LA VERNIA, Texas – Students in the La Vernia Independent School District are back for another year of school. Doors have opened for La Vernia Primary School as students get ready for another year of four-day school weeks.
The school year will look like this:
- 800 kids enrolled
- 12 classes for every grade
- Four-day school week
Classes will have their own gardens, chickens and there is a new outdoor classroom.
Principal Shelley Keck says the four-day weeks have improved teacher work-life balance and has led to schools assigning less homework.
“In order to get our instructional minutes that the state requires, we come back about eight days early, which is well worth it to get those three day weekends,” Principal Keck said.
She also mentioned that the 4-day week has improved learning and attendance at the school. Not only does this benefit students, she says, but the teachers and staff at La Vernia Primary.
“You know, it really allowed us to have a work, home life balance. We found that just our climate felt happier. We were able to not only balance work, but a great home life,” Keck said.
Families within the district say the four-day week is better for giving kids a break and taking vacations.
Kasie Tankersley, a parent to a 2nd grade student at La Vernia Primary, says the new schedule has allowed her family to take time for themselves.
“We like it. It’s good. You know, it leaves Fridays kind of open to do those things that maybe we want to do as a family, or just to kind of have that day at home to regroup,” she says.
