Manatee County Schools Revamp Academic Calendar to Compensate for Hurricane Days
Students in the School District of Manatee County lost eight instructional days this academic year due to closures caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To meet state requirements, the School Board of Manatee County has approved a revised academic calendar that will address the lost days and ensure students meet the required instructional hours.
Superintendent Jason Wysong emphasized the necessity of these changes, noting that the state mandates instructional hours, which have not been waived despite the disruptions caused by the hurricanes. The initial plan to use the three days during Thanksgiving week as make-up days was found insufficient. After assessing both learning priorities and community feedback, the district implemented a revised calendar.
Under the new calendar, several adjustments have been made to existing school days:
Nov. 6: Originally an early release day, now a full attendance day.
Nov. 11 (Veterans Day): Previously a holiday, now a full school day.
Dec. 18-20: Initially scheduled as high school early release days, now full attendance days.
Jan. 6 and March 5: Previously early release days, now full attendance days.
March 7 and March 14: Changed from full attendance to early release days.
March 24: Originally a record day with no student attendance, now a full attendance day.
In addition to calendar changes, select high schools, including Braden River and Palmetto, will adjust bell schedules, extending class periods by 1 to 2 minutes to maximize instructional time without affecting arrival or dismissal times. Adjustments to the final day for high school seniors will also be made to fulfill instructional requirements, though graduation dates remain unchanged.
These modifications aim to recoup instructional hours while preserving students' holiday breaks. Recognizing the importance of Thanksgiving week for families, the board opted to avoid further adjustments to this period, responding to concerns about families’ travel commitments and the need for a mental break after the storms.
On Veterans Day, students and staff are encouraged to show patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue. Classroom activities will incorporate lessons honoring veterans in line with state statutes. Additionally, students involved in Veterans Day parades and community events will be excused to participate fully.
This adjusted academic plan reflects the district’s commitment to balancing state requirements with the needs of students, families, and staff impacted by the hurricanes.