WASHINGTON – All students in the D.C. region are back in school as of Tuesday morning, but it’s also the first day for Fairfax County’s new schools superintendent.
Karen Garza — who came to Fairfax County Public Schools after serving as a superintendent in Lubbock, Texas, since 2009 — spoke with WTOP about some of her plans for the school district, including a later start time for some students and the incorporation of technology in the classroom.
Fairfax County is joining other programs around the country aimimg to help over-scheduled kids catch up on sleep by starting school later. Seniors in Fairfax County have been able to apply to skip their first class of the day during the 2013-2014 school year, provided that they didn’t need it to graduate.
The program is employed at five Fairfax County high schools and only 10 students are participating, Garza says. Very few students will see a need for the program, she adds.
“I think there are circumstances, obviously, that might warrant us being flexible with certain students, but I think for most students, it is important for them to take a full course load, particularly as they get ready to go to college or into the workforce,” Garza says.
The scheduling option will be available to more students in the 2014-15 school year.
When it comes to technology, Garza says there is no doubt about its importance in the classroom.
Fairfax County has a “BWOD”
