COURTLAND
In order to offset seven days of missed instructional time due to the recent storms, Southampton County Public Schools have increased the length of several school days through the remainder of the year, as well as turned three predetermined early dismissal days to full days.

A letter sent home to parents from the school board states that, “the following adjustments will ensure that the appropriate instructional time is provided for student achievement, which is our highest priority.”

The school day will be increased by 15 minutes from Monday, March 16, through Friday, May 29, as students will be dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Additionally, Wednesday, March 11; Tuesday, March 31; and Tuesday, April 28, will now become full days. Formerly early dismissal days, students will be released at 3:15 p.m. on March 11 and 3:30 p.m. on March 31 and April 28. The two dates in March will also be a Virtual Professional Development Day for teachers.

The third nine-weeks will now end on Tuesday, April 14, and report cards will be distributed on Monday, April 20. Parent-teacher conferences are still scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13.

State law requires school districts within the Commonwealth of Virginia to meet for a minimum of 180 school days and 990 hours of instructional time. The state reduces funding as a penalty if the district drops below these numbers.

When Southampton originally scheduled its 2014-15 academic calendar, the school board prepared for 181 school days and 1,243 hours of instructional time. Repeated attempts to contact Superintendent Dr. Alvera J. Parrish regarding the 253 hour disparity were not reciprocated.

The letter also noted that the schedule may face further changes because of additional closures or delays. With that said, these schedule alterations do not include Friday’s two-hour delay.