In the PHS Parent Newsletter that was sent out this week, it includes multiple surveys regarding changes to the calendar for the upcoming year. The families, staff, and community of PHS are encouraged to provide feedback to help make this upcoming year successful for everyone!
The Calendar Committee shows excitement to propose two options for staff, families, and the community to decide. The feedback given will inform their final decision and may be developed based on the results.
The comparison of the two calendars display some similarities, but also include major differences.
Calendar Overview:
Both calendars share the same student and staff days, start dates, last day for students, graduation, and teacher work week dates.
| Option 1 | Option 2 | Key Difference / Impact | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Days | 172 | 172 | Identical instructional time |
| Staff Days | 185 | 185 | Identical contract time |
| Start Dates | Aug. 24: Half of PreK/K, Grades 1–5, 6 & 9
Aug. 25: Other half of PreK/K, Grades 7–8, 10–12 |
Aug. 24: Half of PreK/K, Grades 1–5, 6 & 9
Aug. 25: Other half of PreK/K, Grades 7–8, 10–12 |
Two-day staggered start for transition support |
| Last Day for Students | June 4 (Half Day) | June 4 (Half Day) | Same end |
| Graduation | May 27 | May 27 | Same |
| Teacher Work Week | Aug. 17–21 | Aug. 17–21 | Same dates, but EmPOWer placement differs |
There are major differences in the professional learning and workdays categories for teachers that will impact student holidays.
Teacher EmPOWer Conference:
The EmPOWer conference is an event for PCPS staff to prepare for the school year.
- In option 1, the new teacher week is August 10-12, while option 2 has an additional day for EmPOWer. The dates for this conference in option 1 is August 17 (during teacher work week), while
- option 2 is August 13 (during new teacher week).
Teacher Professional Development (PD) Days:
- October- workday in option 1 is Oct 23 and the PD day is on October 26. In option 2, these dates are shifted a week earlier.
- Mid-year- workday in option 1 is after winter break (January 4) and option 2 before winter break (December 21) allowing more preparation before the holidays.
- February- professional development day/holidays in option 1 are the 12th and 15th, with option 2 holiday on Feb 8, PD Feb 12, and Presidents day on the 15th.
- April 19- both options are a “snow make-up” date. However, in option 1, this date is considered as a holiday, while option 2 would be a student and staff holiday. The additional day off in option 2 is for teachers due to EmPOWer taking place during the new teacher week.
| Event / Date | Option 1 | Option 2 | Key Difference / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Teacher Week | Aug. 10–12 | Aug. 10–13 | Adds one day for EmPOWer |
| EmPOWer Conference | Aug. 17 | Aug. 13 | Option 1 = During Teacher Work Week; Option 2 = During New Teacher Week |
| October Workday / PD | Oct. 23 (Workday), Oct. 26 (PD) | Oct. 16 (Workday), Oct. 19 (PD) | Shifted one week earlier in Option 2 |
| Mid-Year Workday | Jan. 4 (after Winter Break) | Dec. 21 (before Winter Break) | Option 2 allows prep before holidays |
| February PD / Holiday | Feb. 12 (PD), Feb. 15 (Presidents’ Day) | Feb. 8 (Holiday), Feb. 12 (PD), Feb. 15 (Presidents’ Day) | Adds an extra February holiday due to less days at winter break |
| April 19 | Teacher Work Day (Snow Make-Up) | Student & Staff Holiday (Snow Make-Up) | Option 2 provides additional day off for teachers due to EmPOWer being during New Teacher Week |
It is highly encouraged for the community to choose the best fit for students to have a successful school year!
