ORANGE

Jordan Elementary School Principal Bill Gee said administrators are considering converting the school from a traditional to a year-round schedule. As envisioned, students would alternate 60 days in class followed with 20 days off. The proposed change is in response to Jordan’s high percentage of non-English speaking students who, Gee said, need continuous time in the classroom to keep language skills sharp. “Our children are losing their English during the summer recess,” he said. Approximately 94% of Jordan students are Hispanic. For approximately 80% of them, English is their second language. If approved, the new calendar will begin for the 2000-2001 academic year.