COVID-19 Impact: MCS school board considering three proposals for new 2020-21 school calendar

MADISON – Three versions of a new calendar for the upcoming 2020-21 school year are being considered by the Madison City school board. Because of COVID-19, the state superintendent recommended schools start later this year to allow the continual spread of the virus to slow down even more before campuses reopen.

“The previously adopted calendar must be amended to adjust for a later school start,” said MCS spokesperson John Peck.  He said three proposals were introduced this week. Draft A and Draft B have 175 instructional days for students and Draft C has 180 days, with various other adjustments to things like holidays and professional development. Teachers continue to have 187 work days.”

You can view all three calendars here:

Highlight from each draft:

Draft A
175 student days
Opening Day for students delayed 2 full weeks
Number of days in grading periods are spread evenly
Fall Break and Spring Break are changed from previously approved calendar
Fall Break falls after 1st grading period ends
Spring Break falls after 3rd grading period ends
1st semester ends January 14
Thanksgiving Break shortened to 3 days instead of full week from previously approved calendar
Winter Break is full 2 weeks for students/teachers
No ½ days for students
No Weather Days built into calendar
Teachers continue to work 187 day contract with 10 days at beginning of year for professional development

Draft B
175 student days
Opening Day for students delayed 2 full weeks
Number of days in grading periods are spread evenly
Fall Break and Spring Break are NOT changed from previously approved calendar
Fall Break falls before 1st grading period ends
Spring Break falls before 3rd grading period ends
1st semester ends January 15
Thanksgiving Break shortened to 3 days instead of full week from previously approved calendar
Winter Break is full 2 weeks for students/teachers
No ½ days for students
No Weather Days built into calendar
Teachers continue to work 187 day contract with 10 days at beginning of year for professional development

Draft C
180 student days
Opening Day for students delayed 8 student days
Number of days in grading periods are NOT spread evenly
Fall Break and Spring Break are NOT changed from previously approved calendar
Fall Break falls after 1st grading period ends
Spring Break falls after 3rd grading period ends
1st semester ends December 22
Thanksgiving Break shortened to 2 days only instead of full week from previously approved calendar
Winter Break is shortened to one week and 3 days
No Weather Days built into calendar
Teachers continue to work 187 day contract with 10 days at beginning of year for professional development

The previously adopted calendar for 2020-21 – and the 2021-2022 calendar, which is not being changed at this time, can be viewed under the calendar tab on the MCS website.