Classes begin Thursday at Polk and Taylor

Students at Polk and Taylor elementary schools will return to class this week. Students in grades kindergarten through fifth begin the 2010-11 school year on Thursday, July 22. The first day will be an early dismissal, with students released at 1:30 p.m.

Registration numbers currently indicate 210 students are enrolled at Polk and 240 at Taylor. An additional 40 preschool students are expected at Polk the following week when preschool classes begin; Taylor plans to welcome some 36 preschool school students. Additional students may enroll at both schools during the first few days of class.

Polk and Taylor elementary schools both operate on a modified year-round schedule. The adjusted calendar includes intercessions in the fall and spring, along with a summer break. The modified calendar was adopted in an effort to increase attendance, improve achievement and decrease discipline issues.

“Having the building open more consistently during the year not only provides ongoing delivery of instruction, but it also supports the nutritional needs of poverty children and helps to strengthen neighborhood security,” noted Mary Ellen Maske, Executive Administrator of Elementary Education.

Classes begin for all other Cedar Rapids Community School District schools on Tuesday, Aug. 24.