Proposed 2009-2010 school calendar
A draft of the 2009-2010 school calendar was presented last night to school board members for review at their study session. The board is expected to take action on the calendar at its Jan. 20 regular meeting.
Developing a school calendar is a complex process driven by many variables. I would like to thank the members of our calendar committee who work together to iron out these details and create a calendar that best meets the educational needs of our students.
The committee, composed of parents, students, teachers, principals, district staff, and community members, takes into consideration myriad factors such as legal and district requirements, holidays, parent-teacher conferences, professional development and stakeholder input.
For example, state law requires a minimum number of days and hours students must be in session and requires that six inclement weather days be included in the calendar. Within those parameters, the committee also tries to schedule the first day of school to limit heat-related issues (at least until all our schools are air conditioned) but still dismiss for the year prior to Memorial Day when possible.
As you might imagine this can be a complicated puzzle to piece together.
In the proposed 2009-2010 calendar, the first day of school would be Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. This puts the last day of school before winter break as Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. It is interesting to note that Dec. 23, 2008, was our last day before winter break this school year. We experienced very poor student attendance that day.
During discussions with my parent advisory council, some members suggested we move the first day of school to Tuesday, Aug. 25, and change the last day before winter break to Tuesday, Dec. 22.
What are your thoughts? Would you like to see the calendar approved as proposed or do you agree with modifying the calendar to start school a day earlier and release for winter break a day earlier?
Developing a school calendar is a complex process driven by many variables. I would like to thank the members of our calendar committee who work together to iron out these details and create a calendar that best meets the educational needs of our students.
The committee, composed of parents, students, teachers, principals, district staff, and community members, takes into consideration myriad factors such as legal and district requirements, holidays, parent-teacher conferences, professional development and stakeholder input.
For example, state law requires a minimum number of days and hours students must be in session and requires that six inclement weather days be included in the calendar. Within those parameters, the committee also tries to schedule the first day of school to limit heat-related issues (at least until all our schools are air conditioned) but still dismiss for the year prior to Memorial Day when possible.
As you might imagine this can be a complicated puzzle to piece together.
In the proposed 2009-2010 calendar, the first day of school would be Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009. This puts the last day of school before winter break as Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. It is interesting to note that Dec. 23, 2008, was our last day before winter break this school year. We experienced very poor student attendance that day.
During discussions with my parent advisory council, some members suggested we move the first day of school to Tuesday, Aug. 25, and change the last day before winter break to Tuesday, Dec. 22.
What are your thoughts? Would you like to see the calendar approved as proposed or do you agree with modifying the calendar to start school a day earlier and release for winter break a day earlier?
posted by Norm at
2:38 PM
I think the calendar committee did a fine job. I disagree with moving the first day of school to Tuesday. Either go the full week or start on Wednesday or Thursday.
By
Engaged parent, At
January 15, 2009 at 9:44 AM
Why not start school on Monday of that week and allow for a full two weeks of winter break for families and staff in December?
Also, I believe the attendance factor before holiday break is a huge disadvantage for many schools with struggling attendance and staff members attempting to work so very hard to increase attendance rates-this can often become discouraging. It would make sense to start off the school year with a full week of school in August and allow for the full two weeks of winter break.
By
School Supporter, At
January 15, 2009 at 9:47 PM
I agree with modifying the calendar to start a day earlier and be off on Dec. 23rd. I feel that families need more time to travel for the Christmas holiday. I think the committee could also consider having school the Wed. before Thanksgiving. It seems to me to be a recent addition to have this day off.
By
LeeAnn, At
January 15, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Why not start on Monday, 8/24? This would get us out the 23rd of Dec. and help us avoid the time in June. June just doesn't seem like school time. Plus, the 23rd is often needed for Christmas travel.
By
smitha, At
January 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM
I would much prefer to start on Monday 8/24 and have 2 full weeks for the winter break. Teachers & staff work hard and it seems fruitless as the 2 to 3 days prior to Christmas, most students are mentally if not physically absent at that point. Starting the school year with a full week of class and not having a partial week prior to the holiday would only serve to improve attendance.
By
gentlebear, At
January 17, 2009 at 12:54 AM
As as a teacher I know that starting on a Monday is very taxing on the students. Many students have not engaged in structured activities the entire summer and struggle to keep their atttention focused and behavior appropriate when they are pushed into a full week of school in a hot building.
I understand the attendance being poor on December 23rd, many parents reported to me that had to travel to arrive in time for Christmas Eve celebrations with their families.
By
springfieldteacher, At
January 17, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Please do whatever you can to avoid having a school day on Dec. 23. That's just too close to Christmas Day. There is too much to do in those days before Christmas. My family were really unhappy with having to attend school on Dec. 23 of this year. Let's not repeat that again.
By
sethsmom, At
January 17, 2009 at 6:07 PM
I found that starting this year with a full first week worked to the benefit of my students. Although it was a tough week for the students, AND the staff, it was much easier to set routines into place. We were also able to jump right into the curriculum. A district goal is to increae attendance. Attendance was poor on December 23rd. Plus, many students and staff members were stuck on the road on the eve of a major holiday, rushing to honor family traditions. Let's make the best of it. Let's start earlier, get out on December 22nd or 21st, honor our families, and have a great start to the 2009-2010 school year.
By
proud educator, At
January 19, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Trying to get a calendar that meets everyone's needs is difficult, so thanks for the hard work that goes into that process. I would prefer not to have school on Dec. 23rd to allow time for families to prepare/travel for the holiday season. It would also be beneficial for 1st semester to end before winter break. I believe the surrounding schools are able to accomplish that....would be nice for students in the high schools to have finals finished and to enjoy their holiday break without worrying about finals.
By
educated mom, At
January 20, 2009 at 9:10 AM
I agree with many of the commentors about starting school with a full week and then taking the entire week of Christmas off. I also think that it would be more efficent for the students and teachers to have finals done before Christmas break then new year would bring a fresh start in classes and grades, this would mean that school would have to start earlier in the year. It seems that it is as hot at the end of August and early September as it is the 2 weeks prior.
By
Momofthree, At
January 27, 2009 at 4:06 PM
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