EMCSD revamps school calendar with Enrichment Fridays
El Monte City School District announced the addition of Enrichment Fridays to their 2024-2025 academic calendar. This initiative aims to give teachers and students a new school experience. There will be six Enrichment Fridays in the calendar starting this school year; attendance is optional for students while being non-work days for teachers. These days are organized and run in partnership with EMCSD’s Enrichment Program.
EMCSD is being proactive to innovate the educational system. “Enrichment Fridays give us the flexibility to rethink how we approach school with our students, staff, and families,” explains Dr. Maribel Garcia. “Ask anyone in education, changing the school calendar is unfounded – it’s been an educational staple for decades, and I want to thank our staff and families for entrusting us with this dynamic change.”
EMCSD’s six Enrichment Fridays are spread across the school year with optional attendance for students. “We are always trying to be equitable in our practices, and the reality is, families cannot always take days off work to be with their child at home on non-school days. With California’s Expanded Learning funding, our schools can stay open and provide engaging programming for as many students that attend, easing the stress of families,” said Dr. Garcia. You can access EMCSD's 2024-2025 school calendar here.
EMCSD recognizes the importance of balancing rigorous academic schedules with opportunities for enrichment. By providing these optional days, they will foster a more supportive educational environment by expanding the learning that happens every day. Students who decide to attend Enrichment Fridays will have the chance to take part in extension activities, such as art to encourage creativity and self-expression, STEAM workshops, academic enrichment, sports, study trips, and more.
“At EMCSD we believe that Enrichment Fridays will have a positive impact on our school community by elevating academics and the opportunity for enrichment. We are excited to see the benefits this new initiative will bring,” shared Dr. Garcia.
Enrichment Fridays adds to the long list of EMCSD programs designed to provide new experiences for students which include 2nd Grade Swimming lessons, 4th grade Sacramento Study Trip, 6th Grade Science School, 8th Grade Washington DC all at no cost to families. The school year begins Thursday, August 15, 2024. EMCSD’s first Enrichment Friday is slated for November.
