H-BC to make up snow days by adding minutes to school days

Beginning Feb. 13, students at Hills-Beaver Creek Public Schools will be in class 15- to 16-minutes longer each day.
The extended school days continue through the rest of the school year.
Since Dec. 9, H-BC students have missed five days of school due to weather conditions.
The five missed days are in addition to the five days designated as e-learning days, bringing H-BC to the maximum number of days allowed by the state each year.
E-learning days are considered student contact days and are counted as a full day of school.
Two of the missed five days were already planned as early dismissal days and won’t have to be made up by students or staff.
However, three days will have to be made up by students and staff.
The extended day plan will make up the three lost days.
“This proposal doesn’t add days to the student calendar,” said School Superintendent Todd Holthaus.
The last day of school for students stays at May 26.
By state statute, students are required to attend 165 days of school. Under the expanded day plan approved by H-BC board members Jan. 23, the plan allows for 169 days.
“Yes, there will be more snow days,” Holthaus said. “And we have to deal with them as they come.”
Elementary students will attend classes 15 minutes longer each day. School begins at 8:15 a.m. and will now last until 3:30 p.m.
Secondary students begin class at 8:05 a.m. with classes ending at 3:18 p.m.
“The essence for optimal learning is having our teachers in front of students,” Holthaus said. “I think students will be better served (with the lengthened school day) than adding days to the end of the school year.”