Superintendent Dr. Dee Fowler (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – April 23 will be an out-of-the-routine day for high school students in Madison.

On March 6, the Madison Board of Education approved a change to the 2013-2014 school calendar for April 23. All juniors at James Clemens and Bob Jones high schools will take the American College Test (ACT) exam.

Freshmen, sophomores and seniors will not report to school but will “use this day for either community service, college or career exploration or enrichment activities,” Superintendent Dr. Dee O. Fowler said in NotifyMe distribution.

“We are excited to offer the ACT exam to all juniors this year at no cost to the student,” Fowler said. “We want to provide the very best opportunity for our juniors to shine on this important exam.”

School leaders had to consider logistical issues related to testing, because the ACT will involve the entire school day. “We need two teachers with each group of students, and the building needs to be free from distractions,” Fowler said.

In addition, half of the high school staff will be involved in testing, and limited movement can occur in the buildings. “It would be extremely difficult to have a productive instructional day for the other three grade levels,” Fowler said.

“In brainstorming ways to make this day both positive and productive, our team suggested that we allow our freshmen, sophomores and seniors to use this day for either community service, college or career exploration or enrichment activities,” Fowler said.

Students in grades 9, 10 and 12 will pursue these activities off-campus. “We will utilize our employees who are not involved with testing to assist students as needed,” Fowler said.

Changes to the school calendar will require parents, students and teachers to adjust their schedules, Fowler said. “We think all four grades will benefit greatly from this unique day.”