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Looking Ahead to the 2010-2011 School Calendar

Just before the end of each calendar year, the district starts making plans concerning next year's school calendar (didn't we just start this one). It's one of the first things that people look at and say "I don't know why they decided to..." 

Scroll over the 2010-2011 Proposed Calendar link which will take you to a link of a DRAFT of next year's calendar. This DRAFT is based on feedback that breaks throughout the school year on a regular basis are needed, and it was adopted by the District Site Based Committee on 11/19/09. Some changes have been made from the current year's calendar. Please notice that many federal holidays will be observed (Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Good Friday, Memorial Day). Veterans Day will be a school day as we believe the success of the district wide program honoring our veterans is the most appropriate way to celebrate. The trade-off in observing these holiday's will require the school year ending a little later than what it traditionally does. This calendar will be presented to the Board of Trustees as information at the 12/14/09 Board Meeting, and for approval at the 1/19/10 Board Meeting.

Please understand that when creating a school district calendar certain things are mandated by the State of Texas:

1. School cannot start before the 4th Monday of August (earliest start date would be 8.23.10).

2. We must have 180 school days on the calendar (because we participate in the Optional Flexible Year Program).

3. TAKS testing days are days that we must be in school.

4. Teachers must be given 3 work days each year without students (the last is usually the day after graduation).

5. We must have an early release prior to September 30 so Title I Parent/Teacher Conferences and Personal Graduation Plans can be developed.

6. Two "bad weather" days must be placed on the calendar. If school is cancelled prior to the use of these days, then they are no longer considered holidays and school is in session.

Some things are aligned with other districts and hold a strong traditional value to our community:

1. Spring Break on the South Plains is traditionally held in conjunction with Texas Tech's calendar.

2. Students traditionally have two full weeks off during the Christmas/New Year's Holiday.

3. The Yoakum County Stock show is traditionally held from the last Thursday-Saturday of January. Students have had an early release on Thursday with a Holiday on Friday.

When creating a school calendar, different people have different values. It will be impossible to please all people. Some things are in direct conflict. We strive to create a calendar that benefits the students, placing breaks/holidays in areas where they minimize conflict. Thank you for your time and your ideas. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

Michael Michaleson, Superintendent