Thompson School District Adjusts Calendar to Tackle Heat Concerns

The Thompson School District has announced a significant adjustment to its academic calendar for the upcoming two school years, shifting the start and end dates to better address concerns related to early fall heat. The decision, which was approved during a public board meeting in December 2023, comes after ongoing issues with high temperatures in classrooms, particularly in schools lacking air conditioning.

The revised calendar pushes the first day of school back by one week, while the last day of school has also been adjusted to maintain the same end-of-year timeframe. Notably, the last day of school will continue to occur the weekend before Memorial Day, ensuring that it falls before the holiday and prior to the start of June. This adjustment reflects feedback from families who participated in district surveys, according to district officials.

Addressing Heat Challenges in Classrooms

In recent years, the Thompson School District has faced challenges with extreme heat, leading to the implementation of “heat days,” during which students were unable to attend school due to unsafe classroom temperatures. As the district seeks funding to install air conditioning in affected schools, the decision to start the school year later aims to reduce the number of school days affected by high heat.

Superintendent Bret Heller acknowledged that while the change is not ideal, it represents a balanced response to input from both families and educators. Heller emphasized the importance of maintaining winter break as a natural dividing point between the first and second semesters. However, the shift in the school year will result in an imbalance in the number of days between the two semesters, which is particularly relevant for high school classes.

Educators have expressed mixed feelings about the shift. High school teachers, in particular, have voiced concerns over how the change might affect instructional time. Heller mentioned that while high school staff were cautious about the adjustment, they acknowledged the benefits of the revised calendar.

Community Support and Future Considerations

The board unanimously approved the new calendar, with Board President Stu Boyd expressing confidence in the decision-making process. Boyd highlighted the thorough evaluation conducted by the calendar committee, which analyzed various options relevant to both Thompson and other districts.

As the district prepares for the new academic year, the adjustments reflect a commitment to prioritizing student safety and comfort during periods of extreme heat. While challenges remain, the changes aim to create a more conducive learning environment for all students in the Thompson School District. The updated calendar can be accessed through the district’s official website, ensuring that families have the latest information as the school year approaches.