Hutchinson: It’s time to rethink the school calendar in State College

In my years on the State College school board, one idea that never seemed to gain any traction was my perspective on the annual academic calendar. Perhaps this time will be different! One never knows.

First, why does school start so soon? We know that weather in the first week of June (after classes are proposed to end for the year) is roughly equivalent to the third week of September. By comparison, the third week of August (when classes are proposed to begin) is considerably both warmer and more humid. So we are sending our kids back to school in the heart of summer.

For those concerned with conflicts with post-graduation opportunities in June, it is apparently necessary to point out that the university summer semester does not begin until near the end of June. Further, with our wonderfully upgraded facilities at Memorial Field, we are no longer constrained by the availability of the Bryce Jordan Center for graduation.

For those concerned with the availability of child care at the end of August, why are child care issues a greater concern in August then during the first week of March?

Which leads me to my other, perhaps more important issue with the proposed calendar. You will also note that the first week of March (so-called spring break!) is still within the “very cold” part of our climate calendar. This is great if you have the resources and “privilege” (!) as a university professor to take your kids to Disney World that week, but it’s not a particularly a great time for your kids to be stuck at home if you are a regular working stiff — which includes the majority of Penn State employees. At the least, the district should offer enrichment opportunities for students during that week.

Here’s an idea that has never been considered: a one-day spring break. There is probably considerable educational value in spreading out short breaks throughout the academic calendar (complete with a “no-homework” edict) which would allow our students — and teachers — opportunities to emotionally and mentally recharge. As for the privileged few (sorry!) who want to take the family on vacation that week, they surely have enough resources for their kids to “catch up.”

If as a district we are serious about equity, this might be worth considering.

Finally, an idea to consider for the future (maybe one-day!): four 10-week sessions, followed by two-week breaks, with six weeks off in the summer — which most people would agree is more than enough, and might mitigate the annual “summer slide.” Old-time PSU alums will recognize this calendar. I thought it was great.

What do you think? It seems like this might be worth a conversation.