The Kadoka Area School District has joined more than 20 others statewide that have switched to a four-day school week.

Four years ago, Midland went to a four-day week but switched back after two years when Midland merged with Kadoka Area. Now, Kadoka Area has gone to the shorter week.

Teachers and administrators say they hope the shorter week will improve student attitudes and reduce absenteeism. Midland Fourth-grade teacher Mary Parquet says students skip school less when they have a day off during the week.

Superintendent Mary Austad says her district's staff is evenly divided on the four-day week. But she says after a few weeks of school, the students seem to be in better spirits.