For the past two years, mid-term exams have been cancelled as a result of snowy weather.
However, starting next year, this expectation may change due to the new exam schedule for the 2018-19 school year.
To avoid the problems of rescheduling makeup exams and exam cancellation, Henrico County is revising the exam schedule.
Currently in the works, a new plan called “Draft A” proposes for exams to be moved to the week before winter break. Midterm exam week for the 2018-19 year is scheduled for Dec. 11-14, as opposed to it being in Jan. 2019 when it usually would have been scheduled.
So, what does this mean for the pre-winter break festivities? The schedule would have to be rearranged to accommodate the exams, but also allow for the spirit week to still take place.
Principal Leigh Dunavant said, “If we move midterms, we will have to work on plans for making sure we still have the opportunity to do the pre-winter break festivities. I think that this will be possible with some thought put into the schedule.”
This change would also alter how students prepare for midterm exams.
Sophomore Wyndham White said, “I think making midterms so early only adds more stress to an already packed pre-winter break schedule.”
Moving midterms to mid-Dec. would would result in less curriculum on the exams due to the time difference between Jan. and Dec., as well as an additional week of review for exams.
“Exams should not be moved to Dec. The premature exam date falls at a time with too many distractions and activities due to the impending holiday season. Also, the rigor of the exams are diminished having them several weeks early,” said English teacher Luanne Lyons.
Exams will be scheduled as usual for this school year, 2017-2018.
The Henrico County Public School Board plans to move midterms to Dec. “in hopes of avoiding complications caused by inclement weather.”
The Henrico County Public School Board is taking “Draft A” into further consideration, meaning no final decisions have been made at this time. If you would like to share your opinion, there is an electronic form on the Henrico County Public Schools website, where they are open to feedback on “Draft A”.
