Think that ISD changes to the 4-day school week

Ponder, Texas – – The Ponder Independent School District in Denton County is the latest school district of North Texas, who moves to a four -day school week.

What we know:

School district officers said that they made the decision to officially switch to a shorter week after months of research, discussion and input from stakeholders.

The change will come into force during the 2025-2026 school year.

The students start the year on August 6th with a traditional five -day week. Then, after the first nine weeks, the lessons will be relocated to four days a week.

The school day is extended by 30 minutes to compensate for the difference in class time.

What you say:

Ponder ISD believes that the new schedule will help both the teacher loyalty and offers both students and employees a better work-life balance.

Studies have shown that a four -day week can lead to a better number of visitors, discipline and general school satisfaction, said the district.

What we don't know:

Ponder ISD is still working on filling the new school start and end times as well as the details of a childcare program for students in kindergarten up to fifth grade.

These details are expected to be announced in the coming months.

The 4-day school week gains popularity

More and more rural school districts in Texas are moving to a four -day school week to attract and keep teachers.

Several districts in North Texas, including Anna, Hillsboro, Mineral Wells, Montague and Terrell ISDS, made the change a few years ago.

Mesquite ISD examined the idea in 2023 as a solution for an extreme lack of teachers. Ultimately, the district decided not to find ahead.

“Many rural schools go to this model. I think it saves district money,” said Dr. Chris Sloan, Deputy Dean of the College of Education at Tarleton State University. “Fewer supply companies with closed buildings. You don't drive the buses one day.”

But Sloan said the savings were usually at costs. A four -day school week means either longer school days, shorter summer or a potentially harmful option: teachers spend less time with the students.

Nevertheless, districts like San Elizario ISD near El Paso say that the idea of ​​a four -day week and a three -day weekend was well received.

Students and employees of San Elizario receive “mindful Eagle Mondays” to focus on their mental health and self -care.

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