Each calendar needs to include a state requirement of a number of instructional days (180 days) for students. Balancing priorities around start/end dates and breaks is a complicated task, and opinions differ widely. In a recent survey, staff and LPA families preferred to keep the traditional one-week Thanksgiving and February Breaks, rather than starting later in August.

Starting later would require shorter breaks or extending the school year into June. Recent survey data showed the community preferred starting school in mid-August to maintain longer breaks in November and February. 

Legacy Prep tries our best to align with the Davis School District (DSD) calendar for the ease of families with students in several grade levels. The DSD committee has recommended maintaining a consistent week for spring break, so spring break is placed on the week containing April 1st from year to year rather than on the week containing Easter.

Early dismissal on Wednesdays is designed to provide teachers with dedicated time midweek to review student data, collaborate, and plan targeted interventions. This schedule allows them to begin implementing those interventions within the same week, rather than delaying until the following week. 

In a recent survey, the majority of the community members indicated that parents prefer an early release schedule over a late start mode.

This break falls during a long stretch between the holiday break and spring break, providing students and staff with a valuable opportunity to rest and recharge. It also allows staff time to catch up on planning and preparation. 

Additionally, as this period aligns with peak RSV and flu season, the break serves as an ideal time for a campus-wide reset, including thorough cleaning, helping promote a healthier environment and reduce student and staff absences during the remainder of the school year.

Each school district determines start and end dates independently to meet the needs of their own communities. LPA starts a few days earlier than DSD to account for the full week breaks we take in November and February.

These days are necessary for educators to plan lessons and individual student interventions, finalize course grades, and receive professional development.

Scheduling a professional day after Halloween was among the most requested priorities received from the community. It allows students and families to recover from the busy day and evening of Halloween activities. This may not always be possible or necessary.

This schedule change  reflects the need for educators to have dedicated time to thoughtfully and carefully review multiple data sources for each of their students and implement academic interventions as needed. 

To provide consistency and reduce scheduling confusion for families, LPA will maintain a single early dismissal time of 12:35 p.m., rather than having multiple half-day and early out dismissal times that we have had in the past.

Holding conferences in November provides educators with an opportunity to connect with families early in the school year, after having the opportunity to gain insight into each student’s individual needs, which also helps them to identify the supports necessary to ensure their success. 

Conferences held in March allow for reflection on student progress during the current school year and the establishment of goals for the new school year ahead. 

These days provide an opportunity to offer targeted, individualized support for students who may need additional help mastering specific subjects or skills before the school year concludes.