When Does School Start? New Calendars Set the Dates

Farmington Public Schools has released school calendars for the next three academic years.

Developed with the input of staff, as well as students and parents, the calendars reflect their preference for fewer half days for students.

"We listened to our parents and staff and we are pleased that we are providing school calendars for the next three years with a reduced number of half days," said Michele Harmala, Associate Superintendent of Instructional Services. "We worked with our teachers' union to move more of our professional development time to outside the student day so that teachers spend their time with students and to ensure that the work of Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) gets done."

New for 2013-2014 are full-day professional development days in November and March and once a month, one-hour delayed starts across the District for staff to engage in systemic professional development. During this time, staff will work in grade-level, content, or departmental meetings to review student data and develop lessons, units, assessments, and other materials based on standards and curriculum.

The new calendars also include a shorter February break.

On delayed start days, the Farmington Family YMCA, which administers the before and after school care program, will offer a drop-in opportunity for a small fee, if space is available. For more information, call 248-553-4020.

Calendars for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 will have conference and open house dates as more information becomes available.

View all three calendars on the district's website: http://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/district/calendars/