Though Memorial Day is months away from the start of school, it ultimately decides if school begins in August or July. 

The main deciding factor on the date school starts is based on what weekend Memorial Day falls. Next year’s date will cause the school year to be later in May but start in August. 

“We work from graduation in May, the Friday before Memorial Day each year, to build the school calendar. Schools are required to have 180 days in session each year. Since Memorial Day moves each year, this changes our date to start the school year to get our 180 days,” Superintendent Terry Terhune said. 

Pushing the school’s start date back a week affects graduation even if it is still the same number of school days overall. 

“We have always tried to graduate on the Friday before Memorial Day in May, and next year’s calendar has allowed the typical breaks we have had the last several years,” Mr. Craig Bruns, assistant principal, said

The calendar for the school is not chosen by just one person. A group reviews and decides.

“The teachers’ union helps the district administration come up with a calendar each year.  We have several discussions about options and possible changes before a recommendation is sent to our School Board.  The board formally approves the calendar,” Dr. Terhune said. 

Students almost always prefer school to start later since it allows for more leisure time over Summer Break. 

“I always think it is a nice situation to start school in August as opposed to July. I also think there is a psychological benefit as well to not have a five-day school week during the first week of school.  It makes the summer a little longer for all, but the students will still attend the same number of days as always,” Mr. Bruns said. 

Starting school in July dampens the mood of students on top of the conclusion to their break. Although it is the same amount of days, beginning in August adds a more positive connotation to school starting. 

“Ultimately, we are required to go to school 180 days each year.  The total number will not change.  I believe most people would like to start the year later in summer which is why we try to start as close to or in August as possible,” Dr. Terhune said. 

While the students are a main priority with the starting date of school, teachers also deserve the satisfaction of beginning class later. 

“We have great teachers and staff who understand the start date moves due to our graduation.  Overall, I feel that our teachers do like to be done with school by Memorial Day so they can start their summer,” Dr. Terhune said. 

Though it may seem like an all-around win situation, there could be conflicts.

“I am always curious on how the start of school impacts the start of out-of-school activities. While I imagine there are always individual adjustments people must make, I think the calendar is similar enough to past calendars that there hopefully will not be any widespread problems,” Mr. Bruns said.