The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education, Monday night, approved the district’s 2015-16 school calendars. The move followed a public hearing during which no comments were received from the public for or against the proposal. Superintendent Dr. Michael Amstein recommended the school day and testing calendar be approved, with classes beginning August 24th, in Atlantic.

New teachers will report on August 17th. All teachers and staff will report for duty on August 20th. The last day of school in 2016 will come on May 24th.  Amstein says the first semester will end before Christmas, with the second semester ending before Memorial Day. Spring Break for Atlantic students is being moved one-week later on the new calendar. Curriculum Director and Schuler Principal James Northwick says the break covers the Easter break, which also helps classes get out earlier.

And, the testing calendar which normally shows dates occurring during the winter norm for Iowa Assessments, indicates those tests will be given in late April 2016, because all school districts in Iowa starting next year, will be required to test in the spring to standardize the testing time frame.

Northwick pointed out also, that some changes had been made to teacher Professional Development days. School Board President Kristy Pellett asked Northwick to explain why the district started with “early outs” (early dismissal) the first three days of the year last fall. He said it allows the younger students more time to adjust to the routine by going half-days at the start, and it allows staff to get in more professional development time during the afternoons.

Amstein said in previous calendars, the staff has as much as five days prior to students’ arrival to prepare and receive professional development, but that’s been reduced over the years as much as possible to get students going, while at the same time still allowing for professional development.