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BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HOWARD COUNTYMEETING AGENDA ITEM

TITLE: Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar DATE: December 15, 2016

PRESENTER(S): Caryn Lasser, Director, Executive Services

VISION 2018 GOAL: Students Staff Families and Community Organization

OVERVIEW:This report describes the development of the Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), which supports all four goals in Vision 2018. The 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee was charged with recommending to the Superintendent an academic calendar that will enhance the system’s ability to achieve Vision 2018.

In its work, the Academic Calendar Planning Committee reviewed the current calendar, considered calendars from other school systems, and incorporated input from the Board of Education, the Superintendent’s Cabinet, and various stakeholder groups including students, staff members, parents, and community members.

The committee focused on several items including:1. Executive Orders issued by Governor Hogan regarding school start and end dates.2. Professional learning and professional work days and negotiated agreements.3. Impact of half-days on the instructional program.4. Closings on days of religious and cultural holiday observance.5. Scheduling of winter and spring breaks.6. Parent-teacher conferences.7. Inclusion of inclement weather makeup days.

The Academic Calendar Planning Committee developed two calendar recommendations, one that aligns with Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders to start school after Labor Day and end by June 15. The second recommendation reflects the Board of Education’s April 14, 2016 decision to begin the school year for staff on August 21, 2017 and for students on August 28, 2017. The Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendars are designed to best support the instructional program within set parameters defined by negotiated agreements, district policies, state laws and State Board of Education regulations, as well as results from the Religious and Cultural Observances – Calendar Impact Study Analysis. This report describes the Proposed Academic Calendars for the 2017-2018 school year.

RECOMMENDATION/FUTURE DIRECTION:Following a Public Hearing on January 26, 2017, approve an Academic Calendar for the 2017-2018 school year on February 23, 2017.

Submitted by: Approval/ Concurrence:Caryn D. LasserDirector, Executive Services

Renee A. Foose, Ed.D.Superintendent

Linda T. Wise

Deputy Superintendent

Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar 2

2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee Membership

The charter approved on November 19, 2015 described the membership of the 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee. Positions were announced publicly and the following students, staff, and community members volunteered to serve on this committee in the positions indicated.

Sophia Autrey, High School Parent Bernadette Bechta, HCEA Betsy Coe, HCAAMatthew Cox, Office of Secondary CurriculumKelly Davis, Office of Elementary CurriculumLisa Davis, Office of Elementary Curriculum Steven Fleming, High School Administrator Sean Griffin, High School Teacher Tahira Hussain, Committee for Diversity and InclusionJennifer Johnson, School Support Personnel Rebecca Kirkman, Elementary School Parent Margaret Kraak, High School ParentTrish Lannon, Elementary School AdministratorGina Massella, Office of School Administration Jake Maynard, HCASCCassandra Miller, Cultural Proficiency and Equity Advisory CommitteeJendayi Miller, Community Member At Large Michael Milstein, Jewish Federation of Howard CountyDebbie Misiag, Office of Special EducationJian Ni, Chinese American Parent AssociationDebra O’Byrne, Middle School Administrator Naimish Pandya, Hindu American FoundationToni Parham, PTA CouncilShaharbano Rizvi, Howard County Muslim CouncilAnne Roy, Office of Equity Assurance Aparna Srinivasan, Community Advisory CouncilBill Stolis, Office of Student TransportationTim Thornburg, Department of Human Resources and Development Helene Tyler, Teacher of the Blind and Visually ImpairedLisa Warnick, Elementary School Teacher Caryn Lasser, Director, Executive Services, Chair

All stakeholders listed in Policy 2050 Advisory Committees to Staff and Schools were invited to have representation on the committee.


Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar

BackgroundThe 2017-2018 Academic Calendar Planning Committee held seven meetings from September 14, 2016 through November 10, 2016. The discussions, considerations and recommendations of the 2017-2018Academic Calendar Planning Committee focused on developing a calendar that supports instruction,including providing structured time for professional learning and parent conferences.

The annual academic calendar provides the framework to support the entire Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) instructional program and aligns across all four goals of Vision 2018: Fulfilling the Promise of Preparation. Outcomes most strongly aligned are the following:

Outcome 1.2: Students have equitable access to a rigorous instructional program.Outcome 2.2: Staff members have access to learning experiences that support their professional growth.Outcome 3.1: HCPSS collaborates with family and community partners to engender a culture of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.Outcome 4.6: Decisions are informed by relevant data in all operational areas.

The committee was charged through its November 19, 2015 charter with several objectives including: reviewing HCPSS calendars,reviewing academic calendars from other school systems,collecting and considering feedback from stakeholder groups,examining available attendance data from prior years,examining the beginning and ending dates for the year and total attendance hours,examining the scheduling of professional learning days, examining the scheduling of parent-teacher conference days, examining the scheduling of winter and spring breaks, andexamining reducing the number of half-days scheduled.

The committee was further charged by the Board of Education of Howard County (Board) to examine building more days into quarters two and three to accommodate inclement weather days that typically occur, allowing time for the delivery of instruction during these quarters. The committee was asked to have approximately 48 days in quarters two and three, with fewer days in quarters one and four.

OverviewThis report describes the Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar for the HCPSS. In its work, the Academic Calendar Planning Committee incorporated all Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements, reviewed the current and past HCPSS calendars and calendars from other school systems, and incorporated input from the Board of Education, the Superintendent’s Cabinet, and stakeholder groups including students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. The Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar reflects the committee’s recommendations and stakeholder input and includes required school closings, and the scheduling of additional closings.

The Academic Calendar Planning Committee developed two calendar recommendations, one that aligns with Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders to start school after Labor Day and end by June 15. The Post-Labor Day Start Calendar is described in detail this report. The second calendar recommendation reflects the Board of Education’s April 14, 2016 decision to begin the school year for staff on August 21, 2017 and for students on August 28, 2017 (the Pre-Labor Day Start Calendar). The Proposed 2017-2018Academic Calendar is designed to best support the instructional program within set parameters defined by negotiated agreements, district policies, state laws and State Board of Education regulations, as well as results from the Religious and Cultural Observances – Calendar Impact Study Analysis.


MSDE and COMAR RequirementsState mandated public school holidays include:

General Election Day (None in 2017)Thanksgiving Break (November 23 and 24)Winter Break (December 24 – January 1) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15)President’s Day (February 19)Good Friday (March 30)Easter Monday (April 2)Memorial Day (May 28)Primary Election Day (June 26)

COMAR mandates the calendar include:a minimum of 180 student days,a minimum of 1,080 hours of instruction at the elementary and middle school levels,a minimum of 1,170 hours of instruction at the high school level, anda school day must be a minimum of three hours long.

HCPSS RequirementsHCEA contractual requirements:

193 teacher days

School Calendars from Other Maryland School Systems To understand how the HCPSS compares to several neighboring school systems, careful examination was given to their calendars. The following calendars were reviewed and discussed by the committee:

Anne Arundel County Public Schools 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 School CalendarsBaltimore County Public Schools 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 School CalendarsCarroll County Public Schools 2014, 2015 and 2016 School CalendarsFrederick County Public Schools 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 School CalendarsMontgomery County Public Schools 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 School CalendarsPrince George’s County Public Schools 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 School CalendarsWashington County Public Schools 2014, 2015 and 2016 School Calendars

Executive OrdersGovernor Hogan issued an Executive Order on August 31, 2016 requiring “that all Kindergarten through 12th grade public schools in the State of Maryland (Public Schools)… shall open for pupil attendance no earlier than the Tuesday immediately following the nationally-observed Labor Day holiday.” The Executive Order also requires “that classes shall conclude and the school year for every Public School in Maryland shall adjourn no later than June 15, with the exception being summer school classes offered by school districts throughout the State.” The August 31, 2016 Executive Order included provisions for waivers of the start and end dates, however these procedures were changed in Governor Hogan’s Amended Executive Order issued on October 11, 2016 (Appendix A).

The Amended Executive Order detailed specific criteria for granting waivers. Petitions for waivers must include “compelling justifications” and a district must meet all of the criteria of one of the compelling justifications listed in the Amended Executive Order. The compelling justifications describe innovative schedules for low performing or at risk schools (per Annotated Code 7-103.1), charter schools, and emergency closings for local school districts that have closed for 10 days per year during any two of thepast five years. The HCPSS does not meet the criteria for any of the compelling justifications, and therefore would not currently qualify for a waiver of the start or end date in the Amended Executive Order. The Pre-Labor Day Start Calendar was developed by the committee and is included as a reference should legislation change and this calendar then becomes a viable consideration for the 2017-2018 school year.


Religious ObservancesHCPSS respects the value of all religious observances for students, staff, and families in Howard County. The HCPSS Academic Calendar lists many dates of interest, including religious and cultural observances. A student’s observance of a religious holiday is an excused absence under Maryland law. Policy 3000 Religious Observances details the legal and policy provisions concerning the exercise and expression of religion by students and staff in the HCPSS. Policy 9010 Attendance describes the requirements for student attendance and the procedures for receiving make-up work for lawful/excused absences. The annual Circular for Religious Observances (Appendix B), includes guidance and charts with dates of religious observances intended to support HCPSS leaders in planning for a school year to remain sensitive to our community members who are observing religious holidays, especially in regard to schoolwide event programming.

The annual HCPSS Academic Calendar supports the instructional program and must comply with regulations in Maryland law (COMAR and the Annotated Code of MD). State law mandates days when schools must be closed. The Board may determine that schools should be closed at other times in furtherance of other educational interests or operational needs. To close schools systemwide on any day other than those mandated by Maryland law, the district must establish that a school closure furthers a secular purpose, such as an operational need or educational interest.

HCPSS partnered with Hanover Research (Hanover), an experienced custom research firm based in Washington, D.C., to design, administer, and analyze the Religious and Cultural Observances – Calendar Impact Survey. Surveys were conducted in May and June 2016. Participation in this data collection was confidential and voluntary and surveys were offered to all staff and parents/guardians of current students. One response per family was collected capturing information for all children in the household. All responders remained anonymous and no identifying information was released. The survey was offered in English, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), and Korean.

Hanover prepared the Academic Calendar Survey Analysis report, presented to the Board of Education on September 8, 2016, which provided results as well as the survey questions administered to staff and parents of current students in the HCPSS. The analysis included 12,865 parent and 3,416 staff responses and provides information to understand the impact of religious and cultural observances on the delivery of the HCPSS instructional program. While each case must be evaluated independently, the likelihood of high absentee rates on any given day for staff and/or students, either systemwide or at a substantial portion of schools, may warrant closure of all schools if necessary to secure educational resources, promote safe school environments when it would otherwise be difficult and costly to identify and hire a sufficient number of substitute teachers, and/or avoid disruption to the delivery of effective and meaningful instruction. The Academic Calendar Planning Committee used the Hanover Research Academic Calendar Survey Analysis report to inform decisions regarding recommendations to close schools in the Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar.

Impact of Half-Days on the Instructional ProgramWhile half-days in the system’s calendar are considered full days toward the 180 day annual count, there are several consequences when half-days are scheduled including: increased absenteeism, half-day Pre-Kindergarten (PreK) and Regional Early Childhood Center (RECC) program closure, and availability of child care. Over the past several school years, student absence rates averaged about 4 percent per day (around 2,200 students absent a day). Data indicate that student absences are highest on half-days, with rates ranging from 5.17 percent to 12.3 percent overall. The half-day PreK/RECC program begins after other levels have started their year and ends earlier in June due to the half days at the end of the year, so the instructional year for these students is impacted before any school closings. Due to transportation related conflicts, an early dismissal or delayed opening at any level conflicts with the ability to run half-day PreK and RECC busses. There is also a financial impact for these families when schools close. The full-day PreK classes that are part of the Elementary School Model (ESM) are not impacted this way by half-days since they follow the K-5 schedule.


Committee ProcessThe HCPSS Academic Calendar Planning Committee develops recommendations by engaging in a process whereby committee members learn about the laws, regulations, mandates, and requirements regarding school calendars; examine information and available data for the HCPSS and surrounding districts; solicit input from the various stakeholder groups represented; and discuss, refine, and collaborate with colleagues to produce a calendar that supports the effective delivery of the instructional program. The committee began by reviewing COMAR, Annotated Code, and MSDE requirements. Committee members reviewed Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders and HCPSS negotiated agreements, examined policy and circulars on religious observance, and understood the impact of half-days on the instructional program. Calendars from prior years and calendars from neighboring districts were examined and discussed. Data on inclement weather days, attendance, and the recent Calendar Impact Survey were incorporated into decision making.

A “base” calendar which included notations for state mandated closings was the starting point. As Governor Hogan’s Executive Order requires schools begin no earlier than September 5, 2017 and end by June 15, 2018, the committee discovered that there were a total of 191 possible days available in the calendar. All inclement weather days need to be included within these starting and ending limits, and a minimum of 180 student days are required. The HCPSS negotiated agreement requires 193 teacher days, which can fall before and/or after the Executive Order limits. The committee determined that five inclement weather days should be designated in the calendar, with two of those days occurring as they do in the current calendar, on President’s Day and Easter Monday. This meant three of the possible 191 total days available were committed for inclement weather make up days.

Next, the committee approached pre- and post-service days (teacher only days), followed by proposals forthe optimal placement for professional learning and professional work days, including parent conferences.The committee opted to designate winter and spring breaks to have a clear number of available days known prior to placing the remaining professional days, and to be able to better count the number of days in each marking period. Each category of placements are described in detail in the sections below. When all placements were completed, the committee reviewed the entire recommendation and made adjustments.

The committee frequently worked in small groups during meetings to deeply examine various topics, ensureall members had ample ability to contribute, and then shared out to the full group to advance ideas. When a meeting ended, each member was asked to return with feedback from their stakeholders to continue the discussion at the next meeting.

To recommend a placement for the closing of schools and offices, the committee was asked to justify, “What is the operational need to be closed on this day?” For placements to close schools for students, committee members were asked to justify, “What is the instructional need to have professional time placed on this day?” Decisions on all placements in the calendar recommendation were made, preferably byconsensus, or by majority vote following extensive and inclusive discussion.

Inclement Weather Makeup DaysFollowing review of the history of inclement weather day closings, and understanding the limits of the Executive Order, the committee determined that five inclement weather days should be designated in the calendar. The committee felt strongly that as many inclement weather makeup days as possible should occur as early in the school year as possible, rather than being added in June.

The committee recommended two of those five days occurring as they do in the current calendar, on President’s Day, February 19, 2018 and on Easter Monday, April 2, 2018. To use these days, since they are state mandated closings, a waiver would need to be granted from the State Board of Education. Two days during spring break are recommended as inclement weather days, allowing instructional time to be recaptured earlier in the year. March 29, 2018 and April 3, 2018 are designated as inclement weather makeup days. The final makeup day is designated as June 13, 2018, the day immediately after the final student day. The exact order of using the makeup days would be determined when they are needed.


Winter BreakChristmas Eve falls on Sunday, December 24, 2017 and the state designates that schools are closed fromDecember 24 through January 1. New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018 falls on a Monday, and the committee recommended that schools reopen for student instruction on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

Spring BreakThe committee examined several placements for spring break: closing only for the state mandated days for Good Friday and Easter Monday which fall on March 30 and April 2, 2018; and multiple proposals for closings from two to four days in length during the weeks of March 26 and April 2. The majority of the committee favored closing for more than the state mandated days, yet less than a full week, recommending Thursday, March 29 through Tuesday, April 3, 2018 for spring break and designating March 29 and April 3 as inclement weather makeup days.

Parent Teacher Conferences The current HCPSS conference model consists of two half-days followed by a full day for conferences in November, and one half-day for elementary and middle school conferences followed by one half-day for conferences at all levels in March. The November conference window occurs immediately prior to an extended length weekend. It has been questioned whether separating conferences from long holiday weekends would increase attendance at conferences, and therefore increase parents’ ability to support their students academically. Student absences are high on half-days, and are especially high on conference half-days. The Calendar Committee spent a significant amount of time discussing the placement of parent conferences and accommodating parents with evening conferences. Several models for supporting evening conferences consistent with the negotiated agreement can be found in Appendix C.

Table 1: Parent Conference Scheduling by County 2016-2017

County Fall Conferences 2016 Spring Conferences 2017 Anne Arundel October 20 – full day, no school for students March 3 – full day, no school for students

May 25-26 – PreK, K & ECI conferences only Baltimore County November 10 – PreK to 3 conferences only

November 11– ES conferences only; full day, no school for ES students

May 8 – PreK & K conferences only May 9 – PreK conferences only

Carroll No days designated No days designated

Frederick November 9 – ES evening conferences only; ½ day, students attend PM only November 10 – ES and MS evening conferences only; ½ day, students attend PM only November 11 – ES and MS conferences only; ½ day, students attend AM only

No days designated

Howard November 21 – ES and MS conferences only; ½ day, students attend AM only November 22 – ½ day, students attend AM only November 23 – full day, no school for students

March 9 – ES and MS conferences only; ½ day, students attend AM only March 10 – ½ day, students attend AM only

Montgomery November 10 – ES and MS conferences only; ½ day, students attend AM only November 11 – ES and MS conferences only; ½ day, students attend AM only

No days designated

Prince Georges November 11 – full day, no school for students No days designated


The Calendar Committee discussed the current conference model, absence patterns, and alternate placements, including scheduling conferences over Veteran’s Day which could accommodate parents, as many work for the county, state, and federal government and are off for this holiday. In reviewing the calendars of other school systems (Table 1), it was noted that several other school systems schedule conferences utilizing the Veteran’s Day federal holiday and some days in October for conferences. The committee noted and discussed that other systems schedule only full days for conferences and considered this type of model and alternate dates in the fall. The committee also discussed a model where conferences would be split by level and held on different dates, both before and after report cards are issued. The committee agreed that alternate models should be vetted during the year with their stakeholder groups and brought back for consideration next year.

The committee discussed the fact that most systems in the region schedule parent conferences only for their youngest students in the spring, if they designate any time at all for conferences. The committee also discussed the following: high school registration occurs in January prior to conferences; many parents schedule conferences or check in through HCPSS Connect or by email throughout the year; and half-day PreK/RECC programs are closed on early dismissal days.

Frequently, there are misperceptions that evening conferences are included in the conference schedule. However, no evening sessions are designated on the academic calendar – all evening sessions are voluntary for each teacher. Teachers volunteering to work an evening session on one or both of the half-days received an equal amount of time off during the third day, per the negotiated agreement. Many teachers have regularly exercised this option, and data confirms this practice.

The committee also discussed alternate models that could accommodate evening conferences where notrade of time would be needed and parents could be accommodated during the evenings. For example, Frederick County’s calendar includes a late start day for evening parent conferences.

After thorough discussion, the committee unanimously favored maintaining the current November conference model of two half days on Monday and Tuesday, and one full day on Wednesday for conferences during Thanksgiving week for 2017-2018. The committee stated that both parents and staff enjoy the flexibility to travel with this model. Attendance and utilization data will continue to be collected and evaluated to inform the development of future academic calendars (Appendix D).

Professional Learning and Professional WorkThe Calendar Committee spent the most time discussing professional learning scheduling. There are a total of 13 professional learning and professional work days to place during the school year per the negotiated agreement. With the start and end dates required in Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders, a number ofprofessional days must be placed prior to September 5, 2017 and/or after June 15, 2018. Committee members solicited stakeholder feedback and then worked in small groups to propose the optimal placements for professional time throughout the year. Each group shared their proposals, and the committee then worked through every month in the calendar evaluating the options.

The committee made several proposals to increase the number of pre-service days (professional days prior to the first student day), with the rationale that many teachers have reported feeling rushed to prepare their classrooms in past years. Options ranged from 5 to 10 days of pre-service time, including a Countywide Professional Learning Day, along with one day of post-service time. The committee narrowed choices to 5 or 7 pre-service days before recommending 7 pre-service days beginning Thursday, August 24, 2017. Committee members expressed a desire to share with School Administration the request that, following an opening staff meeting, Thursday and Friday be devoted to setting up classrooms, and then scheduling the full week that follows similar to past years. The first countywide professional day is recommended to occur on August 30, 2017. By consensus, the committee recommended placing one post-service professional work day on June 13, 2018 to immediately follow the last student day of the school year.


The placement for the remaining four professional days was extensively discussed over several meetings. By small groups, proposals for these remaining placements were refined and shared, with areas of agreement and alternatives noted. There was consensus to place a professional work day focused on Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in September, with proposals for September 21, 22, and 29 considered.

The Calendar Committee discussed aligning a professional day on September 21, 2017 (Rosh Hashanah). The question arose whether the data in the Religious and Cultural Observances - Calendar Impact Survey Analysis supported an operational need to be closed this day. It was noted that 13 percent of the staff indicated they observe this holiday. It was shared that there are about 5,300 teaching staff, so 13 percent indicates that 689 substitutes would be needed if all staff observing the holiday were absent. The survey report shared that 80 percent of those observing the holiday indicated they would not come to work, which means at least 552 substitutes would be needed. It was questioned whether the substitute pool would also be impacted by the holiday, and whether additional teachers would also be absent (per a typical day) beyond those observing the holiday. Data on substitute teachers was reviewed and committee members noted that there were very few days when over 550 substitutes were used. School administrators shared the challenges they face in trying to cover classrooms by pulling teachers from other responsibilities on days when substitute jobs are not filled. There was concern that needing between 552 to 689, or possibly more,substitutes would be beyond capacity to deliver an effective instructional program. Several committee members felt the data indicated that this level of substitutes could be supported without impacting instruction. There were a number of committee members who felt there should be no closings for religious observances since HCPSS policy and procedures have accommodations in place, stating it is not fair to members of other religions/cultures to have their students not attend school on these days. The committee reviewed all of the data available and a majority of members concluded there was an operational need to be closed on September 21, 2017.

Friday, September 22, 2017 was determined by a majority of committee members to be the optimal placement for a professional learning day focused on SLOs, data conversations, and goal setting to support the instructional program.

Professional work time in October was considered, with an instructional reason needed for all proposed dates. It was noted that will be a number of professional conferences held around the state on October 20, 2017, with many HCPSS curricular offices leading or attending these workshops. This is also the day of the statewide MSEA conference. Committee members noted that Diwali begins on October 19, with members examining the Calendar Impact Survey Analysis for data, and reiterating that HCPSS is a minority majority school system and it would be impossible to honor everyone in the calendar by taking days off. The committee also discussed the telework options in the negotiated agreement. A strong majority of committee members determined there was an instructional need for a Professional Work Day on October 20, 2017.

The end of the first marking period was thoroughly discussed, with consideration given to November 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 with the quarter having between 40 to 46 days. It was noted that Veteran’s Day is November 10, 2017. Full and half-days for end of quarter professional work time were discussed. Concerns with half-days and transportation challenges were discussed, noting that students in the PreK/RECC program do not attend on half-days. The committee favored ending the quarter on November 3, however amended that consideration upon review of the full calendar with a desire to extend the quarter to 46 days. The Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar includes the recommendation to end Quarter 1 at 46 days on Friday, November 10, 2017 as a half-day for Professional Work.

With no proposed professional time in December, the committee focused on ending the 2nd marking period in January, trying to build Quarters 2 and 3 to be longer than Quarters 1 and 4, mainly to accommodate for inclement weather interruptions. As the Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar includes inclement weather days recommended to occur before the end of school year, it was suggested that the length of each quarter could be more uniform. Again, full and half-days were discussed for end of quarter professional work time, with interruptions and impact for PreK/RECC students a big concern. The committee recommended ending Quarter 2 (45 days) on Friday, January 26, 2018 as a half-day for Professional Work.


The placement of the second Countywide Professional Learning Day (CWPL) was extensively discussed. The committee considered a proposal to place a countywide professional learning day on Friday, February 16, 2018, which coincides with the Lunar New Year. Committee members expressed support for recognizing the diversity of the HCPSS population, yet noted that there must be an operational need to close schools and offices, and an instructional reason for placing a professional day. Support for CWPL at this time of year was shared, along with concerns about the weather cancelling prior year February CWPL days.Concerns were also shared that holding professional learning on Friday (or on Monday) have resulted in lower attendance, however, the committee lacks any data available to support these observations. It was also questioned whether planning a CWPL day on a Friday prior to a 3-day holiday weekend (Presidents’ Day) would lead to lower attendance. Committee members shared the extensive planning and time necessary to host CWPL and the frustration when the day has been canceled or attendance has been lower than anticipated. The committee considered moving CWPL to March. It was noted that testing occurs in March and the committee considered a professional work day rather than a professional learning day. It was noted that other districts use different models for professional learning; Harford County’s calendar includes many half-days on Wednesdays for professional time, however their negotiated agreements might differ by counting hours rather than days.

The committee evaluated when the appropriate time of year is for CWPL. It was noted that elementary and secondary staff might have different needs, with agreement that time early in the second semester isvaluable. The committee discussed the possibility of splitting the different levels onto two days. Impacts for transportation and contracts were discussed, as well as the logistics of hosting split CWPL and impacts on childcare if elementary and secondary students were off on different days. The committee concluded there was an instructional need to hold a Countywide Professional Learning Day on Friday, February 16, 2018.

Extensive consideration was given to ending Quarter 3, with options ranging from March 28 to April 4through April 13, with the marking period having between 41 to 49 days. It was noted that possible inclement weather days might make 3rd quarter longer. Concerns about seniors having a very short 4th

quarter were discussed, along with the tradeoffs between ending the quarter before spring break at 41 days, or returning to complete the quarter after break. Challenges with half-days and splitting the end of the marking period from the professional work time was discussed, particularly in regard to the impact on seniors. Ending the quarter at 41 days was the biggest concern, yet the committee felt this would be the best timing to end the quarter. The committee recommended ending Quarter 3 at 41 days on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 as a half-day for Professional Work.

The placement of the remaining professional day brought consensus that it should be used for an Articulation/Professional Learning Day, however there were multiple proposals for where to place this day. The committee discussed the needs of elementary and secondary staff and noted that elementary considered June ideal for articulation. Several dates in June were discussed as possible articulation days, with June 4 being the most favored. The committee recalled that this recommendation was made last year and that impacts on the master calendar and course recommendations based on final grades determined that May was more appropriate. The committee recommended placing an Articulation/Professional Learning Day on Friday, May 18, 2018.

January Midterm ExamsHistorically the HCPSS has utilized one full plus three half-days in January to accommodate high school midterm exams. This early dismissal means that PreK and RECC programs, other than full-day PreK students in the ESM, are closed on these days since an early dismissal at any level conflicts with the ability to run the half-day PreK/RECC busses. The committee’s recommendation maintains the model of three half-days for high school midterm exams on January 24-26, dismissing all schools for a half-day for Professional Work on January 26, 2018 for the end of the second marking period (45 days).

June Final Exams and Ending the YearJune 8, 11 and 12 are proposed as half-days for high school final exams, with elementary and middle schools also dismissing for a half-day for Professional Work on June 12. The last day of the school year for


students is proposed to be Tuesday, June 12, 2018 (48 days), with a Professional Work Day on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 that is designated as an inclement weather makeup day. The committee reviewed the length of each quarter, noting that Quarter 1 is 46 days, Quarter 2 is 45 days, Quarter 3 is 41 days, and Quarter 4 is 48 days long. The Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar pages can be found in Appendix E.

Alternate CalendarAt the current time, the HCPSS does not meet the criteria for any of the compelling justifications, and therefore would not currently qualify for a waiver of the start or end date in Governor Hogan’s October 11, 2016 Amended Executive Order. The Pre-Labor Day Start Calendar was developed by the committee, and is included as a reference should legislation change and this calendar then becomes a viable consideration for the 2017-2018 school year. This second recommendation reflects the Board of Education’s April 14, 2016 decision to begin the school year for staff on August 21, 2017 and for students on August 28, 2017.

The Calendar Committee developed the Pre-Labor Day Start Calendar recommendation (Appendix F) by modifying the Post-Labor Day Start Calendar described in the sections above. Committee members proposed several modifications including full days for professional work at the end of each quarter, separating spring break from the Good Friday/Easter Monday weekend, closing schools on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, placing a professional learning day on September 1, 2017, and placing a professional work day on November 10, 2017 which aligns with Veteran’s Day.

The committee discussed the instructional need for a Professional Learning Day on Friday, September 1, 2017 which aligns with Eid-al-Adha, so that teachers could, early in the year, have more than five days to plan the year. It was noted that after meeting students, teachers would have a better understanding of their skills, abilities, and needs, and would find the time to develop plans and analyze data valuable.

The committee was in consensus to end Quarter 1 at 44 days on Thursday, November 2 and designate Friday, November 3, 2017 as a full-day for professional work. The committee discussed various options for adjusting the end of Quarter 2 in January, noting the impacts on the instructional program for PreK and RECC students when half-days occur, especially in a week with a state mandated holiday closing.The committee agreed by consensus to end Quarter 2 at 47 days on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 as a half-day for all levels. High schools would have half-days on January 19 and 22 for midterms.

After extended discussion about the end and length of Quarter 3, the committee decided to end on Wednesday, March 28 with a full day for professional work that would be designated as an inclement weather makeup day. The committee agreed by consensus to end the school year on Friday, June 8 with both Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 as half-days for all levels. Wednesday, June 6 will be a half-day for high schools only for finals. The committee reviewed the length of each quarter, noting that Quarter 1 is 44 days, Quarter 2 is 47 days, Quarter 3 is 43 days, and Quarter 4 is 46 days long.

Full Day Closings, Half-Day Closings, and Instructional TimeThe number of proposed full day and half-day closings can be found in Tables 2 and 3. The Proposed 2017-2018 Academic Calendar reduces the number of half-days and thus, correspondingly increases total instructional hours at the elementary and middle school levels compared to the 2016-2017 academic calendar (Table 3).

Table 2: Number of Full Day Closings

FULL DAY CLOSINGS 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016

2016-2017

Proposed 2017-2018

Mandated 13 12 13 15 13 13

Additional 16 16 15 13 14 9

Total 29 28 28 28 27 22


Table 3: Number of Half-Days by Level

LEVEL 1985-86 2013-2014 2014-2105 2015-2016 2016-2017 Proposed 2017-2018

Elementary 11 11 9 8 7 6

Middle 11 11 9 8 7 6

High 6 11 11 10 10 10

Table 4: Instructional Time and State Requirements by Level

HOURS 2016-2017 Proposed 2017-2018

ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH ELEMENTARY MIDDLE HIGH

HCPSS hours 1149 1194 1185 1152 1197 1185

State Requirement 1080 1080 1170 1080 1080 1170

Difference (hrs) +69 +114 +15 +72 +117 +15 Change from 2016-2017 +3 +3 No Change

Recommendation

The following schedule is proposed for the 2017-2018 school year:

August 24 School Staff Returns.August 30 Countywide Professional Learning Day.

September 5 First Student Day.September 21 Rosh Hashanah. All schools and offices closed.September 22 School-based Professional Learning Day. All schools closed for students.

October 20 Professional Work Day. All schools closed for students.

November 10 All Schools close 3 hours early for Professional Work for end of the marking period. November 20 All Schools close 3 hours early for Parent-Teacher Conferences and HS Professional

Learning. No half-day PreK/RECC.November 21 All Schools close 3 hours early for Parent-Teacher Conferences. No half-day

PreK/RECC.November 22 All schools closed for students for Parent-Teacher Conferences.November 23-24 Thanksgiving Break. All schools and offices closed.December 24-January 1 Winter Break. All schools closed for students.December 25 Christmas Day Observance. All schools and offices closed.

January 1 New Year’s Day Observance. All schools and offices closed.January 2 Students and staff return from Winter Break.January 15 Martin Luther King Day. All schools and offices closed. January 23 High School Semester Exams begin.January 24-25 High School Exams. High schools close 3 hours early. No half-day PreK/RECC.

Full-day for Elementary and Middle schools.January 26 High School Exams/End of marking period. All schools close 3 hours early.

No half-day PreK/RECC. ½ Professional Work Day.

February 16 Countywide Professional Learning Day. All schools closed for students.


February 19 Presidents’ Day. All schools and offices closed. May be used as inclement weather makeup day.

March 28 End of third marking period. All schools close 3 hours early. No half-day PreK/RECC. ½ Professional Work Day.

March 29 All schools closed for students. Spring Break. May be used as inclement weather makeup day.

March 30 Good Friday. All schools closed and offices closed. Spring Break.

April 2 Easter Monday. All schools and offices closed. Spring Break. May be used as inclement weather makeup day.

April 3 All schools closed for students. Spring Break. May be used as inclement weather makeup day.

April 4 Staff and students return from Spring Break.

May 18 School-based Professional Learning/Articulation. All schools closed for students.May 28 Memorial Day. All schools and offices closed.

June 7 HS Exams begin.June 8 HS Exams. High schools close 3 hours early. No half-day PreK/RECC. June 11 HS Exams. All schools close 3 hours early. No half-day PreK/RECC.June 12 HS Exams. All schools close 3 hours early. No half-day PreK/RECC. Last Day for

Students.June 13 Professional Work Day. Last Day for Staff. May be used as inclement weather

makeup day.

Inclement Weather Days (if needed):February 19March 29April 2April 3June 13

Appendix A

Governor Hogan’sAmended Executive Order

October 11, 2016

Appendix B

HCPSS Circular 22Religious Observances

Deputy Superintendent

Religious Observances

TO: All Staff

FROM: Linda T. WiseDeputy Superintendent

HCPSS respects the value of all religious observances for students, staff, and families in Howard County. The HCPSS Academic Calendar lists many dates of interest, including religious and cultural observances. The annual academic calendar supports the instructional program and must comply with regulations in Maryland law (COMAR and the Annotated Code of MD). State law mandates days when schools must be closed. The Board of Education of Howard County (Board) may determine that schools should be closed at other times in furtherance of other educational interests or operational needs. To close schools systemwide on any day other than those mandated by Maryland law, the district must establish that a school closure furthers a secular purpose, such as an operational need or educational interest.

While each case must be evaluated independently, the likelihood of high absentee rates on any given day for staff and/or students, either systemwide or at a substantial portion of schools, may warrant closure of all schools if necessary to secure educational resources, promote safe school environments when it would otherwise be difficult and costly to identify and hire a sufficient number of substitute teachers, and/or avoid disruption to the delivery of effective and meaningful instruction.

A student’s observance of a religious holiday is an excused absence under Maryland law. Policy 3000 Religious Observances details the legal and policy provisions concerning the exercise and expression of religion by students and staff in the HCPSS. Policy 9010 Attendance describes the requirements for student attendance and the procedures for receiving make-up work for lawful/excused absences.

It is important that we remain sensitive to our community members who are observing religious holidays. However, because the HCPSS is unable to accommodate systemwide closures for every religious observance, schoolwide event programming should not be scheduled on the days/evenings of major religious holy day observances, including:

Locally mandated tests and examinations will not be scheduled Schoolwide activities, including field trips for an entire grade, will not be scheduled HCPSS athletic contests will not be scheduled (MPSSA state events might be scheduled)HCPSS athletic practices will not be mandatory.

The following Religious Observances charts are intended to guide HCPSS leaders in planning for the 2016-2017 school year. It is important that administrators and supervisors share this information with teachers and all staff members who plan student and school activities.

LTW/cdl

THE HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM10910 Clarksville PikeEllicott City, Maryland 21042

Circular No. 22Series 2016-2017

August 29, 2016

Religious Observances August 2016 – July 2017¹¹ HCPSS respects the value of all religious observances for students, staff, and families in Howard County. However, because the school system is unable to accommodate systemwide closures for every observance, it is important that we remain sensitive to our community members who are observing religious holidays. The following holidays are included on the HCPSS Academic Calendar pages. It is important that administrators and supervisors share this list with teachers and all staff members who plan student and school activities. Schoolwide event programming, including locally mandated testing and field trips, should not be scheduled on the following days/evenings of religious holy day observances listed in bold italics:

Observance Timeframe Day Date Holy Day Religion Notes

Day Tues Aug 16 Ulambana/Obon Buddhist

Day Thurs Aug 18 Raksha Bandham Hindu

Day Thurs Aug 25 Krishna Janmasthmi Hindu

Day Mon Sept 5 Ganesh Chaturthi Hindu

Day Sat Sept 10 Hajj Islam

Evening Sun Sept 11 Eid Al-Adha Islam Beginning at sundown; Three day observance; No events after 5:30pm

Day & Evening Mon Sept 12 Eid Al-Adha Islam Professional Learning Day; Schools Closed for Students; No events

Day Sat Oct 1 Navratri Hindu Ten day observance

Evening Sun Oct 2 Rosh Hashanah* Jewish Beginning at sundown; No events after 5:30pm

Day & Evening Mon Oct 3 Rosh Hashanah* Jewish Two day observance; Schools & Offices Closed 1st day; No events

Day Tues Oct 4 Rosh Hashanah* Jewish Ending at sundown Events after 5:30pm allowed

Day Tues Oct 11 Ashura Islam

Day Tues Oct 11 Dussehra Hindu Ten day observance

Afternoon & Evening Tues Oct 11 Yom Kippur

(Kol Nidre)* Jewish Preparations for evening observance begin during afternoon; No events after 5:30pm

Day & Evening Wed Oct 12 Yom Kippur* Jewish Ending after sundown; Schools & Offices Closed; No events

Evening Sun Oct 16 Sukkot* Jewish Beginning at sundown

Day & Evening Mon Oct 17 Sukkot* Jewish Two day observance

Day Tues Oct 18 Sukkot* Jewish Ending at sundown

Day Thurs Oct 20 Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Sikh

Evening Sun Oct 23 Shemini Atzeret* Jewish Beginning at sundown

Day Mon Oct 24 Shemini Atzeret* Jewish Ending at sundown


Evening Mon Oct 24 Simchat Torah Jewish Beginning at sundown

Day Tues Oct 25 Simchat Torah Jewish Ending at sundown

Day & Evening Sun Oct 30 Diwali Hindu Five day observance; Third day/night is main observance; No events

Day & Evening Mon Oct 31 Hindu New Year Hindu Professional Learning Day; Schools Closed for students; No events

Evening Sun Oct 31 Birth of Bab Baha’i Beginning at sundown

Day Mon Nov 1 Birth of Bab Baha’i Ending at sundown

Day Tues Nov 1 All Saints’ Day Christian

Evening Tues Nov 1 Birth of Baha’u’llah Baha’i Beginning at sundown

Day Wed Nov 2 Birth of Baha’u’llah Baha’i Ending at sundown

Day Wed Nov 14 Guru nanak Devji’s Gurpurab Sikh

Day Mon Dec 8 Bodhi Day Buddhist

Day Mon Dec 12 Mawlid-al-Nabi Islam Subject to moon sighting

Day & Evening Sat Dec 24 Christmas Eve Christian Schools & Offices Closed; No events

Day & Evening Sun Dec 25 Christmas Day Christian Schools & Offices Closed; No events

Evening Sun Dec 25 1st Night of Hanukkah Jewish Eight day observance

Day Mon Dec 26 Kwanzaa African American Seven day observance

Day Thurs Jan 5 Guru Gobind Singh’s Gurpurab Sikh

Day Fri Jan 6 Epiphany/ Orthodox Christmas Eve Christian

Day Sat Jan 7 Feast of Nativity/ Orthodox Christmas

Orthodox Christian

Day Sat Jan 14 Makar Sankranti Hindu

Day Fri Jan 27 Lunar New Year Eve Chinese Korean

Professional Learning Day; Schools Closed for students; No events

Day Sat Jan 28 Lunar New Year Chinese Korean

Day Wed Feb 15 Nirvana Day Buddhist

Day Sat Feb 25 Maha Shivranti Hindu

Day Wed Mar 1 Ash Wednesday Christian

Evening Sat Mar 12 Purim* Jewish Beginning at sundown

Day Mon Mar 13 Holi Hindu Two day observance

Day Mon Mar 20 Naw-Ruz (New Year) Baha’i Iranian


Day Wed Apr 5 Ram Navmi Hindu

Day Sun Apr 9 Palm Sunday Christian

Day Sun Apr 9 Orthodox Palm Sunday Orthodox Christian

Evening Mon Apr 10 1st Night of Passover† Jewish

1st Seder in evening; First two days holy; No events after 5:30pm; Dietary restrictions until sundown Apr 18; No food events

Day & Evening Tues Apr 11 Passover Jewish 2nd Seder in evening; No events Dietary restrictions until sundown Apr 18; No food events

Day Thurs Apr 13 Vaisakhi Sikh

Day & Evening Fri Apr 14 Good Friday Christian Schools & Offices Closed; No events

Day & Evening Sun Apr 16 Easter Christian State mandated holiday; No events

Day Mon Apr 17 Easter Monday Christian Schools & Offices Closed; No events

Day Sun Apr 16 Orthodox Easter Orthodox Christian

Evening Sun Apr 16 Passover* Jewish Beginning at sundown; Dietary restrictions until sundown Apr 18; No food events

Day & Evening Mon Apr 17 Passover* Jewish Last 2 days holy; Dietary restrictions until sundown Apr 18; No food events

Day Tues Apr 18 Last day of Passover* Jewish Ending at sundown; Dietary restrictions until sundown Apr 18; No food events

Evening Wed Apr 19 Ridvan Baha’i Beginning at sundown

Day Thurs Apr 20 Ridvan Baha’i Twelve day observance; 1st, 9th & 12th days holy

Evening Sun Apr 23 Yom HaShoah* Jewish Beginning at sundown

Day Mon Apr 24 Yom HaShoah* Jewish Ending at sundown

Day Fri Apr 28 Ridvan Baha’i 9th day (holy day)

Day Mon May 1 Ridvan Baha’i 12th day (holy day)

Day Wed May 10 Visakha Puja (Buddha Day) Buddhist

Day Tues May 23 Declaration of the Bab Baha’i

Day Thurs May 25 Ascension Day Christian

Evening Fri May 26** 1st night of Ramadan Islam Beginning at sundown; No events after 5:30pm

Day & Evening Sat May 27** 1st day of Ramadan‡ Islam No events 1st day; Lasts for 30 days; No food events; Dietary restrictions; Daytime fasting all month

Month Sat May 27 – June 25 Ramadan‡ Islam Thirty day observance; Dietary

restrictions; Daytime fasting all month


Day Sun May 28 Ascension of Baha’u’llah Baha’i

Evening Tues May 30 Shavuot* Jewish Beginning at sundown; No events after 5:30pm

Day & Evening Wed May 31 Shavuot* Jewish Two day observance; No events 1st day; Events after 5:30pm allowed

Day Thurs June 1 Shavuot* Jewish Ending at sundown

Day Sun June 4 Pentecost Christian

Day & Evening Sun June 25** Eid Al-Fitr Islam End of Ramadan; No events; Subject to moon sighting

Day Mon July 24 Pioneer Day Mormon †Avoid food all week ‡Daytime fasting all month **Subject to moon sighting (actual date may vary)

¹Circular updated annually after calendar is adopted; dates for each holiday will reflect that year’s calendar occurrence.

Appendix C – Evening Parent Teacher Conference Scheduling

Article 18, Section A of the HCEA Master Agreement states, “Teachers shall be assigned appropriate starting and dismissal times, provided that the total regular work day will be no longer than 7 hours and 35 minutes consecutively, except for one Back-To-School night per year and when faculty meetings are held.”

Article 18, Section M of the HCEA Master Agreement states, "Teachers may not be required to work beyond the contract day during the parent-teacher conference window. However, if a teacher volunteers to work evening conferences (one or two evenings), they will receive an equal amount of time off during the conference window. Teacher participation in evening conferences requires the concurrence of the principal."

The HCPSS calendar has frequently included two half days (afternoons) followed by a third full day for conferences. If a morning, afternoon or evening set of conferences is considered a “session,” then there were four sessions designated on the calendar – an afternoon session on days one and two, and both a morning and afternoon session on day three. No evening sessions were designated on the academic calendar – all evening sessions were voluntary for each teacher. Teachers volunteering to work an evening session on one or both of the half days received an equal amount of time off during the third day.Under any scenario, all conference appointments were accommodated during four sessions.

Historical data confirms that the majority of conferences are scheduled during the afternoon and evening of the first two days of the November conference window (using four sessions). A relatively few number of conferences are typically scheduled during the third (full) day in the November conference window. Some elementary schools have had no conference appointments on Wednesday. In February, fewer conferences are scheduled overall than in November. February’s conference window has offered fewer slots for appointments, yet spans the same amount of time designated as in November.

The 2014-2015 Academic Calendar reflected this conference data, and designated two conference sessions in February. The 2015-2016 Academic Calendar included one full and one half day for February conferences. The 2016-2017 Academic Calendar reduced the spring conference window to two half-days for elementary and middle schools, and one half-day for high schools. Evening conference options that are consistent with the negotiated agreement are maintained with these conference models. The Master Agreement states that a teacher working evening conferences “will receive an equal amount of time off during the conference window.”

Adjusted Work Day for Conferences

Start and end times of the teacher work day could be adjusted to accommodate evening conferences with this option. For example, teachers could begin their conference day at 12:30pm and end at 8:05pm, being consistent with the 7 hours and 35 minutes in the negotiated agreement. Under this scenario, no trade of time would be needed and parents could be accommodated during the evenings. Frederick County’s conference schedule includes a late start day for evening conferences. Table C1 illustrates a delayed start schedule for evening conferences.

Table C1: Example of Conference Scheduling – Delayed Opening

Session Day One Day TwoMorning Schools Closed Schools ClosedAfternoon Conferences ConferencesEvening Conferences Conferences

Conference Models

The following describes a model for two full days for conferences. Teachers would still have the option to work evening conferences on one or both of the full days, thereby receiving an equal amount of time off during either of these days in the conference window.

For example, a teacher may choose to be off the morning and afternoon of day one and hold evening conferences on day one and day two. Or, a teacher may choose to hold conferences during the afternoon and evening of day one and again on day two. That teacher could then be off both days during the morning. Under any conference scheduling combination, the teacher must work a total of 15 hours and 10 minutes over the course of those two days unless they are on leave. Table C2 outlines several scheduling options for including evening conferences in November using a two full day model.

Table C2: Examples of Conference Scheduling – Two Full Days

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3Session Day One Day Two Day One Day Two Day One Day TwoMorning Off Conferences Off Off Conferences ConferencesAfternoon Off Conferences Conferences Conferences Off ConferencesEvening Conferences Conferences Conferences Conferences Off Conferences

The following model describes two half days for conferences. Teachers are able to volunteer to work evening conferences on one or both of the half days and receive an equal amount of time off during either of these days.

For example, a teacher may choose to hold conferences during the afternoon and evening of day one. That teacher could then be off during the afternoon of day two. Under any conference scheduling combination, the teacher must work a total of 15 hours and 10 minutes over the course of those two days unless they are on leave. Table C3 outlines several conference scheduling options for half-days.

Table C3: Examples of Conference Scheduling – Two Half Days

Option 1 Option 2Session Day One Day Two Day One Day TwoMorning Instruction Conferences Instruction ConferencesAfternoon Conferences Off Conferences ConferencesEvening Conferences Off Off Off

Appendix D - Conference Scheduling and Utilization

Data tables comparing 2015-2016 conference scheduling in the fall and spring, and the number of conference days by level can be found in Tables D1 to D4.

Table D1: Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 Conference Scheduling

Fall 2015 Conferences November 23, 24, and 25

Spring 2016 Conferences February 4 and 5

LEVEL Total

Appointments Available

Total Appointments

Scheduled

Percent of Available

Appointments Scheduled

Total Appointments

Available

Total Appointments

Scheduled

Percent of Available

Appointments Scheduled

Elementary 54,419 21,555 39.6% 41,846 14,602 34.9%

Middle 37,157 18,387 49.5% 29,446 8,534 29.0%

High 38,244 17,288 45.2% 14,186 4,098 28.9%

Total 129,820 57,230 44.1% 85,478 27,234 31.9%

Table D2: Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 Comparison – Appointments Available


Spring 2016 Conferences February 4 and 5 Comparison

LEVEL Calendar Days Designated for

Conferences

Total Appointments

Available

Calendar Days Designated for

Conferences

Total Appointments

Available

Percent Fewer Appointments

Available in Spring

Elementary 1 Full, 2 Half 54,419 1 Full, 1 Half 41,846 23.1%

Middle 1 Full, 2 Half 37,157 1 Full, 1 Half 29,446 20.8%

High 1 Full, 1 Half 38,244 1 Half 14,186 62.9%

Total 129,820 85,478 34.2%

Table D3: Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 Comparison – Appointments Scheduled


Spring 2016 Conferences February 4 and 5 Comparison

LEVEL Calendar Days Designated for

Conferences

Total Appointments

Scheduled

Calendar Days Designated for

Conferences

Total Appointments

Scheduled

Percent Fewer Appointments Scheduled in

Spring

Elementary 1 Full, 2 Half 21,555 1 Full, 1 Half 14,602 32.3%

Middle 1 Full, 2 Half 18,387 1 Full, 1 Half 8,534 53.6%

High 1 Full, 1 Half 17,288 1 Half 4,098 76.3%

Total 57,230 27,234 52.4%

Table D4: 2015-2016 Conference Utilization

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

60.0%

70.0%

80.0%

Elementary School Middle School High School All Levels

Percent of Students with at Least One Conference Scheduled 2015-2016

Fall

Spring

Appendix E

Proposed 2017-2018Academic Calendar

Post-Labor Day Start

August 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FALL ATHLETICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FALL ATHLETICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FALL ATHLETICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Countywide Professional Learning Day

T1

T3

T2

T4 T5 T6

PENDING BOARD APPROVAL

Fall Athletics Starts

POST-LABOR DAY START CALENDAR

September 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

September holidays and other dates of interestNational Hispanic-American Heritage Month (9/15-10/15) 1 Eid Al-Adha – Islam (subject to moon)21 Rosh Hashanah (2 days) – Jewish*30 Yom Kippur – Jewish*XX Hajj – Islam XX Sukkot (2 days) – Jewish**begins sunset of previous day

Labor Day

Professional Learning Day Schools closed for students

S2

S7

S13

S9

S4

S10 S11

S8

T8

S14 S15

S6

S1 S3

S16

S12

S17

T7

S5


School Begins for Students

First game date of HS fall sports (MPSSAA)


October 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 6 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 19 Diwali (5 days) – Hindu 20 MSEA ConventionXX Shemini Atzeret – Jewish* XX Simchat Torah – Jewish* 9 Columbus Day XX Navaratri (8 days) – Hindu XX Birth of the Báb – Bahá’i *

XX Installation of Guru Granth Sahib – SikhXX Dussehra (10 days) – Hindu XX Ashura – Islam31 Halloween* begins at sunset of previous day

October holidays and other dates of interest

Professional Work DaySchools closed for students

S21

S23

S31 T9

S25 S26 S27

S32 S33 S34 S35 S36

S38

S28

S37

S29

S18 S19 S20 S22

S24

S30



November 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

Schools close 3 hours early for parent/teacher conferences. No half-day Pre-K/RECC.

Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. ES/MS parent/teacher conferences and countywideHS Professional Learning.

–––––– THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY ––––––

(State mandated holiday) (State mandated holiday)Schools closed for students. Parent/teacher conferences

S54

S44

S45 S46

S41

S47/2Q1 S48 S49 S50

S53/2Q7 T10

S51/2Q5

S39 S40

S55 S56

S42 S43

Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. End of marking period.

S52

S57/2Q11



December 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 3031

December holidays and other dates of interest XX Bodhi Day – Buddhist XX Hanukkah (8 days) – Jewish* XX Milad-un-Nabi – Islam (subject to moon sightings) 24 Christmas Eve – Christian25 Christmas Day – Christian 26 Kwanzaa (7 days) – African American/Interfaith*begins sunset of previous day

(State mandated holiday)Schools closed (State mandated holiday)

Schools closed (State mandated holiday)


––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


(State mandated holiday)

S58/2Q12

S59 S60 S61 S62 S63/2Q17

S68/2Q22

S70 S71

S64 S65 S66 S67

S69 S73/2Q27S72



HSHS

January 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

New Year’s Day


Martin Luther KingJr. Day


S78 S79 S80 S81 S82/2Q36

S85 S86/2Q40

S88

S93

S75S74

S90 S89

S92

S84S83

S76 S77/2Q31

S87/Q41 S91/2Q45

S94/3Q3

PENDING BOARD APPROVALHigh schools (only) close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

All schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. End of marking period.

High schools (only) close 3 hours early. No half day Pre-K/RECC


February 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 February holidays and other dates of interestNational African-American History Month 16 Lunar New Year – Chinese/Korean/VietnameseXX Ash Wednesday/Lent begins – ChristianXX Nirvana Day – BuddhistXX Ayyám-i-Há (4 days) – Baha’i **begins sunset of previous day

Presidents’ Day

(State mandated holiday)MAY BE USED AS inclement weather makeup day

S96/3Q5

S111

S95

S97 S98 S100 S101/3Q10

S103 S104 S105/3Q14 T11

S106 S107 S108 S109/3Q18

S110

S99

S102

S112/3Q21


CountywideProfessional Learning Day Schools closed for students


March 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

March holidays and other dates of interestNational Women’s History MonthXX Daylight Saving Time beginsXX Palm Sunday – ChristianXX Naw-Ruz (Baha’i and Iranian New Year)XX Holi – HinduXX Purim – Jewish* 30 Good Friday – Christian*begins sunset of previous day


Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. End of marking period

Schools closed for students. MAY BE USED AS inclement weather makeup day

–––––––––––– ––––––––––––S130

S131

S115 S116 S118 S119/3Q28

S121 S122 S123

S125 S127

S120

S117

S113

S124/3Q33

S126 S128

S132/3Q41

S114/3Q23

S129/3Q38



April 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 30

April holidays and other dates of interestXX Passover (8 days) – Jewish* XX Vaisakhi (lunar calendar) – Sikh 1 Easter – Christian 2 Easter MondayXX Ridvan (12 days) – Baha’i* XX Orthodox Palm Sunday – Orthodox Christian

XX Administrative Professionals Day 26 Take Your Child To Work Day*begins sunset of previous day



–––––––––––– ––––––––––––

S140/4Q8S139

S150/4Q18S148S147

S151/4Q19

S141 S142

S138

S149

S143 S144

S136 S137

S133 S134 S135/4Q3

S145/4Q13

S146



May 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

Memorial Day


S157 S158 S159 S160/4Q28

S161 S162 S163

S168

T12

S156

S165 S166 S167

S164/4Q32

S170

S152 S153 S154 S155/4Q23

S169/4Q37

S171 S172/4Q40


Professional Work/Articulation DaySchools closed for students


HS

HS

June 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Primary Election Day


Professional Work DayMAY BE USED AS inclement weather makeup day

Last Student DayAll schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

High schools (only) close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC


S176S175 S177 S178/4Q46S174

S173/4Q41

S180/4Q48S179 T13



July 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

Independence Day




Appendix F

Alternate 2017-2018 Calendar

Pre-Labor Day Start

August 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

August holidays and other dates of interestXX Onam (2 days) – Hindu

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FALL ATHLETICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FALL ATHLETICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FALL ATHLETICS –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Countywide Professional Learning Day

T1 T3 T5

S1 S3 S4

T2 T4

S2


Fall Athletics Starts

School Begins for Students

PRE-LABOR DAY START CALENDAR

September 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

September holidays and other dates of interestNational Hispanic-American Heritage Month (9/15-10/15) 1 Eid Al-Adha – Islam (subject to moon)21 Rosh Hashanah (2 days) – Jewish*30 Yom Kippur – Jewish*XX Hajj – Islam XX Sukkot (2 days) – Jewish**begins sunset of previous day

Labor Day

Professional Learning Day Schools closed for students

S6

S13

S8

T7

S5 S7

S16

S21

T6


Professional Learning Day Schools closed for students First game date of HS fall sports (MPSSAA)


October 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 6 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 19 Diwali (5 days) – Hindu 20 MSEA ConventionXX Shemini Atzeret – Jewish* XX Simchat Torah – Jewish* 9 Columbus Day XX Navaratri (8 days) – Hindu XX Birth of the Báb – Bahá’i *

XX Installation of Guru Granth Sahib – SikhXX Dussehra (10 days) – Hindu XX Ashura – Islam31 Halloween* begins at sunset of previous day

October holidays and other dates of interest


S35 T8

S31

S40

S42

S22 S26



November 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

Schools close 3 hours early for parent/teacher conferences. No half-day Pre-K/RECC.

Schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. ES/MS parent/teacher conferences and countywideHS Professional Learning.

–––––– THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY ––––––

(State mandated holiday) (State mandated holiday)Schools closed for students. Parent/teacher conferences

S49/2Q5

T9

S56/2Q12 T10

S54/2Q10

S43 S44

S45/2Q


S55

S60/2Q16

End of marking period.



December 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 3031

December holidays and other dates of interest XX Bodhi Day – Buddhist XX Hanukkah (8 days) – Jewish* XX Milad-un-Nabi – Islam (subject to moon sightings) 24 Christmas Eve – Christian25 Christmas Day – Christian 26 Kwanzaa (7 days) – African American/Interfaith*begins sunset of previous day

(State mandated holiday)Schools closed (State mandated holiday)



––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––



S61/2Q17

S66/2Q22

S71/2Q27

S76/2Q32



HS

HS

January 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

New Year’s Day


Martin Luther KingJr. Day


S85/2Q41

S89/2Q45

S91/2Q47

S77

S92/3Q1

S80/2Q36

S90/2Q46 S94/3Q3

S97/3Q6

PENDING BOARD APPROVALHigh schools (only) close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

All schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC. End of marking period.

High schools (only) close 3 hours early. No half day Pre-K/RECC


February 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 February holidays and other dates of interestNational African-American History Month 16 Lunar New Year – Chinese/Korean/VietnameseXX Ash Wednesday/Lent begins – ChristianXX Nirvana Day – BuddhistXX Ayyám-i-Há (4 days) – Baha’i **begins sunset of previous day

Presidents’ Day


S99/3Q8

S104/3Q13

S108/3Q17 T11

S112/3Q21

S115/3Q24


CountywideProfessional Learning Day Schools closed for students


March 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

March holidays and other dates of interestNational Women’s History MonthXX Daylight Saving Time beginsXX Palm Sunday – ChristianXX Naw-Ruz (Baha’i and Iranian New Year)XX Holi – HinduXX Purim – Jewish* 30 Good Friday – Christian*begins sunset of previous day


Professional Work DaySchools closed for students. MAY BE USED AS inclement weather makeup day


–––––––––––– ––––––––––––

End of marking period

S122/3Q31

S127/3Q36

S134/3Q43

S117/3Q26

S132/3Q41

T12



April 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 30

April holidays and other dates of interestXX Passover (8 days) – Jewish* XX Vaisakhi (lunar calendar) – Sikh 1 Easter – Christian 2 Easter MondayXX Ridvan (12 days) – Baha’i* XX Orthodox Palm Sunday – Orthodox Christian

XX Administrative Professionals Day 26 Take Your Child To Work Day*begins sunset of previous day



–––––––––––– ––––––––––––

S142/4Q8

S152/4Q18

S153/4Q19

S135/4Q1 S137/4Q3

S147/4Q13



May 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

Memorial Day


S162/4Q28

T13

S166/4Q32

S154 S157/4Q23

S171/4Q37

S174/4Q40


Professional Work/Articulation DaySchools closed for students


HS

June 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Primary Election Day


Last Student DayAll schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC


All schools close 3 hours early. No half-day Pre-K/RECC

S180/4Q46

S175/4Q41



July 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

Independence Day




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