District Seeking Feedback on Balanced Calendar Options (By: Jordan Brundrett)
Are you ready for a little change? The Langley School District is now in the process of considering a modification in the school calendar that would significantly affect the school year.
At a recent Open House at the Langley School Board, District officials made clear that they want public feedback on the following options:
- Status Quo -- leaving the school calendar the way it is;
- Extending the winter and spring breaks to three weeks while shortening the summer break; or
- A year-round calendar that would include three one-month breaks.
Which sounds best to you? Vote which system you would choose at www.mountainreport.net!
Many are content with the current calendar which results from our agricultural heritage. With a long summer break, students could help on the farm! It aligns with other districts’ vacation schedules, and allows some students to get summer employment.
But for many, the second extended break option and the third “balanced calendar” option are interesting choices.
If one can get past the initial uproar from some parents and students whenever talk of such a large change arises, extended winter and spring breaks seem to have some benefits. People could take longer vacations, take advantage of recreational opportunities at different times of the year, there would be less “down time” during the summer, and possibly less orientation required in September.
The Superintendent of the Langley School District says, “If we can make a positive difference in the lives of children, why would we not at least engage in that dialogue to see if there are some ways we can improve?"
Despite such well-intentioned words, many have questions that remain to be addressed before any changes occur.
For example, what has research shown about student success, drop-out rates, and the stability of the learning environment in a more balanced calendar environment? Will there be conflicts with traditional schedules at other schools (think siblings), negative impacts on child-care arrangements, conflicts with family schedules, or problems for students getting work and teachers pursuing travel or advanced degrees in the summer?
In the upcoming weeks, notices will be sent home with the 20,000 Langley students about the issue.
The Superintendent indicated that this discussion represents “an opportunity to engage in a conversation about [how we can] make a difference in the lives of students.”
Throughout the next month, the District will be conducting surveys on the topic. The Board of Education is meeting on March 12th to reach a decision on the topic. If the District does decide to modify the school calendar, the change likely would not begin until the 2014-2015 school year.
Written by: Jordan Brundrett