BY ARIELLE KRAUS
As the 2018 school year commences, an adjustment has been made to the school calendar. Rather than beginning on the typical Monday, students will start school midweek on Wednesday, August 15. This modification to the Broward Schools calendar is a minor change that will positively affect the school year.
In previous years, Broward Schools has designated a Monday to be the start of a new school year. However, this year they chose to begin on a Wednesday. According to the Sun Sentinel, district officials created this change with academics as their main priority. An earlier start ensures time for students to complete midterms prior to the beginning of winter break. In addition, both semesters of the school year will have an almost equivalent amount of days.
The first few days of school generally begin with teachers explaining the rules, procedures and materials needed for the year. It is a time for students to become comfortable with the routine and prepare for their courses.
By returning to school halfway through the week, teachers are given the opportunity to learn about their students on a personal level prior to beginning the academic curriculum. They can utilize the first week of school to organize and prepare students for the upcoming coursework.
“I think it is beneficial to begin school on a Wednesday for teachers because it allows us to get to know students and disperse important information in a few days before gearing up for a full week.”
“I think it is beneficial to begin school on a Wednesday for teachers because it allows us to get to know students and disperse important information in a few days before gearing up for a full week,” early childhood education teacher Deborah Covard said. “It helps teachers and students ease into the new year after a long summer.”
The decision to switch the day of the week on which school begins was not easy. According to NBC Miami, the school board members of Broward County proposed the idea and held a vote. Out of the nine school board members, seven voted in favor of this change. The adjustment causes the school year to begin six days before the previous school year started.
Due to block schedules, students tend to have the first two days of the school year dedicated to learning the guidelines and regulations for their classes. Minimal homework assignments are typically given to the students. By spending the first week reviewing procedures, students can come in prepared on the following Monday to be educated.
“Starting school earlier helps to make the first full week of school not just introductions so that we can start learning [more quickly],” sophomore Alicia DeMicco said.
During the school year, many individuals follow a morning schedule of waking up early and heading to school. Summer is a time for students and staff to relax, which often causes them to break this pattern.
“A midweek start can allow students and teachers to get classroom procedures and rules in order to have a fresh start the following Monday.”
“I think that starting school on a Wednesday is beneficial because this gives students a chance to adjust to getting back to their routines,” junior Olivia Steinman said. “A midweek start can allow students and teachers to get classroom procedures and rules in order to have a fresh start the following Monday.”
Some individuals may believe that school should begin on a Monday, as that is the normal agenda that Broward Schools has followed in the past. However, this minuscule adjustment of beginning midweek will be more favorable for both staff and students.
The transition from summer into the school year is not always easy for many teachers and students. By starting halfway through the week, everyone can have a smooth start with only three days, followed by a two-day weekend. This will make the transition into the full five-day week easier.
Rather than opposing this change, students and faculty should embrace it. A slight adjustment to the CCHS calendar will not do any harm and will make the return back to school an easier adjustment.
Students will feel more prepared by having a three-day week to review procedures and teachers will have more time to get to know their students. Change may be difficult, but in the end, this is a positive one.
Photo by Carly Cuoco
