CHOOSING THE RIGHT CALENDAR FOR UPLAND STUDENTS Academic Year Calendar Proposal for the School Year February 12, 2008

What is an Academic Year Calendar? Start of school – Mid August End of first semester prior to Winter Break Spring Break falls at the end of 3rd Quarter End of school – Before Memorial Day

Why consider a change to an academic year calendar? Instructional Value –Finals will be scheduled before Winter Recess at the high school, maintaining instructional momentum and not wasting time with Jan. review –Provides extra weeks of instruction prior to annual CAHSEE testing in March –Provides additional instructional time to prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) exams –Avoids “dead time” in June Ending prior to Memorial Day allows more family time for graduates who report to college in August

Why consider a change to an academic year calendar? Alignment of the UUSD calendar with neighboring districts allows families to schedule vacations without missing school or work. This is an advantage instructionally and fiscally. The following districts have adopted Academic Year Calendars that start in : Chaffey Joint Union High School District Alta Loma School District Etiwanda School District Central School District Fontana Unified School District

What concerns have been expressed about moving to an academic year? Some families and employees traditionally schedule vacations during the last two weeks of August It is too hot for students at that time of year Utility bills will be too high It will interfere with CIF league schedules The first summer of implementation will be too short The calendar has clear advantages for high school students, not as many for elementary/junior high “We have never done this before.” (change)

CURRENT CALENDAR Students start school Monday, August 25 School in session three days during Thanksgiving Week Winter Recess is two weeks Spring Break is one week School ends on Friday, June 5 PROPOSED CALENDAR Students start school Monday, August 10 Schools could have vacation during Thanksgiving Week Winter Recess is two weeks Spring Break is one week School ends on Friday, May 28 (prior to Memorial Day)

“Getting the Word Out” March & April Town Hall Meetings scheduled: –Pioneer JHSWednesday, March 197 p.m. –Upland JHSMonday, March 247 p.m. ‘In Touch with Upland Schools’ newsletters Chamber’s ‘Impact’ article Press Releases Parent survey collected via web site Ongoing meetings with Upland Council PTA and Employee Associations

MOVING TO A DECISION It is staff’s intention to bring a recommendation to the Board of Education prior to the end of the current school year in order to adopt a calendar for the school year. This will provide families, staff, youth organizations, churches, and child care agencies with one year’s notice to plan and adjust to any change in calendar.