URGENT UPDATE: The Thompson School District has just announced significant changes to its school calendar for the upcoming two years, shifting the start and end dates to combat early fall heat. This decision comes after rising concerns over classroom temperatures, particularly in schools lacking air conditioning.
In a move aimed at enhancing student comfort, the district has delayed the first day of school by one week, now set for late August. The last day of school will also extend by a week, ensuring it still falls before Memorial Day, aligning with community feedback that prioritized keeping the school year end in May.
The adjustments, approved in a unanimous board vote last month, reflect a growing trend among local education systems. The Poudre School District has also made similar calendar changes to address heat concerns. District officials reported that “heat days,” where classes were canceled due to excessive temperatures, prompted this proactive response.
Superintendent Bret Heller acknowledged the complexities of the change during a recent study session. He highlighted that while keeping winter break as a crucial dividing line between semesters was essential, the new calendar creates an imbalance in instructional days between the first and second semesters. The first semester will now have fewer days as a result of this shift.
“If you end before winter break the first semester, it locks in a lot of things,” Heller stated. “High school teachers were particularly cautious, recognizing the impact on their instructional time.”
Families and teachers have expressed mixed feelings about the new schedule. Heller noted that while high school staff were not overwhelmingly supportive, many recognized the benefits of addressing heat issues. Feedback indicated a general acceptance of the new calendar, albeit with some reservations regarding the semester structure.
Board President Stu Boyd expressed confidence in the changes, stating, “I’m very supportive of the recommendation by the calendar committee. They’ve spent considerable time exploring various options to ensure student well-being.”
The revised calendar is now available on the Thompson School District website, offering parents and students a clear view of the upcoming school year. As schools brace for another potentially hot September, this calendar adjustment aims to minimize discomfort and maximize learning opportunities.
As the school year approaches, stakeholders will be monitoring the impact of these changes closely. The district is committed to finding effective solutions to ensure a conducive learning environment for all students, while also balancing the needs of teachers and families.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and check the district’s website for the latest information on school operations and calendar details.
