Carlton School Board Approves Four-Day Week

CARLTON, Minn. — The Carlton School District is doing what they call “challenging the status quo” with the school board approving the motion 6-0 for a four-day school week.

The school talked about being the “leader in educational transformation.” And wanted to be the district to find more opportunities for students to get real world, authentic opportunities, giving students a choice in their learning.

The switch could happen as soon as next year and would include Fridays off and 25 minutes added to each regular school day. Childcare services will be offered to elementary students. Free breakfast and lunch will be given to students on Thursday to take home. It will also be offered to those that go to school Friday. The hope is for families to make the switch to Carlton.

The school provided the statement below:

This is our chance to be different, unique, and innovative.  We are proud to work for a school district, and a community, who understands the challenges that our students and staff face everyday. This new calendar will give our students time to think…to breathe… to live life… to explore… to try new things.  Our secondary students will have more time for work experiences, more time working in the community, more time to volunteer, more time for activities, more time for homework, more time to help at home, more family time, more time to sleep, etc. Our elementary students will have child care options that allow more arts and crafts, recess and gym time, more time to develop socialization skills and more time to explore. We believe this will improve the mental health of our students and staff and are thrilled to prove that we’re listening.

The next step will be for the board to submit the application to the Minnesota Department of Education.

A draft of the plan is linked here.