Dear Community Members of Anamosa CSD:
The ACSD Calendar Committee invites community members, parents, students, and staff for an informational event discussing moving to a 4-day school week next year in the 2025-2026 academic year. Our committee’s purpose for proposing a 4 day school week is to attract and retain teachers, increase the mental well-being of students and staff, and increase attendance and engagement.
Community Meeting dates are:
Monday, February 3rd, 5:30 pm, Anamosa High School’s Performing Arts Center
Tuesday, February 4th, 5:30 pm, Anamosa High School’s Performing Arts Center
Thursday, February 6th, 6:30 pm, Anamosa High School’s Performing Arts Center
*Information will be the same at each meeting. Multiple dates are offered for your convenience.
We are facing the most significant teacher shortage in history. Many vacancies receive no applicants in our district. Burnout is at an all-time high. Like many rural communities facing this problem, one solution has brought hope. That solution is moving to a 4-day school week. Iowa saw over triple the rural schools implement a 4-day calendar this school year, with more rural schools considering the option for next year. Talking with those schools, they have reported receiving 10 applicants instead of the 1-2 they were getting before their calendar change.
By clicking on the link below, we would like to provide you with some basic information and answers to common questions before our event so we can discuss questions you may still have. The information includes a list of Iowa schools implementing the 4-day calendar. If you know anyone working or living in that district, please contact them and find out how it has been for them and their families. We are open to hearing from all perspectives. We feel our community is very supportive of our teachers and staff and look forward to the feedback and discussions next week to stay focused on what’s best for our kids.
In partnership,
ACSD Calendar Committee
