By Katie Friedman
Correspondent
At their most recent meeting, Monday, February 8, members of the Maple Lake School Board had a first look at two drafts of the 2021-2022 school calendar.
As was the case in 2020, Labor Day will land on an inconveniently late date, this year on September 6, meaning that classes will most likely begin on Tuesday, September 7. Superintendent Mike Rowe told board members that while an earlier start is desirable, it is also unlikely to be approved at the state level, so in the interest of practicality, the board focused its attention on the scenario starting school on September 7.
Christmas break is tentatively set for December 23-January 2, and spring break will most likely be March 28-April 1. There will be no classes on Good Friday, April 15. Commencement and the last day of classes will be June 3, should the calendar be approved in action that’s expected at next month’s meeting.
The second option, less likely to be available, would have school begin Monday, August 30, with no change to the Christmas break. Spring break would occur March 21-25, with Easter Monday and Good Friday also having no classes. Commencement and the last day of classes would be Friday, May 27.
Late starts, used for staff development time, will most likely still be scheduled once monthly on Tuesdays, but that is open for discussion and perhaps a parent survey will be involved in a final decision on the matter.
One problematic issue has been eliminated this year, and that is the havoc snow days can inflict on any school’s carefully planned schedule, particularly its year-end date. In the event that in-person classes might be canceled due to inclement weather, Rowe said, the district is well situated to make a quick pivot back to remote learning with no loss of education time incurred, and subsequently, no extra days being tacked on to the school year’s end.
The board’s next meeting is Monday, March 8.