Lubbock ISD is changing its first day of school, making classes start about two weeks earlier than previous years. LISD said these big changes are all in an effort to give the best education to students.
“I think we get more opportunities to build relationships, more opportunities to have safe learning environments, and then enough time to really dig into the content and make sure they have mastery of the concepts,” said Anna Jackson, executive director of leadership and professional development at LISD.
For the past 10 years, LISD schools have started on the fourth Monday of August. Now, classes will begin on August 15. The district says it is all a part of giving students better opportunities for education and adjusting back to school schedules.
“It’s going to be really good because a Wednesday start is really nice for our families and students to get back into routine. For our younger students, we’re really excited about that,” said Jackson. “That Wednesday, Thursday, Friday start will allow us to make sure we have that balance before we hit that first solid week for school.”
LISD polled parents about what school schedule they would prefer. However, the district instead made the decision on their own and selected the new start date. Jackson said most schools are heading toward earlier start dates to provide a better education for students.
“We’re moving that way, and I understand that areas around us will be moving towards that direction, which means we’re on the front edge,” said Jackson. “We have a little bit of growing pains, but we think it will be really good.”
The change for the 2018 first day of school will not affect when LISD schools will get out of summer. All schools will be out before Memorial Day weekend of 2019.
