BELTON, TX — The Belton ISD Board of Trustees has voted to approve changes to the district's spring calendar.
The board said Monday the changes were made "with the intent of better supporting teachers - and thus students - during this most unusual school year."
Three teacher in-service/student holiday days were made added on January 5, March 1 and April 26.
“It’s a different kind of school year,” said Malinda Golden, deputy superintendent. “We’re asking our teachers to manage students in multiple learning environments - sometimes simultaneously - and they’ve stepped up to the challenge.”
In October, Belton ISD leaders held Zoom meetings to gather feedback from teachers on the challenges they are facing.
“We heard our teachers,” Golden said. “To continue delivering the quality education that Belton ISD is known for, they need more time to plan together and further develop their skills. This revision to our calendar will allow that and ultimately benefit our students the most.”
The district says making adjustments to the calendar is one way to support teachers. Other efforts by the district include protecting early release Wednesdays for planning, clarifying expectations for both in-person and online students as well as increasing personnel support.
“We’re utilizing all the resources in our toolbox to continue to support teachers,” she said. “This is requiring some creativity, but it’s worth it to be able to keep offering exceptional learning to our students.”
An early dismissal day for secondary students was added on January 22 to coincide with the previously revised testing schedule.
