School Calendar Approved Unanimously

students will likely head back to school before Labor Day for at least the next two school years.

At its meeting Wednesday night, the Board of Education conducted a first reading of the calendar for the 2013-14 school year. As part of its standard procedures, the Board adopts school calendars for two years beyond the current year, allowing adequate planning time for families, teachers, and all others affected. The first day of school for the 2012-13 school year has already been scheduled for Aug. 29.

The proposed calendar follows the suggested guidelines of the Hartford Area Superintendent’s Association (HASA) and the Capital Region Education Council. 

The guidelines recommend scheduling the first day of school before Labor Day, based on the specific recommendations listed below. According to Superintendent of Schools Karen List, these are just suggestions, but they do allow the West Hartford Schools to be in alignment and reasonably compatible with other schools in the area. Utilizing the new guidelines makes it easier for families who have students who attend magnet schools part time, who are part of Open Choice, or who have students in different school systems.

“These are just guidelines. The Board of Education has the prerogative to change the opening of school to after Labor Day,” said List.

These recommendations were developed by HASA last spring. This is the first time they are being used in the creation of the school calendar. The guidelines also include a full week of vacation in both February and April. Week-long breaks have already been scheduled for 2012-13.

The HASA guidelines specifically state:

First Day of School:

• If Labor Day falls on September 1, 2, 3,4, or 5, the first day of school would be the Wednesday prior to Labor Day.
• If Labor Day falls on September 6 or 7, the first day of school would be on the Monday before Labor Day.

Holiday/Vacations:

• The decision to observe Veteran’s Day as a school holiday will be optional to each local district.
• The decision about the observance of religious holidays (i.e. Jewish holidays, Three Kings Day) will be optional to local districts.
• February Vacation (winter break) will coincide with the Presidents’ Day holiday; districts may vary in length of time taken for vacation during this week.
• April Vacation (spring break) will be scheduled for the third full week in April.

The first reading of the proposed calendar was approved unanimously. The calendar will become official following a vote after the second reading at the March 20 Board of Education meeting.