Irene and Recent Snowstorm Affect February and April Vacations

Avon February and April vacations will be cut short this year to make up for some of the eight days lost during Irene and the October nor'easter aftermath.

Some other days in January and June will be used, as well.

The Avon Board of Education approved Superintendent Gary Mala's revised calendar proposal at its Tuesday night meeting. It passed by a 7-2 vote, as board members Barbara Zuras and Jay Spivak were the only ones to object.

The district will make up all eight days on the following dates:

• Friday, Jan. 13, a teacher professional development day
• Wednesday, Feb. 22
• Thursday, Feb. 23
• Friday, Feb. 24
• Thursday, April 19
• Friday, April 20
• Thursday, June 14
• Friday, June 15

Two additional staff days were also lost. The Aug. 29 postponed certified and non-certified staff day will be made up following the last day of school in June, as well as Nov. 8 and Jan. 13 postponed certified staff days.

The attendance policy is going to be suspended for the days taken out of February and April break (Feb. 22 to 24 and April 19 and 20).

Winter has not started yet, so what if there are snow days?

The next five snowdays would be made up June 18 to 22. Any additional snowdays will be taken out of April vacation (April 16 to 19), as is board policy for more than five. The policy allows the board to use its discretion to override the policy if need be.

Mala also explored questions about the possibility of making up classes on Saturdays or lengthening the school days, both of which are restricted by law. He also said that the district could not extend scheduled half days to full days.

The Connecticut Department of Education has not waived its 180-day school year regulation at this time.

Monday, Jan. 2 is a legal holiday and Mala is seeking a waiver to that restriction. If that should prove successful, Feb. 22 will be reinstated as a vacation day. Mala said in his presentation to the board that is unlikely.