Why This Matters to Our Community

Since 2019, Arcola Elementary has been a model of academic growth through the Innovative School Year (ISY). This program provides our students with up to 30 days of additional instruction, enriched by specialized Project Lead the Way (PLTW) hands-on learning and Mindfulness lessons providing social/emotional support.

While the MCPS Board of Education recently approved the innovative calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, a subsequent recommendation was made to end funding for the program at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. We, the Arcola community, are asking the Board of Education (BOE) to continue funding for the ISY.

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A Pathway for Success

We believe that a thoughtful, data-driven approach is the best way to honor the hard work of our educators and the progress of our students. Our community is seeking the following:

• Continued Investment and Evaluation: We request a 3-to-5-year funding commitment that includes clearly defined metrics to transparently measure the program's long-term impact on learning loss.
• A Responsible Transition Period: If a change is necessary, we ask for one full school year (July 2026–June 2027) to properly "sunset" the program. This time is essential to collect final data, gather feedback, and allow families, teachers and staff to make childcare and employment arrangements.
• Preserving Core Programs: At a minimum, we hope to find a way to maintain the ISY’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) and Mindfulness program components. These unique, project-based learning opportunities provide benefits for our students that go far beyond standardized test scores. 

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Our Shared Goals

We understand the complexities of school district budgeting. However, we believe that by working together, we can address several key areas of concern:

• Collaborative Decision-Making: We hope to increase dialogue between the district and our highly engaged community—including our PTA and school leaders—before final decisions are made.
• Comprehensive Data Analysis: Rather than looking at static data points, we encourage additional longitudinal analysis that reflects the true impact of the ISY on student growth over several years, including full cohorts of students who have participated in person from K to 5th grade. The latest 2023-2024 evaluation report on the long-term impact of the ISY indicates that the program had positive academic outcomes on Grade 4 and 5 students. Rather than abandoning ISY, the BOE must implement the Action Plan that emerged from the study.
• Stability for Staff and Families: A clear transition plan is vital to retain our dedicated, tenured teachers and to provide families with timely information regarding alternative summer learning opportunities.

Arcola Elementary is a strong, vibrant community. We ask the Board of Education and the Montgomery County Council to help us continue our story of growth and innovation.

Please sign this petition to show your support for a thoughtful, student-centered approach to the future of Arcola Elementary.