Classes begin for students
By Debra Barayuga
on modified schedules
Star-BulletinJon Santiago and Darrah Floerke are back in school after only 45 days of summer vacation.
But the student council officers who were in Kapolei Elementary yesterday planning a welcome-back assembly don't mind.
"I like school," said 10-year-old Floerke. "I get to spend time with friends and learn new things."
Today is the first day of classes for more than 900 students at Kapolei Elementary, which adopted a modified year-round schedule three years ago. Tomorrow, Holomua Elementary and Kamalii on Maui also begin classes.
They join an increasing number of schools across the nation that are adopting modified year-round schedules, shortening the traditional three-month summer break by almost a third and providing more breaks throughout the school year.
The values of year-round education, proponents say, include more continuous learning and less time reviewing, less learning loss, more efficient use of facilities throughout the year and quicker response to students having trouble with their studies. Schools also note fewer discipline problems and better attendance.
In Hawaii, 51,245 students at 72 public schools will be operating on a modified year-round schedule. Sixty-three of those schools are on Oahu. At least nine independent schools also have adopted year-round calendars.
Three months off for summer is way too long, said Michael Miyamura, principal at Kapolei. While principal at Kamaile, students would begin visiting him in July asking when they could return to school. "There's only so much they can do at the beach and only so many movies they can go to," he said.
While benefits of year-round schooling are mostly anecdotal, Miyamura sees the difference in terms of the students' attitude. "They start out a little bit more refreshed" and ready to begin work.
This summer, Floerke managed to juggle ukulele classes and dance classes, go surfing at Barbers Point and watch her baby brother. Santiago played baseball, went to the beach and watched TV. Both agreed the summer was long enough to relax and do things they would like to do.
Santiago likes the idea of more breaks during the school year and being able to spend more time with his family.
A typical year-round schedule, for example, provides more natural breaks throughout the year for both students and teachers.
For example, the first quarter at Wheeler Intermediate lasts 46 days and is followed by its first break, or intersession, lasting eight days. The second quarter lasts 42 days and ends just before the three-week Christmas break. Teachers schedule exams at the end of each quarter so students don't have to worry about studying during the break and taking exams when they return.
The more frequent intersessions throughout the year lead to less burnout for students and teachers, said parent Rodney Richardson, whose two sons attend Holomua. "I think it's better for teachers and students all the way around."
McKinley High adopted a year-round schedule beginning this year as a way of improving student learning, said Vice Principal John Hammond. "We really felt strongly that we need to keep our kids on task. We're hoping to see it pay off in the next few years."
More high schools -- 11 this year, compared to four last year -- are joining feeder elementary schools in adopting year-round schedules so families have an easier time planning family activities.
All public schools begin earlier this year because of seven additional instructional days negotiated into the teachers' contract last year. Many schools have tacked the additional days on at the beginning of the year.
The traditional school year will begin Aug. 20.
Public schools on year-round calendars and start dates: For whom the
school bell rings
July 28: Waikele, Waihee (Maui)
