Dave Rogers

For The News

Stephen Patterson, superintendent for Orangefield ISD, announced Monday that the district will be extending its school day 10 minutes through the spring to achieve state requirements.

The district lost nearly a month of class time because of flooding caused by Tropical Storm Harvey late last summer and other weather has caused closure.

Texas Law requires public schools to meet for 75,600 operational minutes each school year.

Previously, the requirement was 180 class days; 75,600 minutes equals 180 seven-hour days.

“Orangefield ISD lost a significant amount of instructional minutes,” Patterson wrote in his letter to parents. “State waivers and daily surplus minutes have covered the majority of the lost time.”

Starting on Monday, April 2, all OISD campuses will be implementing new bell schedules through May 31.

Orangefield High School (grades 9-12) 1st Bell 7:45 – 3:30 Orangefield Junior High (grades 6-8) 1st Bell 7:45 – 3:30 Orangefield Elementary (grades PK-5) 1st Bell 7:40 – 3:20.

For additional information, please contact the OISD Administration Building at 409-735-5337 or visit the district’s website at www.orangefieldisd.net.