CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Nearly 600 students, and their parents in Cabarrus County will face a new schedule next fall, one that keeps them in school all year.
It's a controversial move recently approved by the school board there.
Students at Wolf Meadow Elementary will come back to a different atmosphere next year. The traditional summer months will no longer mean summer break.
Principal Dr. Adam Auerbach wanted to go ahead with year-round classes last year. He noticed a gap in student achievement each fall, after a long summer.
"About two thirds of our kids score lower in the beginning of the year than they did the previous year at the end of the year," Auerbach said.
Next fall, students will have four nine-week quarters, with a break of two to three weeks in between. There will be no more two-month summer break.
That's just fine for grandparents like Kelly Drewery, who was picking up a child Thursday afternoon.
"You don't have to have all those days off. I think they need more education. They remember more," she said.
Auerbach said he surveyed the teachers, staff and parents, and 74 percent were enthusiastic about the idea. He said he understands the concerns of those who weren't.
"If you grew up going to school from August to June, and you've always had those summers off, you know, it's change. It's hard," he said.
Students will still attend class 180 days a year, and school hours won't change either. Still, even parents in support of the change, had concerns.
Angie Irvin believes it's a good idea, but it will take some adjustment in her family.
"Having different schedules, vacations, and things like that," she said.
Bethany Simpson is also looking forward to a move she feels will boost academics.
"Kind of nervous because we haven't done anything like that, but I think it's going to be good for the kids, especially during their summer break," she said.
Officials said some studies have shown that year-round class boosts morale, and helps with teacher retention by preventing burn out during the school year.
Last month the Cabarrus County school board approved Wolf Meadow as the only year round school. However, other schools are watching closely, eager to try it, if it's successful.
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