The school year is up for debate in the Fraser Cascade, with three calendar options being considered by the school district.
Parents, guardians, students, staff and members of the community are being asked to weigh in on the discussion, either online or in person. The first option is to remain with the current status quo with a two-week spring break (from March 23 - April 6). The second option is to take a three week winter break (from Dec. 22 - Jan. 9) and to return to the classroom a week early, on Aug. 25.
Finally, the district is considering a balanced calendar. Perhaps the most drastic change, the balanced calendar includes two month long breaks (at Christmas and for most of April) and a five week summer break (July 27 - Aug. 31).
At a recent school board meeting, trustees discussed the pros and cons of each calendar option. However, they are counting on the community to tell them which is the best suited locally. Each of the calendar options are used in select communities around the province.
There will be three public consultation meetings held around the district. The first is on Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m.m at the District Education Office in Hope. The second will be at AESS on Jan. 23 at 4:30 p.m. and the third will be held at Boston Bar elementary-secondary on Jan. 27 at 4:30 p.m.
For those who would prefer to weigh in online, a survey is available at the school district website at www.sd78.bc.ca/. Opinions can also be emailed to info@sd78.bc.ca.
The district has also started a discussion on Twitter, @sd78calendar.
Following all of that public discussion, the board will again bring the calendar to the table at their Mar. 4 regular meeting. A decision will need to be made in time to prepare for the 2014/2015 calendar.
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