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Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
March 4, 2024
Bandera ISD holds four-day calendar information meetings
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
On Thursday, Feb. 29, Bandera ISD administrators held a calendar information meeting to address some issues families may face during the next academic year, when the district transitions to a four-day school week.
Based on review and research of other school districts that have adopted similar calendars, BISD Superintendent Gary Bitzkie said their disciplinary issues had reduced by 60 percent. Furthermore, he said, the four-day week will save the district money in diesel and transportation expenses. Currently, BISD school buses travel 400 square miles daily.
“We can take that money and put it into classrooms and facilities,” Bitzkie said to about 16 people seated in attendance.
The Bandera County Boys & Girls Club is preparing to open all day on Fridays at the Alkek and Hill Country Elementary campuses, as well as the Teen Center, at 715 Maple Street in Bandera. The school district plans to provide meals, which will be available to students on Fridays.
During the school year, BGC club hours, for students ages 6 to 18 years, will be Monday through Thursday, 3-7 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Summer hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The BGC’s regular rates will remain the same, at $100 per child during the school year; and $30 per child per week during the summer. A $20 Friday drop-in rate will be available for children not enrolled in the yearly program. Scholarships are available for families that qualify, and payment plans may also be arranged.
For children 5 years and younger, local daycares include:
~ Noah’s Ark, 467 Hwy. 173, Bandera. 830-796-4722.
~ Little Barn Owls, 4003 Hwy. 173, Bandera. 830-796-9090.
~ Children’s Depot, 133 Deer Forest Dr., Pipe Creek. 830-510-4767.
In April, Bandera ISD will send a survey to high school parents requesting their input on extracurricular activities and transportation.
Another meeting will be held Monday, March 4, at Hill Country Elementary, at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. The items to be covered include food service, transportation, athletics and the Boys & Girls Club for both elementary and secondary campuses.
The first day of the 2024-25 school year is set for Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the last day of school will be Thursday, May 22, 2025. The school day will be extended by 10 minutes in the morning, and 25 minutes in the afternoon. Friday attendance will be required during August, and students will convert to the four-day week starting in September.
Based on review and research of other school districts that have adopted similar calendars, BISD Superintendent Gary Bitzkie said their disciplinary issues had reduced by 60 percent. Furthermore, he said, the four-day week will save the district money in diesel and transportation expenses. Currently, BISD school buses travel 400 square miles daily.
“We can take that money and put it into classrooms and facilities,” Bitzkie said to about 16 people seated in attendance.
The Bandera County Boys & Girls Club is preparing to open all day on Fridays at the Alkek and Hill Country Elementary campuses, as well as the Teen Center, at 715 Maple Street in Bandera. The school district plans to provide meals, which will be available to students on Fridays.
During the school year, BGC club hours, for students ages 6 to 18 years, will be Monday through Thursday, 3-7 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Summer hours will be Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The BGC’s regular rates will remain the same, at $100 per child during the school year; and $30 per child per week during the summer. A $20 Friday drop-in rate will be available for children not enrolled in the yearly program. Scholarships are available for families that qualify, and payment plans may also be arranged.
For children 5 years and younger, local daycares include:
~ Noah’s Ark, 467 Hwy. 173, Bandera. 830-796-4722.
~ Little Barn Owls, 4003 Hwy. 173, Bandera. 830-796-9090.
~ Children’s Depot, 133 Deer Forest Dr., Pipe Creek. 830-510-4767.
In April, Bandera ISD will send a survey to high school parents requesting their input on extracurricular activities and transportation.
Another meeting will be held Monday, March 4, at Hill Country Elementary, at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. The items to be covered include food service, transportation, athletics and the Boys & Girls Club for both elementary and secondary campuses.
The first day of the 2024-25 school year is set for Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the last day of school will be Thursday, May 22, 2025. The school day will be extended by 10 minutes in the morning, and 25 minutes in the afternoon. Friday attendance will be required during August, and students will convert to the four-day week starting in September.