Dear Incarnation School Community,
Much has happened over the past two weeks regarding the extended school year for Catholic elementary schools. The idea to extend the calendar is a long-term vision, and the expectation still remains that all schools adopt the 200-day calendar by 2012-2013. More than 70% of the 210 elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will be extending the school year for the 2011-2012 academic year. The remaining schools have opted to use 2011-2012 as a transitional year to plan for the specific needs of their own school communities.
At Incarnation, it is a consensus among the teachers that they are ready to implement the additional 20 days and can clearly see the benefits to students of having the additional time. However, in consideration of the needs of the entire school community, Fr. Larry, the teachers, and I have decided to keep our 2011-2012 calendar at the federally mandated 180 instructional days with a goal for full implementation of 200 days in 2012-2013. During this transitional year, we will be focused on getting air conditioning in all classrooms. Technology will be an area of emphasis in our professional development with teachers. Weekly faculty meetings will be focused on curriculum planning with consideration for the additional time. We are excited to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead!
Additionally, Dr. Kevin Baxter, Superintendent of Elementary Schools, will hold a parent meeting in our school auditorium on Monday, February 14th from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. to answer questions and ensure that the value of the extended year is fully understood by all. This meeting will be open to other families in the deanery, and I encourage at least one parent from each family to attend.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
Sincerely,
Olivia Carrillo
Principal
Incarnation School
Ph: 818-241-2269
Fax: 818-241-4734
