Support the Modified Year-Round Calendar for Better Student Success

The Issue
Our school board has adopted a modified year-round calendar to address key issues in education, such as learning regression, student burnout, and overall academic performance. However, opposition voices are circulating petitions to revert to a traditional calendar, citing concerns about extracurricular activities and summer traditions. These arguments, while heartfelt, overlook the critical benefits of the modified year-round schedule for our students, especially those most vulnerable to the educational challenges of long summer breaks.

We believe the modified calendar is a progressive and much-needed step forward for our students, teachers, and families.

The Facts

Reducing Learning Loss:
Research consistently shows that the "summer slide" disproportionately impacts students, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Studies by Alexander, Entwisle, and Olson (2007) demonstrate that achievement gaps widen during summer breaks, not during the school year. The modified calendar combats this by providing consistent learning opportunities and shorter breaks, ensuring students stay engaged and avoid regression.

Enhanced Academic Achievement:
Schools using a year-round calendar often show equal or improved academic performance compared to traditional schools (McMillen, 2001). This is particularly true when enrichment and remediation programs are offered during breaks, helping students catch up, reinforce concepts, and explore non-academic activities year-round.

Preventing Burnout:
Frequent, shorter breaks provide essential downtime for both students and teachers, promoting better mental health and focus. Instead of the long, exhausting stretches of traditional schedules, the modified calendar balances work and rest, preventing fatigue and creating a more positive learning environment.

Supporting Students with Special Needs:
For students with exceptionalities, routine and structure are vital. The lengthy summer break often disrupts their progress, both academically and socially. A modified calendar provides consistency, reducing regression and offering regular opportunities for growth.

Alignment with National Standards:
Many schools across the country already use modified year-round calendars. These systems integrate extracurricular activities, sports, and family vacations without disruption. Claims that this calendar will hinder such activities are largely unfounded and ignore the flexibility offered by the new schedule.

A Solution for All Families:
The modified calendar benefits all students, but particularly those from low-income households who may lack access to enrichment activities during long breaks. This calendar prioritizes equity and educational opportunity for every child.

Addressing the Opposition
While concerns about extracurricular activities and family traditions are valid, they do not outweigh the academic and social benefits of a modified calendar. Sports, camps, and other programs can and do adapt to these schedules in other districts. Families will still have opportunities for vacations and bonding, spread throughout the year in a way that may even reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

Claims that teachers and coaches may leave due to calendar changes are speculative. In fact, many educators report positive experiences with year-round schedules, as they allow for consistent planning, rest, and professional development throughout the year.

Our Proposal
We urge the community to support the modified year-round calendar as a pilot for the 2025–2026 school year. This approach prioritizes the academic success, mental well-being, and equitable opportunities for all students while providing flexibility for families and extracurricular activities.

Sign Our Petition to Keep the Modified Year-Round Calendar!
Let’s stand for what matters most, our children’s education and future. Join us in supporting a calendar that works to reduce learning gaps, prevent burnout, and create a stronger, more equitable education system for everyone.