MARION COUNTY, Fla. – Wyomina Park Elementary’s nearly year-round calendar pilot program is showing promising results, with the school improving from a D to a C grade in less than a year.
In July, five districts including Marion County began the program as a result of a state law signed last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, aiming to reduce learning loss.
It’s the first year for Liam and his siblings in the year-round pilot program at Wyomina Park Elementary School in Marion County — the fifth grader says he loves it.
Liam says, “It’s the best thing I’ve ever had because in March we have spring intercession, which is four days off of school.”
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His mom, Marcia Myers, is also enjoying the pilot program. Initially, she was confused about it, as it didn’t make sense to her. However, since starting it this year, she has grown to like it, noting that the increased school time is beneficial.
“It was a D school, and seeing it being raised to a C school obviously means it’s working,” Myers said.
The school board reviewed data from this year’s second State Progress Monitoring test on Thursday, showing improvements in several categories including reading and math for students in third through fifth grade.
Victoria Hunt, principal of Wyomina Park Elementary, states, “We were trending up in fourth and fifth grade in both reading and mathematics. We’re so excited to see what our final score will be when we do our P3 test in May.”
Principal Hunt notes that scoring is up 14 to 15 points in fourth and fifth-grade reading and math compared to this time last year.
The data also shows improvements in attendance, fewer referrals and a reduction in teacher vacancies, dropping from nine to only five this year.
“This year-round school calendar is a draw for people. They like it, they think it is beneficial to kids, and they’re buying into being a part of this new way,” she said.
Some parents are also enjoying the schedule.
William Pierce, a Wyomina Park Elementary parent says, “Initially, we weren’t happy about it; we were opposed to it. The breaks and whatnot have been really good for the kids. The spacing for the school has been nice.”
However, others with multiple kids in different schools find it challenging to manage pick-up times and align their work schedules with breaks.
Parents participated in an online survey to choose the schedule for the next upcoming school year. The school board will make a final decision on which calendar to choose on Feb. 25th.
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