The San Ramon Valley School District has proposed a new instructional calendar to be implemented during the 2016-2017 school year.

This new instructional calendar introduces a change in the start and end of the school year and, as a result, changes in the semester. The end of the first semester would be before winter break. The change would impact middle and high schools that use the semester system more than elementary schools that use the trimester system.

“It is important to note that this conversation is regarding the 2016-2017 school year calendar at the very earliest,” The SRVUSD superintendent Mary Shelton emphasized as a crucial condition to the proposal.

Monte Vista students voice their opinions.

“I think it’s a great idea,” senior Reed Ocheltree said. “Many schools such as Athenian do this and it would be great if Monte Vista did this too.”

A concern is the start and end times of school–begin school earlier in August and end in late May.

“I think it wouldn’t be a problem,” senior Becca Simor said. “It would be a lot more convenient for students.”

Another important factor is the impact the schedule could have on winter break. There may be an emphasis on a “no homework” break.

“It will be easier for [students] to enjoy the holidays,” Simor said.

It may also alleviate stress teachers, allowing them to teach to the end of the semester without a winter break hiatus disrupting student learning.

“By keeping that continuity going, you can have a break and start a new semester fresh,” government and economy teacher Juan Nagore said. “ It doesn’t matter what your subject is, you have a way to end things without losing some knowledge prior to taking the final exam. The continuity is very important.”

A survey had been publicized to all students, parents, teachers, and administration in the SRVUSD for important input. It asked for the community to contribute opinions on the proposed change for the school year. The survey date ended February 6th.

     “This exploration is a collaborative process that includes a committee consisting of representatives from staff, parents and community members,” Shelton said. “The survey is the first of many steps to gather feedback from the community over the next several months. We will continue to keep the community updated throughout this process.”