Students in York County head back to school amid learning, calendar changes

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — This week, thousands of students across our area are heading back to school.

Students in York School District 1 wrapped up their first day on Monday. This year, they face some big changes, including a new calendar and a new program that will change the way some students learn.

“We’re doing a lot with the student-centered learning, so it’s all about the student,” Jefferson Elementary School Principal Mattie Hughes told reporter Tina Terry.

The state board of education has granted York School District 1 the flexibility to implement “competency-based” learning.

Hughes said teachers will work to individualize learning.

“Some of them need that small group setting, some of them you can give them a little direction and they are able to kind of take off,” Hughes explained. “So you need to figure out that student’s needs and how to push them.”

District officials said students will be able to change their course work based on their readiness. High school students who test out of basic courses could have more time for apprenticeships and college courses.

“I think it’s going to work, I do. I think it will be a positive experience for them,” Hughes said.

Modified school calendar

In addition to the new program, the district has a new calendar this school year. The modified calendar will give students and teachers more frequent breaks. It also features a shorter summer break to help cut back on learning loss.

In York, students will have a full week off from school in October and in February in addition to the traditional winter and spring breaks.

York School District 1 Superintendent Kelly Coxe told Channel 9′s Tina Terry this new calendar will give students who are behind a chance to catch up during the school year.

“It’s an opportunity for our teachers to have a break. In this time of competitiveness between districts, the teacher shortage,” Coxe said. “We wanted to make sure we honored the voice of our teachers.”

She says it will also help improve teacher recruitment and retention.

Chester and Chesterfield counties have also implemented modified schedules this school year.

Chester County public schools started back on Monday. Lancaster County, Fort Mill and Rock Hill schools start on Aug. 21.

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