Lincoln parents are being asked for input about next year’s academic calendar, which the School Committee will discuss at its meeting on December 3.
At issue is the fact that in 2016, Columbus Day and Yom Kippur fall in the same week—Monday and Wednesday, Oct. 10 and 12, respectively. As a result, Superintendent of Schools Becky McFall is recommending that the annual teachers’ professional day (which is usually scheduled for the day after Martin Luther King Day) move to October 11, creating a five-day weekend.
“In addition, it will provide the school district with the opportunity to provide faculty with professional development earlier in the school year that will benefit students throughout the year,” McFall said in en email to parents.
In a two-question survey, parents are asked which day they prefer for the professional day, and whether they would rather see the school year start before Labor Day or not end until June 27 (assuming five snow days). The survey closes on Thursday at noon.
“At this time, I anticipate recommending that the School Committee approve Version 2 of the calendar in which students begin school on August 29, prior to Labor Day. However, your survey responses will help to inform my recommendation and the final approval by the School Committee,” she wrote. The committee meets on Thursday in the Hartwell multipurpose room at 7 p.m.
The School Committee is not expected to make any other changes to the academic year calendar because it did a comprehensive survey and review two years ago regarding vacations and holiday observances.
It would be useful to know the full extent of important dates of religious high holidays. In looking at my October 2016 calendar, I see Rosh Hashanah on October 3, Yom Kippur on October 12, the First Day of Sukkot on October 16, the last Day of Sukkot on October 23, and Diwali on October 30. This month Kwanza begins on December 26. I am sure there are also other such dates throughout the year. In the interests of cultural awareness and understanding, it would be helpful to know more about these holidays and what is being celebrated.