Menlo school kids get expanded summer in 2012

Citing the need to complete construction of Hillview Middle School (pictured) to accommodate a projected 180 additional students, Menlo Park City School District Ken Ranella today unveiled the school year calendars for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.

In an email to district parents, he wrote: “The last day of school for the 2011 – 2012 school year will be June 1, 2012. The first day of the 2012-13 school year will be on September 3, 2012, following Labor Day. This expanded summer will not only ensure for the completion of facilities, but also provide time for the installation of furniture and equipment; the movement of materials, equipment and supplies; the partial demolition of the old Hillview buildings and the construction of an access road.”

In other changes, Ranella announced that:

• All but one staff workday or in-service day will be outside the student attendance calendar for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013
• The February Break Week will be suspended for 2011-2012 but will be reinstated in the 2012-2013 school year
• Thanksgiving Break will be reduced to two days in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013, with the Wednesday before the holiday scheduled as a minimum day.
• Spring Break may be rescheduled in order to align it with Sequoia Union High School District after the high school calendar has been finalized.

In conclusion, Ranella said: “We recognize how the school calendar impacts the lives of our District families and regret any inconvenience these changes may produce. It is critical that the Hillview campus be fully operational for the first day of school in the fall of 2012. This calendar scenario will gives us the time necessary to ensure for a smooth opening of the new school which will eventually serve students in all three elementary schools. We appreciate your cooperation and support.”

Photo of Hillview School murals by Chris Gulker