February 2024 – Jennifer Shiao's School Committee Blog

Jennifer Shiao's School Committee Blog

This blog reflects my own views about the Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees – it does not represent the view of the committees, the district, or the superintendent. This blog complies with Open Meeting Law, as long as a quorum of School Committee members do not engage in deliberations in the comments. Comments are welcomed; commenters must register with their name and email address (email address will not be published). I may respond to comments, but I will not respond to all comments. Sign up using the "Follow blog via email" form to be notified when I post a new entry.

2024-25 school calendar will have extra long winter break

At our February 27 meeting, the Regional School Committee voted to approve the 2024-25 school calendar. The calendar includes the following:

First day of school for grades 1-12: August 26.
An extra long winter break, starting December 23 (last day of school before break, December 20, is a half day), until January 6 (first day of school after break is Tuesday, January 7).
Last day of school will be between June 17 and 25, depending on the number of snow days.

In a previous blog post, I had asked people to chime in with their preference between two calendar options. I received 54 emails and comments, with 35 being in favor of this option. In addition, the School Committee was informed at yesterday’s meeting that the APEA also preferred this option.