Crossroads Elementary is one of two elementary
schools in Saint Paul operating on a year-round calendar. Research
indicates students' academic performance on a year-round calendar at
least matches those of traditional calendars while performance from low
income and second language students has been found to consistently show
an increase. All students and staff have been found to remain more
refreshed and alert throughout the year.
One of the greatest advantages cited to a
year-round calendar is the availability of additional learning
opportunities through Intersessions.Our year-round calendar
is roughly nine weeks on and three weeks off. This amounts to the same
number of student days as a traditional calendar with the extended
summer break broken into three week breaks in November, February, and
May. During two of those three weeks off, we offer optional
programming. Intersession targets those students in need of additional
instruction to reach grade level as well as for those students wishing
to extend their learning beyond their classroom. Students on Academic
Improvement Plans are expected to attend at least two of the three
Intersessions. Intersessions are open to all Crossroads students
(except half-day Kindergarten program) that return the registration
form by the due date. Registrations turned in late will be placed on a
waiting list. See Table 1 for important dates related to Intersession.
| Table 1: 2009-2010 Intersession Dates |
| Intersession Period |
Intersession Dates |
Registrations Due |
| Fall | Nov 16-24
| Oct 14
|
| Winter |
Feb 16-19 & 23-26
|
Jan 20
|
| Spring | May 11-14 & 18-21
|
Apr 7
|
An Intersession day focuses on math, reading and
writing instruction We also attempt to build in enrichment
opportunities into the experience. Students in grades 3-6 choose from a
menu of Exploratory Studies class offerings in the afternoon. Through
funding by Saint Paul Public Schools’ Area Learning Center,
Registration Fees, and Crossroads operating funds, we have been able to
target class sizes of 18-20 students. A $20.00 registration fee is
charged for each student with a maximum cost of $50 per family. These
fees will help us staff the classrooms with the smaller class sizes.
We continually are seeking to improve and welcome any feedback you might offer on the program. Please email Isis Buchanan isis.buchanan@spps.org or Melisa Rivera melisa.rivera@spps.org with any comments or suggestions.
Related Websites: National Association of Year Round Schools | Year Round Education at Crossroads
Last update: August 19, 2009
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