Calendar
Wednesday Afternoon Collaboration Time
For many years, elementary school teachers have had 2 hours
each week for lesson planning and preparation. This usually occurs on Friday
afternoon unless school is not in session on Friday. During this critical time,
teachers plan for up to 30 lessons for the next week. However, teachers have
expressed that they have not had sufficient time to review student data and
collaborate with other teachers on behalf of students. Research shows that these
activities are vital in helping students achieve. Beginning with the current
school year, teachers are allowed 6 Wednesday afternoons throughout the year to
analyze student data, share effective instructional practices with colleagues
and discuss student needs. This time was created for teachers by standardizing
all lunch recesses across the district to 35 minutes. Students still receive the
same hours of instructional time during the year as before. In fact, students
receive ten hours more than the 990 instructional hours required by the State
Board of Education. The Granite School District Board of Education approved
these days in November of 2006 and the information has been posted on the
district website for
School Calendars since December of
2006. Additionally, schools were asked to provide this information to parents at
the beginning of the school year. A committee has been formed consisting of
parents, teachers and principals to evaluate the Wednesday collaboration pilot
and will make recommendations to the Board of Education in the spring of 2008.
Asked at Cottonwood High School network meeting, October 17,
2007
Asked at Skyline High School community meeting, January 16,
2008
Asked at Taylorsville High School community meeting, January
22,
2008
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Creation of School District Calendar
The calendar is created by the calendar
committee consisting of parents, teachers and administrators. All parents in the
district are surveyed every few years to determine the critical elements desired
for the calendar such as starting/ending dates and the length of winter, fall
and spring recesses. Survey results are combined with requirements by the State
of Utah for 180 days and 990 hours of instruction to create the calendar. A new
survey will be sent to parents this spring.
Immediate feedback on the calendar can be addressed by contacting Mr.
Paul Hansen at
pohansen@graniteschools.org.
Asked at Cottonwood High School network meeting, October 17,
2007
Asked at Skyline High School community meeting, January 16,
2008
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Middle Level
All of the middle level (7-9 grades) schools have the option
of being on a traditional 7 period, 8 period, block, or modified block schedule.
The decision is school-based and must include the approval of the School
Community Council, the majority of parents and the majority of staff members.
All schedules must be approved by the Granite Board of Education.
Asked at Granger High School network meeting, October 23,
2007
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Optional Extended Day Kindergarten
A specific allocation has been provided
by the legislature to allow twenty-four of our elementary schools to offer
extended day kindergarten. We are pleased with the results obtained by these
schools and plan to offer this option at additional locations as the legislature
increases funding for optional extended day kindergarten.
Asked at Granger High School network meeting, October 23,
2007
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Year-Round Tracks
Because of the complexity of year-round schedules, it becomes
difficult to provide all activities for students on each track. If your child is
excluded from programs or activities provided by the school because of a track
assignment, please contact the school administration and/or the School Community
Council for assistance in addressing this conflict.
Asked at Granger High School network meeting, October 23,
2007
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