School Calendar Changes Move Up First Day of School

The proposed 2012-2013 school calendar for could have kids winding up their summer breaks by mid-August.

School officials are proposing Aug. 16 as next year's first day of school. In years past, students have resumed classes near the end of August. The last day of school would be May 22, 2013.

One reason for the moved up schedule is so students will take their final exams prior to winter break, said Superintendent Scott Wakeley during Monday's Organizational Oversight Committee meeting.

Currently, students are off for two weeks in December before coming back in January to take their exams.

"It's very difficult to finish in December and then come back for two weeks and take exams," Wakeley said. "There's time lost because a lot of those two weeks after break is spent reviewing what they forgot. This will make it so they have a natural break just like a college or university does. And kids and staff won't have that hanging over their heads over winter break."

The proposed school calendar change will have students ending the first semester Dec. 21, and beginning the second semester Jan. 7.

Another reason for the school calendar change is to closer align District 115 with the start of Indian Valley Vocational Center’s schedule.

"Our district has never been remotely close to when our (Indian Valley Vocational Center) kids start," Wakeley said. "In years past our kids start a week and a half before school starts and it's kind of like, 'Well, get there if you can.'"

Several committee members lauded the measure.

"Ending the semester before the holiday makes great sense," said Board Member Dean Fisher.

Board Member Steve Gengler said many school districts are looking to end the first semester before the winter holiday.

"It didn't make sense we didn't do that," he said.

The proposed calendar also takes into account the new state law which states both the first and last days of school must be full days rather than half days, and students can be dismissed one hour early on the days prior to Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks.

The 2012-13 calendar draft will go before the School Board at the next meeting for discussion and approval.