Policy ID

POLICY: ID

EFFECTIVE DATE: 6/5/2019

REVIEWED BY POLICY COMMITTEE: NEW

SCHOOL DAY

RSU #74 exists to provide education to the children and young people who reside within the unit. The direct contact of competent teachers with eager students in the instructional setting is essential to effective teaching and learning. It is the intent of the RSU #74 Board that the maximum optimal instructional time for each age level within the student body is provided during every typical school day.

The “instructional day” is not considered to include homeroom periods, opening exercises, recess, lunch, passing times, activity periods, band practice, intramurals, other extracurricular activities and such like. Exceptions shall only be made with the approval of the Superintendent. The number of school days shall meet or exceed the state requirement and be set annually by this RSU #74 Board and be included in the school calendar. Abbreviated days to be included for in-service, conferences, etc., shall be kept to a minimum. Inclement weather, or emergencies may also force changes to the school day at the discretion of the Superintendent.

High School Level

The instructional day shall consist of at least four (4) teaching periods, each at least fifty-five (55) minutes in length. Double or continuous laboratory periods, other scheduling, may be approved by the Superintendent. Appropriately conducted study halls, individually scheduled for the needs of the students, shall be recognized as within the instructional day. The school year shall include at least 641 instructional hours.

Middle School Level

The instructional day for grades 6-8 shall consist of at least four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes, appropriately divided and scheduled according to the middle school philosophy of this school unit. The school year shall include at least 788 instructional hours.

Elementary Level

The instructional day for grades one (1) through five (5) and higher shall consist of four (4) hours and thirty (30) minutes. The school year shall include at least 788 instructional hours.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA