For some reason or another, we’ve reached that time of year when students’ attendance drops as the school year progresses and their stress levels grow larger. While it’s impossible to attribute this exhaustion to any single source, pressure is the likely culprit. Carmel’s current calendar unevenly schedules holidays throughout the year, creating periods of both overwhelming and underwhelming workloads. These disproportional breaks cause unnecessary spikes in students’ stress, eventually leading to burnout and absences. In order to combat this period, the Carmel Clay School board should balance breaks to help reduce students schedule-induced stress.

The first step in this transition is simple: the School Board should look to its neighbors in Noblesville as a prime example. Next school year, Noblesville will become the first district in Hamilton County to adopt a balanced calendar. It will reduce its summer break from ten to eight weeks and will add a two-week break after every nine-week grading period. Similar schedules are already used in other large districts across the state such as Avon, Center Grove and Warren Central. Carmel should join this statewide trend and give its students, teachers and administrators extended periods throughout the year to relax and relieve stress.

Initially, these breaks will rejuvenate weary students, and in turn, improve their experience at school as well as increase Carmel’s attendance. For example, when Warren Township switched calendars, its attendance increased from 96.5 to 98.6 percent, and it’s likely the same would happen here.

Additionally, balanced calendars appear to improve academic achievement and student behavior. In Warren Township, the balanced calendar reduced the need for remedial classes and increased information retention, especially among underprivileged children. Some schools have also reported fewer student disruptions and higher teacher satisfaction.

All these benefits come with very few costs; Noblesville stated its transition to a balanced calendar will be cost neutral. However, the school board should watch to see if Noblesville uncovers any hidden costs. Still the first year adjustments might cause some scheduling conflicts between school and summer programs, although a balanced calendar still leaves 80 percent of the summer unchanged. Additionally, as more schools switch to balanced calendars, non-academic organizations will adjust their schedules accordingly.

The School board should consider adopting a balanced calendar alongside Noblesville and other schools across the state. Adjusting the calendar will continue Carmel’s tradition of academic excellence without incurring additional costs. The longer breaks will also provide students and staff needed rest year round and will improve the experience of everyone involved.

Approved Calendar for Carmel Clay Schools 2013-14

Approved Calendar for Noblesville Schools 2013-14