UPDATE: The Thompson School District has officially announced a significant shift in its school calendar for the upcoming years to combat rising temperatures. New calendars posted on Monday push back the start of the school year by a week, with the last day of classes also moved a week later, ensuring students finish before the Memorial Day weekend.
Officials confirmed that this change comes following extensive discussions at the district’s board meetings and feedback from families concerned about the impact of early fall heat on students. Many classrooms in the district lack air conditioning, leading to issues in previous years where “heat days” forced schools to close.
The revised schedule aims to reduce the number of school days during the hottest months, with the first day of school now set for late August. Superintendent Bret Heller emphasized that while this adjustment is not perfect, it addresses urgent health and safety concerns while keeping holiday breaks intact.
In a bid for balance, the school year will still conclude the weekend before Memorial Day, allowing families to celebrate the holiday without disruptions. Heller noted that maintaining winter break as the dividing point between semesters was crucial for both teachers and students, despite it creating an imbalance in instructional days across the two semesters.
The changes reflect a growing trend among local school districts; the Poudre School District also made similar adjustments in its calendar. Heller stated that feedback from high school teachers was mixed, with many acknowledging the need for change but expressing concerns over the potential impact on educational continuity.
Board President Stu Boyd voiced his support for the new calendar, praising the committee for their thorough research and commitment to addressing the community’s needs. “I’m confident they’ve done their homework,” he said, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the decision.
As the district prepares for the upcoming school year, families are encouraged to review the new calendar on the Thompson School District website. This proactive approach is a response to community feedback, ensuring that the health and safety of students remain a top priority amid rising temperatures.
Moving forward, stakeholders will monitor the implementation of the new schedule to assess its effectiveness. With the school year just around the corner, families can expect further updates as the district continues to navigate these changes.
