The winter of 2009-10 has been one of record proportion and there are still many more weeks ahead for additional cold, ice and snow.  To date, students have missed a total of 6 days, or in terms of instructional hours 39.48 hours at the high school, 38.88 hours at the middle school, and 38.10 hours at the elementary school. 

Every hour lost is a missed opportunity for student learning.  In order to address that lost instructional time the Board of Education at its January Board Meeting approved several recommendations made by the administration.

Two calendar changes are planned at this point that will involve all students.  Thursday, February 18, was originally scheduled as a teacher in-service day.  This day has now been changed to a student day.  Tuesday, April 6, was originally scheduled as one of four Spring Break days.  This day has also been changed to a student day.

Two additional changes were made that specifically involve high school students. On January 14th and 15th the high school adjusted the semester testing schedule and removed the early dismissals for both days (families were notified via Alertnow).  That change gained back one full day of instruction, and allowed for additional review prior to final exams.  The second change will be the final day for seniors and does not pertain to other students.  That date has now been set for Wednesday, May 19.  Hours for seniors have become a particular concern this year with a change in state level requirements for reporting.

The Elkhorn Board of Education has also approved tentative plans if there is an additional snow day between January 18 and March 8.  In the event that a 7th snow day is needed, Thursday, April 1st would be changed from a Spring Break day to a student day. This decision was made now so as to provide families with as much advance notice as possible.  Should a snow day occur after March 8th, any additional make up time will be through a different option and April 1st will remain as a Spring Break day.

It is anticipated that these changes may involve dates for which some families have already made plans to be out of town.  This is understandable and the staff will work with students that are absent in the same manner that they would if the student were ill.  Students and parents are always encouraged to work with their teachers to plan for absences when they are pre-planned.

Semester 2 Calendar Changes Due to Snow Days
January 14th and 15th	Finals Schedules were changed to full days at EHS
February 18th	Changes from a teacher in-service day to a student instructional day
April 6th	Changes from a Spring Break day to a student instructional day
May 19th	Changes from an early release for seniors to an instructional day
Note:  In the event that a 7th snow day is needed between now and March 8, Thursday, April 1st would be changed from a Spring Break day to a student day.