Beginning next school year students at Hamilton Elementary in La Crosse will swap their summer vacation for 45 days in class and then 15 days off, with a 5-week summer break.
The new program was approved by the School Board Monday night.
During an interview with WEAU-TV, parent Kathy Haverland said “I am for it, I think it is going to be consistent for the children and will help some of that summer slide. I think an additional positive is that I don’t have to have childcare for him and have that additional expense for that 3 month period.”
Parents who live within the Hamilton boundary but do not want their children to attend the school under the new calendar will be given first priority on placement in other district elementary schools, according to WKBT-TV.
The school board only approved of the program for three years. If there is significant improvement in the learning gap and it’s not too costly the school will likely stay year round.
