CHARLESTON, W.Va. — All across the state, teachers are heading back to school preparing for the start of class. This year, it’s extra early in many counties. After last year’s bad weather, plus the water crisis in nine counties, educators are determined to meet the required days of classroom instruction.
Chuck Heinlein, State Superintendent of Schools, a guest on Thursday’s MetroNews Talkline, said this gives students and teachers an advantage they wouldn’t have with later start dates.
“Their early start enables them to assure they’ll have the opportunity to stay with their scheduled calendar as they have submitted to the state superintendent and has been approved,” stressed Heinlein.
Wanye and Braxton County school were the first to start class on Tuesday. Cabell County was back in session on Wednesday. Kanawha County students return on Monday, August 11.
It’s been a race to the finish line for the educators at the new Edgewood Elementary School in Kanawha County. They will be prepared for class on Monday, according to Assistant Principal Janet Scott.
“Oh, we are ready. We will definitely be ready. The teachers have been working long hours,” she said.
Since it’s a brand new school, classrooms need organized, bulletin boards decorated and lesson plans finished. Scott stressed it will be a very unique learning opportunity for the students.
“It’s going to be a blended learning curriculum is what we’re doing. They blend textbooks. We have the technology with it as well and student hands-on activities,” explained Scott.
Not all schools are taking advantage of the early start option. Brooke County isn’t back in session until August 25. Lincoln and Marion Counties begin classes on August 21.
No matter what the start date, Heinlein said the same is expected from every county.
“It is required that every county schedule 180-days of instruction and make every effort throughout the school year to incorporate 180-days of instruction between the beginning of their school and if necessary extending their school year through June 30,” according to Heinlein.
If all goes according to plan, Cabell County’s last day of school will be May 20. But a system starting later, like Lincoln County, won’t finish up until June 11.