School on Saturdays? Fewer Vacation Days? School Calendar Could Change

Public school administration is seeking input on whether to change the calendar in light of the five snow days so far this winter.

An online survey available that went up today presents five options:

1. Make no adjustments and end school on June 22
2. Hold school for two days (Thur., Feb. 24 and Fri., Feb. 25) during February vacation
3. Hold school for two days (Thur., April 21 and Fri., April 22) during April vacation
4. Hold school on all the four previously mentioned vacation days above
5. Attend school on four Saturdays from March through May

"This has been a very difficult winter for every school system in Massachusetts," said Superintendent Bill Olsen. "Our original date of closing was June 15. As of today we will be closing on June 22. The school year needs to end by June 30 because July 1 begins a new fiscal year.

"The issue before us now, is whether we want to try to recover some of the 'no school days' and end school closer to the original June 15th date, or just 'stay the course,'" Olsen continued. "I have presented 5 alternatives in the following survey and am interested in your opinion prior to making any decision ... I welcome your comments."

The multiple-choice survey is available here. It can be completed in seconds. Responses must be submitted by Feb. 11.