The Carmel Clay School Board is currently in the process of determining the calendar for the 2012-2013, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years. According to school board president Tricia Hackett, parents and teachers will be able to submit suggestions for possible changes. Past guidelines have included 182 instructional days, starting school the second Tuesday of August and closing school for certain holidays, breaks and a flex day in May.

“The school calendar becomes a simple math problem to determine the last day of school,” Hackett said. “On the other hand, best practice and opinion does change over time. Perhaps it will be recommended to begin two days later and skip fall break. Perhaps a one week winter break is most desirable.”

With the onslaught of snow days this school year, sophomore Sen Xiong said he feels that some calendar changes are needed to deal with the same possibility in following years.

“I really don’t want to go to school when it’s supposed to be summer time,” Xiong said. “Maybe we should treat the Friday before spring break as a flex day. Also, maybe put something in March because it’s a month with no breaks.”

Hackett said any suggestion must comply with state laws and teacher contracts, and it must take into account ISTEP, AP and IB testing.

She said, “Any recommendation must put forth the best academic calendar for our students.” By Rebecca Xu <[email protected]>