Last Day Of School? Monday, June 24

In a school year that's included Superstorm Sandy and the Blizzard of 2013, maybe it's remarkable that we've only accrued four "snow" days so far. But that does push the school year to Monday, June 24 – within spitting distance of July.

Actually, there have been five "makeup days" this school year, but the district decided to use a November teacher professional development day to make up one of the three Sandy makeup days. That move looks prescient in the wake of the February blizzard, which took another two days. And, truth be told, we got lucky there, since the blizzard started on a Friday, giving the storm two weekend days to wreak havoc.

But some are wondering if there's a different way to deal with weather-related school cancellations, such as extending the school day or taking away some holidays or vacation days. That came up at last week's School Committee meeting, but Supt. Victor Mercurio said Dept. of Education Commissioner Deborah Gist has ruled out certain efforts and changing things such as vacation weeks would require statewide adoption.

So school will last nearly into July this year. Let's just hope another weather event doesn't head our way until next school year ... at the earliest.