By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

(Dec. 24, 2020) The Worcester County Board of Education has two academic calendar proposals to consider for 2021-22, with both of them allowing for the possibility of attending school from home.

PHOTO COURTESY WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Worcester County Board of Education has two academic calendar proposals to consider for 2021-22. The first proposal features an early release in June, while the second proposal has more frequent and longer breaks, resulting in the extended summer break starting on June 21.

The school system’s traditional calendar committee was not able to convene for a work session because of covid-19 restrictions, but Carrie Sterrs, coordinator of public relations and special programs, gave the board proposals that address what subcommittees would typically focus on, she said.

The proposals differ in length for vacation or breaks, marking periods and professional days, but both contain three inclement weather days built into the end of the year.

Beyond those three inclement weather days, the 14 public schools will switch to distance learning rather than close.

Sterrs said the first proposal shows an early end to the school year with students starting summer break on June 14.

“This proposal includes a winter break beginning on Thursday, Dec. 23, and students returning on Monday, Jan. 3,” she said.

The school system extended spring break by one day to the state mandated holidays.

The second proposal features more frequent and longer breaks, resulting in the extended summer break starting on June 21.

“You’ll see a full two-week break for winter, beginning Monday, Dec. 20, with students returning Jan. 3,” Sterrs said. “Spring break has also been extended for families, with an early dismissal on April 12, followed by a professional day on [April 13] and a full closure from Thursday, April 14 through Tuesday, April 19.”

In January 2021, a calendar proposal survey will take place to collect additional comments from students, staff, parents and the community.

Sterrs said she will present the survey results to the school board in February as well as Superintendent Lou Taylor’s recommendation for the calendar for the board members to approve.