General Tips for the Planning Process

1. When considering a shift to a four-day school week, it’s essential to openly discuss why this change is being explored with your community. Remember, more than 70% of community members may not have children currently attending school. For many of them, the reasons behind such a significant adjustment may not be clear. If schools don’t carefully communicate and include these individuals in the conversation, there’s a chance they could feel disconnected or even opposed to the idea, especially if they experience no reduction in their tax contributions to the school district. "What do you mean everyone is working one day less a week and my taxes are the same?" 

2. From the start, make it a priority to gather input from groups directly impacted by this change, including families of children with special needs, school nurses, social workers, and staff who work closely with younger students. These voices will help you understand how this change might affect families who face unique challenges. Including representatives from families with elementary-aged children is especially important since younger students often need the most support.

3. When collecting feedback, encourage people to focus on how a four-day week would affect their own family’s routines and needs rather than hypothetical scenarios. This ensures that the feedback you receive is grounded in real experiences and concerns within your community.

4. Take extra time—likely more than you expect—to develop a plan for how the fifth day (the day off) will be used. Will students be assigned homework on this day? Will athletes need to attend practices? Will extracurricular activities like club trips or rehearsals be scheduled on this day to preserve classroom learning time? For instance, some schools require art club field trips to museums to happen on the fifth day to avoid disrupting regular instruction.

5. Many schools transitioning to a four-day week also increase professional development for teachers. Make sure this plan is clearly communicated early on. Without clarity, some might assume professional development days are a chance to schedule personal appointments, which could interfere with the intent of these professional development days which are a clear advantage of the four-day school week.

6. Finally, explore unique opportunities that a four-day week can bring. This model can offer students valuable learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting. For example, schools may use the fifth day for work-study programs that connect students with local job opportunities or youth programs like sports leagues, school plays, art clubs, or farm days. Many schools create community service projects on the fifth day doing things like renovating parks, working with senior citizens, and doing "good deeds" around the community. These activities can be led by teachers, non-certified staff, or even community volunteers, ensuring students stay engaged and active.

7. By fostering open communication, gathering diverse perspectives, and planning thoughtfully, schools can make the transition to a four-day week a positive experience for everyone involved.  But always remember, some families will be negatively impacted by the four-day week.  It is important to hear their challenges and to work with them. 

Some Helpful Resources from Other Schools Planning Process

Parent, Student, Staff Survey from Houston Schools (Missouri) in Fall, 2024

Summary of 4 Day School Week Research (Fall 2024) from IES (Link)

Warren County (Warrenton) Missouri School Board Presentation (leading up to vote on four-day week)

Forsyth Parent Survey (prior to vote to go to four-day week)

Forsyth School Community Presentation

Ralls County Schools Staff/Faculty Benefit Changes (specifically documents potential changes made to sick day, vacation, and personal day policies)

Many school districts utilize the "5th Day" on a four-day school week for additional professional development opportunities for their staff.  A great model is "Maroon Monday" developed at the School Of The Osage.  Check out their "Maroon Monday" plan (beginning on page 30) here. 

Sample of Parent Survey We Used As Part of Our Research at Missouri State 

Eminence R-I Schools "Fifth Day Plan" for "RedWings Explorers Club"