Wednesday, February 1, 2012

For decades, most school calendars in the U.S. have started in August, and end with kids and teachers getting a twelve week Summer break.

The Valley Center district is looking at possibly changing that, with what they call a balanced calendar, where the 177-day school year would be spread over 47 weeks instead of 40.

"We'd still have four quarters and two semesters, but we would have spaces in between," said Superintendent Scott Springston.

The spaces would be five weeks in the Summer, compared to the current twelve, plus two-week breaks every Fall, Winter and Spring.

"There's a belief that the length of the Summer break that we have right now, there's quite a bit of Summer loss due to retention over that break. That would minimize that. Not eliminate it," said Superintendent Springston.

Some parents and students disagree.

They say it seems like the balanced schedule would have students in school year 'round.

"I enjoy the Summers with my kids. I like getting my kids involved in things like camps," said Wendy Farney, parent.

"I wouldn't like not having the camps and stuff, like Summer camp, and all my friends wouldn't like year-round schooling either," said Davinna Farney, student.

"It gives me time to spend with them in the Summer, and as a single parent, that quality time means a lot," said Marci Little, parent.

Others worry about daycare, and the ability for older students and teachers to work Summer jobs.

If all those kinks could be worked out, school leaders say it could be a move in the right direction for the district.

"What it's going to boil down to, is do we believe that it will enhance student and staff learning within our district? That to me is what the decision should be made on," said Superintendent Springston.

The Valley Center school board will be discussing the possibility of a balanced calendar at the February 13 meeting.

The meeting will be held in the auditorium at the Valley Center Middle School.