District Accepting Comments on the 2011-2012 School Calendar

The Upper St. Clair School District has released its first reading of the 2011-2012 school calendar. 

Superintendent Patrick O'Toole is accepting the public's comments on the calendar before he approves a final version.

The calendar was handed out and discussed at Monday night's school board committee as a whole meeting. Dr. O'Toole noted the calendar plans for school to begin before Labor Day in 2011. He said he knows many residents would prefer school to begin after Labor Day, but that is a challenge because of the state and AP testing dates. Also, many athletic teams and music groups begin gathering in mid-August. 

Here are some of the other highlights on the first reading of the 2011-2012 school calendar:

Aug. 29 - First day of school for students
Oct. 14 - Half day, early dismissal for students
Nov. 24 & 25 - No school, Thanksgiving recess
Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 - No school, winter recess
March 9 - Half day, early dismissal for students
April 2 - 9 - No school, spring recess
June 12 - Last day of school for students 

Dr. O'Toole gave an advanced copy of the first reading of the calender to student representative Michael Boyas to find out what the high school students thought of the plan. Boyas and his classmates were happy to see a spring break on the schedule. His only concern was the half days. Boyas said not much gets done in the classroom on half days, students would rather have one day off than have two half days. Dr. O'Toole said he would take his comments into consideration.

Residents can send their 2011-2012 calender opinions to Dr. O'Toole as well, through mail or email, listed below. A link to the calendar can be found here.

By mail:
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole, Superintendent of Schools
Upper St. Clair School District
1820 McLaughlin Run Road
Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 

By email:potoole@uscsd.k12.pa.us