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Board approves K–5 social studies materials and tweaks school calendar for Labor Day weekend
Summary
After a multi‑month review, the board approved Studies Weekly for K–3 and Teacher Created Materials for grades 4–5 and also approved a minor calendar change to start school the Monday before Labor Day so families have a longer Labor Day weekend; budget details for curriculum implementation will be provided at the May follow‑up meeting.
District curriculum staff presented the K–5 social studies adoption process and recommendations, noting that Minnesota’s locally controlled adoption process required reviewing materials for alignment with the 2021 social studies standards, literacy integration and ethnic studies strands. Casey Young, assistant principal at Liberty, and K–5 teachers explained why the recommended materials were selected: kindergarten–grade 3 teachers favored Studies Weekly for its tactile weeklies and literacy supports, while upper elementary teachers recommended Teacher Created Materials (TCM) for alignment with Minnesota standards, pacing flexibility and primary‑source integration.
The presenters emphasized inquiry‑based instruction, disciplinary literacy and the goal of building knowledge across grades. Staff said implementation will follow board approval, with budgets and pacing details to return at the May board meeting. Board member Shabilian moved to approve Studies Weekly for K–3 and TCM for grades 4–5; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Separately, administration proposed a minor change to the approved 2627 school calendar to shift the first day of school to Monday so families would have a longer Labor Day weekend; the board agreed and approved the calendar change by voice vote. Staff said they will communicate the calendar adjustment and provide final budget numbers for the curriculum adoption at the May meeting.
