The La Vernia Independent School District welcomed back its students today, ahead of many surrounding areas, launching a new school year with some significant changes in place. Credited to KSAT, Principal Shelley Keck highlighted a four-day school week that has notably improved the work-life balance for teachers and the overall happiness within the school community. Keck said, "You know, it really allowed us to have a work, home life balance. We found that just our climate felt happier. We were able to not only balance work, but a great home life."
La Vernia Primary School, now home to 800 students, made the earlier return to accommodate the four-day week, giving families and staff an extended weekend to help not only recharge but also to allow students to meaningfully engage with education. The district has managed creatively to still meet the state-required instructional minutes. Another innovative addition to La Vernia Primary is gardening and chicken-rearing activities, alongside a new outdoor classroom, aiming to make learning more interactive and grounded in practical experiences.
Parents have welcomed the change, with families enjoying the freedom for personal activities on extended weekends. According to a KSAT interview, Kasie Tankersley, a parent to a second-grade student, expressed support for the new schedule, "We like it. It’s good. You know, it leaves Fridays kind of open to do those things that maybe we want to do as a family, or just to kind of have that day at home to regroup."
In contrast to this early start, a compiled list by KSAT shows back-to-school dates for Bexar County and surrounding districts stretched across two weeks, with Comal and New Braunfels ISD slated to begin on the later date of Aug. 20.
