The following days will be full instructional school days in order to make up the missed days and meet State Accreditation Standards:
- February 4, 2010 ( originally Parent Teacher Conference Day)
- February 5, 2010 (originally a Professional Development Day for Staff)
- April 2, 2010 (originally Easter Break or Inclement Weather Day)
- April 5, 2010 (originally Easter Break or Inclement Weather Day)
- May 28, 2010 (Last day of school -- from a 60% day to a full school day)
These days must be made up in order to meet the State Accreditation minimum requirement of 180 instructional school days. In addition, State Accreditation Standards allow for only two 60% days per year. Since the District has used two allotted days (December 18, 2009, and Monday, January 11, 2010) as 60% days, the decision was made to make May 28, 2010, ( the last day of school) a full day rather than a 60% day.
The district had considered extending the school day as a way to make up the lost instructional time, but the Mississippi Department of Education requires that school districts make up full days and will no longer allow districts to extend days to satisfy the make up requirement. "Our staff looked at all possible options," said Dr. Lonnie J. Edwards Sr., JPS superintendent. "However, we feel strongly that this is the best alternative for making up the days and meeting State Accreditation Standards. Events previously scheduled on February 4 and February 5 will be canceled, and students will be expected to attend school on these days as well as April 2 and April 5."
Principals will work with JPS parents to schedule another time for them to meet with teachers regarding their children's progress.
