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Early school start
Updated: April 30, 2012 5:22PM
Early school start
Are District 181 parents aware that District 86 is considering starting school two weeks earlier in 2013, ending mid-May, and that this could end up affecting them too? District 181 may or may not align itself with this schedule. If not, families with kids in both districts suddenly have a logistical nightmare on their hands for two weeks in May and two weeks in August.
I strongly oppose this proposal. The reason cited for the shift is to administer final exams prior to winter break so that AP classes have additional time for preparation prior to the May exams. The shift in schedule is therefore geared primarily toward one group of students. If District 181 follows the schedule, all students kindergarten through 12th grade would be shifted to benefit the relatively few AP students. I don’t believe that makes sense.
While I support the district’s efforts to give AP students the best chance to prepare, I don’t believe the cost is worth it. The children stand to lose two of the best weeks of the summer in order to take exams before winter break. In addition, December would go from an enjoyable month of holiday preparations to one of tension and stress cramming for exams.
District 86 has done very little to solicit opinions on this matter. I urge the members of the community to make your opinions known to the District 86 board members and I urge the board to avoid making this decision in a vacuum.
Susan McBride
Hinsdale
