School System Changes Include Length of Year and Days and New Bell Schedules
Barrow County students go back to class Monday, Aug. 13, and parents should be aware of some changes.
Students in Barrow County will experience some changes this new school year, which begins Monday, Aug. 13.
The school system is moving to a 160-day school year. To meet state requirement to have a calendar equivalent to 180 days of attendance for students, school days have been lengthened by 15 to 20 minutes, with elementary school students spending 7 hours at school and middle and high school students 7 1/2 hours.
Bell schedules for schools will also change, with school beginning for elementary students at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. and class starting for middle and high school students at 7:20 a.m. and ending at 2:50 p.m.
Last year's bell schedules had elementary school students starting class at 7:45 a.m. and ending at 2:25 p.m., middle school students attending school from 8:35 a.m to 3:35 p.m. and high school students starting at 8:20 a.m. and ending at 3:20 p.m.
The school system is also implementing "parental responsibility zones" this school year, which means students in middle and high school living within a 1.5-mile radius from their respective school will not be eligible for school-provided transportation to and from school.
School lunch prices will also change for the 2012-13 school year. Click here to read more.
Read a letter to the editor from a concerned parent regarding some of these changes.
Does your child attend Auburn Elementary School or Bethlehem Elementary? Here's information on the new school uniforms initiatives at both schools.
What do you think about the changes to the school calendar and bell schedules? How will these changes affect your family? Tell us in comments.
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In This article
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Auburn Elementary School
1334 6th Ave, Auburn, GA -
Bethlehem Elementary School
47 McElhannon Rd SW, Bethlehem, GA -
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Carley cook
6:27 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
I don't like the uniform idea. Unfortunately, i have seen it fail in other counties. Because no one follows the rules. Those of us who follow the rules will be out the money and stuck with uniforms we purchased. Barrow is a poor county. Most people with 2 or more kids can't afford the uniforms! I understand the logic and reason behind uniforms. Just don't think it's gonna work in Barrow Co. I would much rather see the dress code dealt with on a case by case basis! It may sound like a lot but I am sure you will have more to deal with when it comes to being out of uniform!
Carley cook
6:39 pm on Thursday, August 2, 2012
The new bus rule is a safety issue for our kids as far as I'm concerned
Candace Stevens
9:01 pm on Sunday, August 5, 2012
The only good thing about the high school starting so early is the cars should be in the parking lot before the little kids try to walk to school. That is a very weird and dangerous idea and if I had young kids they would not be walking by themselves.
Tammy
4:24 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
I really like the new uniforms, I think it is a great idea. As far as the bus issue...Barrow County needs to put in sidewalks and get volunteers for crossing guards. If they did that, then I would be all for the middle and high school students walking to and from school.
PD
5:04 pm on Monday, August 6, 2012
My son goes to Auburn Elementary, and I am all for ALL the schools going to uniforms, so I am all for the change. So that this way no one can be teased for what they are wearing or being offended as to what other people are wearing. I AM ALL FOR IT!!!!