FCPS students are used to bidding farewell to summer on Labor Day. Fairfax County schools have always started the Tuesday after Labor Day. But in the 2012-2013 school year, things may change. Superintendent Jack Dale has proposed that after the 2011-2012 school year, school begin starting in August. This decision was approved by 64% of FCPS parents and 71% of teachers, according to a survey. Many bills have been proposed to eliminate this early opening, but none of them ever passed.
Starting school in August may seem like the summer vacation is being cut shorter, but one of the advantages of this is that school would end a week earlier in June. “That would be awesome, yes, I’d love that,” says freshman Chris Blankingship. Other advantages include more flexibility to allow for snow days, as well as aligning the FCPS calendar with local university calendars, allowing better admission for students who partake in dual enrollment courses.
“There are several reasons to open schools before Labor Day, the most important of which is to provide additional instructional time for teachers and students before Standards of Learning (SOL) testing takes place,” explains Dale, “Our parents and employees are solidly behind making this change. It’s time for the state to address the wishes of our community to start school earlier.”
It may not be just the teachers and parents supporting this change – surprisingly, many Langley students approve as well. “That would be nice,” says freshman Erin Stevan, “because everyone gets out before us, in May, and we’re [still] stuck here.” (Private Schools all over Virginia begin school a week or two before Labor Day and close weeks before Fairfax County Schools.)
“I would like that, it would be my fantasy. It was like that in my old school and it was awesome!” says freshman Melissa Donley. Freshman English teacher Mrs. Ventimiglia concurs, saying “I would love, love, love it!”
Seniors weigh on, saying they would appreciate the change if it had occurred earlier. “If it were to [affect me,] then I wouldn’t mind because by the end of the year, we don’t have any work, so I’d like staying here a week or two later,” says senior Manahil Malik.
Despite all the positive reactions to the change, some have different views for the possible change. “I like starting after Labor Day, so I disapprove,” says freshman Alicia Melendez.
Only time will tell whether we will be saying goodbye to summer earlier than usual in 2012.