The 2015-2016 School District Calendar may end the first semester of school AFTER the Winter Break. We are concerned that the August 24, 2015 start date required by Florida Law, will cause the District to place 1st Semester exams after Winter Break. Students academic performance and emotional health will suffer.

With the end of semester IB, exams, AP exams, honors exams and regular exams still hanging over each child’s head I don’t think they will be able to relax, and time must be devoted over what is a "break" to preparing for those exams.

Over Winter Break many families visit relatives either out of state or out of the country, or plan a holiday. Access to textbooks, notes, and WiFi may well be limited or non-existent. There are students who will not study over their break, and parents who will not require it, that will lead to a loss of academic performance, achievement, and perhaps opportunity for college, which grows ever-more competitive.  

The purpose of a break is to be a break. Students should be resting, relaxing and recharging for second semester.

High school seniors applying to College by Early Decision or Early Action may be prevented from doing so if first semester grades fall outside of a college's considration period, or at best prevent them from being considered, which might cost District students the ability to attend their first choice schools that might admit them otherwise. 

We, the undersigned, ask that you ensure that final exams and the first semester end before the winter holiday break in December of each year.