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MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS GET NEW CALENDAR MIAMI – Students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools will get an extra week of summer vacation in 2006 under a revised school year calendar given initial approval by the School Board Wednesday. Under the calendar, the school year in most schools will begin on Aug. 14, 2006, and end on May 30, 2007. The school year had been scheduled to begin a week earlier on Aug. 7. For the 39 schools in the School Improvement Zone, which offer students 10 additional days of instruction, classes will begin on Aug. 7, 2006, and end on June 1, 2007. Winter break in all schools will begin on Dec. 22, 2006, with students returning to schools on Jan. 8, 2007. Beginning in the 2004-2005 school year, the District had moved the starting date forward to bring it closer to the starting dates for nearly every county in Florida. At the time, Board Members wanted to ensure Miami-Dade students were not disadvantaged in taking various standardized tests by having fewer days in class than their peers statewide. Superintendent Rudolph F. “Rudy” Crew assured Board Members that schools could offer a sound, effective instructional program while starting later in August. The later starting date also makes it less likely for schools to be impacted by early-season hurricanes and to require students to be in class for fewer hot summer days. The revised calendar will come back to the School Board for final approval at its February meeting. # # # 05-LJG/146/JJS |
