BOE Approves Change to 2010-11 School Calendar

Don't confirm those spring break vacation plans just yet.

The Board of Education approved a chance to the 2010-11 school calendar that moves spring break to April 18-25. Schools Supt. Richard Brodow said during Monday's board meeting the move was necessary because the school election was moved to April 27.

The changes also include the extended days for the elementary school due to parent conferences. Those days now will be Nov. 16, 17 and 18 and April 12, 13 and 14.

While the main focus of the changes was on spring vacation, Debra Fox, a board member, questioned other changes to be made to the calendar. She said the Monday after Martin Luther King's Birthday, a school holiday, is a half day for students. It can be difficult for parents.

Also, she said, the school year ends later and later every year. It would be better to end the school year earlier. "At this point (in the school year), it seems like everyone is done," she said.

Brodow said when the end of school happens is dictated on when Labor Day falls. The first day of school is after Labor Day. Generally, he said, school ends the week of June 20, but sometimes it can happen earlier.

Fox wondered if it would be a good idea to have one break in March rather than two in February and April. It caused a gasp from the audience and a "when would I go skiing?" comment. "For your own protection, I urge you not to consider that at this time," Brodow said with a laugh.

Also, the school district has scheduled its Back to School nights. Wyoming and Glenwood will hold it on Sept. 21, and Deerfield, South Mountain and Hartshorn will have their sessions on Sept. 28.  The sixth-grade Back to School Night will be on Sept. 16 at the middle school, and the session will be on Sept. 22 for seventh and eighth graders. The high school will hold its Back to School Night on Sept. 23.