Dillard Academy principals, students and parents highlight year‑round calendar benefits

Dillard Academy leaders, students and parents presented to the Rockingham County Schools board Feb. 24 to highlight the school’s year‑round calendar and STEAM programming.

Doctor Norton, Dillard’s principal, told the board the year‑round calendar “reduces summer learning loss and ensures smoother transitions throughout the year,” and said the schedule provides regular intervention and enrichment windows that support individualized instruction and staff well‑being. Two students — Jeffrey Mitchell (fourth grade) and Cora Grace Ellis (fifth grade) — spoke about the school’s small‑school community, positive staff relationships and after‑school clubs.

A parent, Burrell Craig, said the three‑week intersession breaks help families avoid large summer learning gaps, ease childcare needs and provide more predictable scheduling. Teacher Britney Blaney, who has taught 12 years in the year‑round program, said the regular breaks reduce burnout and give time for planning and professional refreshment.

Dillard’s presentation also noted STEAM integration, outdoor learning spaces and a parent‑family engagement strategy the school is using to recruit and retain families. Staff said they will continue community outreach, open houses and targeted marketing to publicize the school as a school of choice.

Why it matters: the school’s presentation emphasized the pedagogical and community reasons for maintaining the year‑round calendar at Dillard Academy and sought board awareness and support for outreach and enrollment efforts.

Next steps: Dillard staff said they will continue marketing activities, host tours and keep the board apprised of enrollment outreach results.