By james art 
Winston-Salem, NC-Winston-Salem School Council of Forsyte extended the school year by three days to compensate for lost time due to the last snowy days. The decision, taken at a board meeting, rejected the alternative proposal to add 15 minutes to each school day.
Teachers and parents expressed fears that extending the school day would be uncomfortable, as many students, teachers and staff have commitments immediately after school.
In a separate decision, the Council voted to maintain its current drug testing policy for job applicants, although it discusses potential changes. Proponents of the proposed changes claim that policy granting can attract more teachers and staff, as some CBD products contain traces of THC that may occur on drug tests. However, opponents expressed concerns about students’ safety and the potential for increased violence in schools.
In addition, the area launches the Ride program next Monday. This initiative aims to encourage better behavior in school buses by determining clear expectations. Rides means responsibility, integrity, discipline, high achievements and safety.
The program updates the character code, behavior and support of the area during transport. Buse drivers are trained in de -escalation and behavior strategies, and accountability systems are designed to monitor students’ behavior. The Rides program will be implemented next week on Monday.