News Summary
Fayette County Public Schools has announced a mandatory makeup day on March 14 due to several snow days this winter. The decision allows families to plan ahead, ensuring students continue their education despite winter weather challenges. Superintendent Demetrus Liggins emphasized safety on icy roads, particularly for the 60% of students who rely on bus transportation. As Kentucky schools face similar weather disruptions, the education commissioner is advocating for more non-traditional instruction days in the future.
Fayette County Public Schools Announces a Make-Up Day Amid Winter Challenges!
Fayette County, brace yourselves! In a friendly heads-up to families, Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) recently announced that students will not be getting a break on March 14, as it will be a mandatory “winter weather make-up day.” This decision came in a cheerful announcement made just this past Friday, ensuring that students and parents alike can plan ahead.
When Snow Days Hit Hard
This winter has certainly thrown some curveballs, hasn’t it? FCPS faced a fair share of winter weather, taking four traditional snow days from January 7 to January 10. To add to that, the district utilized four non-traditional instruction (NTI) days on January 13-15 and again on January 22. These snow days and NTI days were necessary to keep everyone safe and sound when icy roads made for tricky travel conditions.
Now, many might wonder why March 14 was chosen for this make-up day. Well, make-up days are already built into the FCPS board-approved instructional calendar, allowing for some flexibility when nature throws a tantrum. In fact, the power to decide when these days occur rests with the superintendent. As of now, FCPS has no plans to implement any additional make-up days for this school year.
What’s Next for NTI Days?
It’s worth noting that schools across Kentucky are facing similar situations, with several districts scrambling to keep up with the weather challenges. Kentucky law allows for a maximum of 10 non-traditional instruction days, and this year, many districts have exceeded that limit due to unpredictable weather. In light of this, Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher is rallying with superintendents to urge state lawmakers to consider allowing even more NTI days in the future. This could be a helpful shift as schools adapt to the current climate.
Ensuring Safety for Students
Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has pointed out that the last snow day of the school year has now been utilized. The icy conditions are not just a hassle; they pose real risks. About 60% of FCPS students depend on bus transportation, and when roads become troublesome, ensuring the safety of these young riders gets complicated. Inexperienced student drivers navigating icy conditions is another concern on the table! Keeping students safe is priority number one.
Embracing Technology for Better Learning
Looking ahead, FCPS is keen on evolving their approach to learning and instruction. Plans are in place to incorporate more technology like Chromebooks for future NTI days. This initiative is intended to help students stay engaged, even when they can’t be in the classroom. To better understand the needs of families, the district will conduct a survey to check on the accessibility of technology at home. This is aimed at making sure everyone has what they need for continued learning, especially for those who might not have personal devices.
Supporting Every Family
FCPS is eager to help out families who may not have the necessary technology at home. They recognize the unique challenges that some families face and are committed to providing resources and support to ensure that every student can continue their education without interruption. After all, when everyone works together, there’s always a way to ensure our kids get the best learning experience!”
So, Fayette County, mark your calendars for March 14! It’s time to dust off those backpacks and prepare for a day of learning as FCPS navigates this winter weather rollercoaster!
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Schools Make-Up Day
- Kentucky.com: Weather News
- WTVQ: FCPS Winter Weather Make-Up Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education in Kentucky
- Spectrum News: FCPS Calendar Update
- Google Search: Fayette County Public Schools
