swan school - our balanced calendar

BALANCED CALENDARSwan School

TRADITIONAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

The school calendar was originally designed to allow children to work on family farms during the busiest times of the agricultural year.

DEMOGRAPHICS

In Jefferson County approximately 5% of the population is employed in agriculture, forestry, fishing, or hunting.

Currently there are over 313,000,000 people living in the United States. Of that population, less than 1% claim farming as an occupation.

In 2013 Swan School had 2 families whose livelihood revolved around fishing - representing approximately 3% of the student body.

MEETING CHILDREN’S NEEDS

The question must be asked, “Does a traditional school calendar best support children’s educational needs today?”

WHAT IS A BALANCED CALENDAR?

A balanced calendar is a restructuring of the school year to provide balance between learning and vacation periods.

RESEARCH

Nearly all studies have shown positive results when schools instituted a balanced calendar.

Positive academic achievement, especially in math and reading

Improved overall school climate

Reduced burnout

Improved attendance

WHAT TEACHERS NOTICE

There is a better flow of time in school and time out of school.

Students show increased information retention.

The calendar supports a more individualized education.

There is more flexibility for experiential education, especially in regards to outdoor education.

A chance to work with community educators and artists without competing with other school programs.

Provides positive support of children’s social well-being as they are not separated from their school peers for an extended summer break.

COMPARISON

Balanced Calendar

Late Winter Term

March Break

Spring Term

Spring Break

Summer Term

Summer Break

Fall Term

Fall Break

Winter Term

Winter Break

SWAN SCHOOL’S BALANCED CALENDAR

8 week sessions followed by 2 week breaks.

Winter and summer breaks are longer.

Winter break is approximately 3 weeks long.

Summer break is approximately 5 weeks in length.

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

A balanced calendar facilitates continuous learning as students are never out of school for a long period of time. As a result, children forget less over the shorter breaks and teachers spend less time reviewing pre-vacation material.

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

A balanced calendar gives children a chance to learn in all seasons, not just during fall, winter and spring. This is key to Swan School’s educational program where learning experiences away from the classroom are valued as an essential part each child’s education.

SWAN SCHOOL LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS

Fall

SWAN SCHOOL LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS

Winter

SWAN SCHOOL LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS

Spring

SWAN SCHOOL LEARNING IN ALL SEASONS

Summer

SWAN SCHOOLLearning in All Seasons