'Psychologically Pleasing' Hinsdale D86 Calendar

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 on Thursday decided to revamp next year's calendar, which one official described as "very positive."

One of the major changes is shifting the winter break to align with the area's elementary school districts – from Dec. 23 to Jan. 7. That is seen as better for families with students in two districts.

In her latest report, Hinsdale Central High's student liaison, Meghna Mitra, said students felt "a little jarred" returning to school Jan. 2, shortly after New Year's celebrations.

"While students recognize the need to return to school earlier after a late school start, many don't feel they were able to fully enjoy their break or catch up on the rest they needed before jumping into a new year," she said.

Another change is holding final exams before winter break rather than afterward. Delaying the exams means students worry about them while they should be enjoying their break, said Chris Covino, an assistant superintendent.

Also next year, school is set to wrap up at the end of May.

"There's something psychologically pleasing about finishing school before June starts," Covino told the school board.

School is scheduled to be in session for 180 days – 85 days in the first semester and 95 days in the second.

Covino said teachers indicated they were fine with the imbalance because disruptions during the second semester reduce teaching time.

Such disruptions include two days of SAT testing in April. Also, many students take Advanced Placement exams during the first two weeks of May, Covino said.

"I would venture to say that most of these changes are not going to be seen by, specifically the community, in a negative light at all," Covino said. "This is a very positive change."

The school board unanimously approved the proposed calendar.