Late Start Days Begin September 21, 2011

All students will start school one hour later and end at the regular release time on the 16 different late start days. Kindergarten students will not attend school on September 28, November 16, December 7, February 29, March 14, and April 25.

Buses will run one hour later in the morning and return to the regular schedule in the afternoon. School buildings will not be available for student use prior to the delayed start time. Students should not plan on using the school building or playground as a location to wait for the delayed start of school.

The late start program was started four years ago at all three high schools and due to its success was expanded last year to all schools. A recent survey, completed by almost 100% of instructional staff members, found that the late start dates have been extremely helpful in providing teachers and principals with time to meet, collaborate with colleagues, work on school improvement goals, and improve student instruction. When asked if the late start morning focused on issues that directly impact student learning, 94% responded favorably and 86% of the respondents agreed that the time provided useful collaboration time to share best practices.

Providing learning opportunities throughout the year allows teachers to learn, evaluate, and improve lessons being taught in the classroom. Research indicates that student achievement increases when staff has professional development time consistently built into their school day. Professional development provides the training and continuing education that all teachers must have in order to maintain their teaching certificates.

The updated 2011-12 calendar is posted on the district’s website. Click on the “District Calendar” icon located in the middle of the front page of the website. You can download a PDF version of the calendar or you can view an on-line calendar.  Parents are reminded to check with their child’s school for important events and activities taking place unique to their school.

Several factors determine the district calendar including state mandates, a county-wide common calendar, community needs, professional development obligations, and days decided through negotiations between the Board of Education and the Dearborn Federation of Teachers (DFT).