School Start Dates
Although you may not agree based on the weather where you live, summer is nearing its end, based solely on the fact that children are returning to schools around the nation. How you ask is the start date for schools determined? Here are some interesting facts on that very subject.
Students headed back to school on Wednesday, July 29 in one county in Georgia while Philadelphia begins its school year on Tuesday, September 8. Why the differences? Money is the key consideration. From the cost of air conditioning school buildings to tourism dollars and parent’s childcare costs, each school system determines the academic school calendar that best fits their needs and budgets.
Studies have found that most adults prefer that school start just after Labor Day but there is really no consensus. Migrant worker families experience a loss in income with an early school start date. A shorter summer calendar means lost income for the travel industry, summer camps and amusement parks, and less opportunity for students to make money at summer jobs. Tulsa Public Schools saved approximately a half million dollars in utility costs by moving their start date from August 19 to the day after Labor Day.
Each state has their own questions and concerns and hotly debates this issue through state legislatures regularly. Regardless of when students in your area head back to school, why not tuck a nice Thinking of You Card in their backpack for an unexpected surprise!
What do you think? Should a nationwide school start date be imposed? When do students in your area return to class?
