New schedule accommodates weather, teacher work days

Snowstorms wreaked havoc last year, forcing the school year to be extended into late June. But don’t worry—the school board has created a new, more accommodating schedule.

This year, school could be cancelled up to 13 times with no makeup day required.
Last week, on Monday, students had a day off for what FCPS calls “strategic planning.” Other strategic planning days include Jan. 30, Feb. 2, March 16, April 6 and April 17.

Another major change is the addition of early release days at the end of every quarter (Oct. 31, Jan. 29 and April 16) along with the usual two-hour early release for Thanksgiving and winter break.

Spring break will be extended through April 6 for strategic planning.

Instead of a two-hour day on the last day of the year, FCPS has planned for an early release day.

While it may be unpleasant to spend so much time at school on the last day, the new schedule still has a major advantage over last year’s: it probably won’t require the school year to be extended.