Dedham Committee Starts Look at 2017-18 School Calendar

DEDHAM, MA — An early look at the 2017-18 Dedham school calendar has teachers and students going back as early as possible.

Superintendent Michael Welsh told the school committee at their meeting last week that the preliminary calendar has staff going back on Friday Sept. 1, the earliest day allowed by their contract. Staff are required to have two development days before students return, Welsh said, making the first day for students Wednesday, Sept. 6.

"What we're trying to do is make a calendar that works for the staff and community," Welsh said.

The six-day December break is scheduled to start after Dec. 22 and the remainder of the year is standard for professional development, days off, and school days.

In the unlikely event that here are no snow days, the last day will be Monday, June 18, 2018.

Committee members recommended a half day on Dec. 22 and to turn a development day on Sept. 21 into a half day and no school the next day due to Rosh Hashanah. They also said they would like to negotiate an earlier start so students can return sooner.

"I think it's a better experience to get the learning in earlier than June," Chairperson Susan Butler said.

No vote on the calendar is expected until 2017.

Image: file photo