West Morris Regional Schools Starting Earlier Than Usual For 2017-18 Year

MENDHAM, NJ— Students and parents in the West Morris Regional School District might have noticed something unusual in the 2017-18 calendar: the school year will start in August, not September.

The first day of classes will be Aug. 28, over a week earlier than this years start date of Sept. 6. This is the first time in recent memory West Morris Regional Schools have started before Sept. 1.

Superintendent Michael Ben-David told Patch that a number of factors went into moving up the start date, and it was not a decision made lightly. Overall, it was was "not just about dates," and was made considering overall student wellness.

By starting a week earlier, students will have an extra week of instructional time before spring testing, which includes PARCC, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and SAT tests. The extra time will be a "tremendous benefit" to students, Ben-David said.

By bumping up the start date, the end date will also be bumped up. The Class of 2018 will graduate on June 12, 9 days earlier than their friends in the Class of 2017. Both classes will still go to school the same number of days: 181.

For those who might complain about the heat, average temperatures on Aug. 28 are the same as on June 21, the last day of school this year. Both days boast average highs of 82 degrees, according to weather.org.

Being at school in August won't be new for many students. 40-45% of students are already on campus in August for extracurriculars, including sports, Ben-David told Patch.

You can view the calendar for the 2016-2017 school year here, and the 2017-2018 school year here.

Image via Shutterstock