Changes to DeKalb School Calendar Loom

The DeKalb County Schools board of education is mulling over a decision to start school earlier in August and dismiss students an hour early on Wednesdays.

Three proposed options for the 2012-2013 school calendar are on the table, and the board is asking parents to give feedback on each.

Start time in August ranges from Aug. 1 to Aug. 13 in the three options, which could impact summer vacation plans already in place. In 2010, school started Aug. 9.

Each of the options would dismiss students from school one-hour early on Wednesdays.

The board is expected to finalize the calendar for the 2012-2013 school year at the May 7 board meeting.

A look at the options

Option A:

• 1st semester runs Aug.1-Dec. 18 with a three-day weekend for Labor Day, a full week off in October and in November for Thanksgiving

• 2nd semester runs Jan. 3-May 29 with a three-day weekend for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a full week off in February (winter break) and April (spring break), and a three-day weekend for Memorial Day in May.

Option B:

• 1st semester runs Aug. 6-Dec. 20 with a three-day weekend for Labor Day, a four-day weekend in October (Columbus Day) and the full week of Thanksgiving off.

• 2nd semester runs Jan. 8-May 24 with a three-day weekend for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a four-day weekend in Feb., a three-day weekend in March and a week off in April (spring break).

Option C:

• 1st semester runs Aug. 13-Dec. 21 with three-day weekends at Labor Day & Columbus Day and the full week of Thanksgiving off.

• 2nd semester runs Jan. 8-May 29 with a three-day weekend in Jan., Feb., and March; a week off in April, and a three-day weekend for Memorial Day in May.

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