THANK YOU to all who submitted feedback on the 2019-2020 proposed school calendar. After careful review of the comments, concerns, and questions received, the District added two early dismissal days to the calendar before it was adopted by the Board on February 21st. The adopted calendar may be downloaded below.
CALENDAR DETAILS
Start and End Dates - The start date for the school year received many thoughtful comments and valid reasons for supporting both an earlier start to the school year and a later/after Labor Day start. The calendar for 2019-2020 maintains its proposed starting date for students of Monday, August 26, 2019 and last day for students of Friday, June 5, 2020. We also received many valid reasons in favor of an early dismissal the first week of school followed by a four-day week and opposed to it. The adopted calendar maintains the shortened weeks which we hope will aid students in their transition back after summer break.
Early Dismissal Days - Two early dismissal days were added to the proposed calendar based on feedback received. Compared to 2018-2019 which included seven early dismissal days, the 2019-2020 calendar incorporates five early dismissals for students (not counting the last day of school).
While we are sensitive to the impact these days have on our families, the staff development which takes place following early dismissals is critical for teachers to analyze student achievement data collected during the school year and immediately identify learning needs. During staff development, educators develop plans to assist students and are able to promptly implement those plans. It also provides time for professional learning, required training, review, and collaboration.
Make-Up Days - Make-up days are those days built into the school calendar to be used if weather-related school closings (snow days) occur. By designating these days as make-up days, the District has the flexibility to use them only when needed. The 2019-2020 calendar specifies three make-up days we will use if needed.
Over 150 individuals participated in the calendar development process this year! We are thankful so many of you took the time to share your thoughts and valuable input with us. While some of the suggestions we received could not be immediately incorporated, we are taking them into consideration as we research new options for future school years in regards to breaks and designated times for staff development.