WBCH offers this space to area school superintendents to highlight news in their districts. This posting is from Maple Valley Superintendent Michelle Falcon:

 

Maple Valley Schools is offering first Intersession days on Nov. 15, 16, & 17.

The Maple Valley Schools Board of Education and Maple Valley Educators Association agreed upon the 2017-18 school year calendar in the spring of 2017. The calendar was released to our stakeholders at that time which includes: six 2-hour early release days for professional learning, several half days, and a three day break from November 15-17.

 

Although these days are not counted in the official pupil contact time, the district will offer a modified schedule which offers non-traditional courses for students. We are planning the intersession curriculum offerings now. Our courses will be driven by staff; the number of staff will be determined by the number of students who enroll for the intersessions.

 

It is for these reasons we have released registration forms now so we can design the three day schedule with our students needs in mind. The goal of offering intersessions is to support our various learners in academic remediation and enrichment. We will collect student data on the activities completed during this time similar to when we offer summer school programs.

 

Again, student attendance is not required for intersessions! We will have a draft of our class offerings available during parent teacher conferences on October 18 & 19 to allow parents to make decisions to register for the intersessions before the October 31 deadline.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

•What are intersessions?

Intersessions are optional days of extended learning offered during the breaks. Intersessions are staffed by teachers, support staff, administrators, and professionals in the community.  Intersessions are designed for remediation and enrichment. We will strongly encourage students in need of remedial support to attend the intersession periods.

 

•What kinds of courses might be offered during intersessions?

Some of the ideas that are being considered are: ELA and math remediation, art and music, computer classes, field trips, and specialized physical activities such as yoga, dance, or even skating.

 

•Will transportation be provided during intersessions?

Transportation will be provided to students who normally ride the bus.  Bus routes will be determined by the number of students registered for the intersession period.

 

•What is the cost for my child to attend the intersession?

There is no charge as the program is paid using grant funds.

 

•Will meals be provided during intersession? 

Breakfast and lunch will be served.

 

•What about community members who are teaching? How does that work? 

Anyone who is working with the students will have to fill out the Volunteer Application and be approved. These volunteers do not have to be certified teachers as these days are not counting toward instructional hours.