Dear CESD Board Members: As you prepare to approve a school calendar for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year, we ask that you consider the following. We propose incorporating a week-long break during the month of February and shortening our Spring Break. As it stands, we are given two consecutive Mondays off in observance of Presidents Lincoln and Washington’s birthday, as well as a two-week long Spring Break. Although two weeks off may seem like a dream, this lengthy time can be taxing. Working parents/guardians often times struggle with finding day care for the entire two weeks, while stay-at home parents/guardians do not necessarily welcome the numerous days off. In addition, the two separate Mondays off in February is a bit cumbersome for planning purposes. Shaving four days off of Spring break and adding those in between the two President’s holidays would give us the week off. This is practiced in numerous schools in Northern California and on the east coast and is commonly known as ”President’s Week” or “Ski Week.” We believe that this would benefit many families; not just those who ski, but also those who wish to plan a trip in between these already scheduled Monday holidays. As parents and guardians, we are dedicated to the education of our children. Removing children for trips/vacations during the regularly scheduled school year is not to be taken lightly. Furthermore, as parents and guardians, we are also dedicated to fostering much needed family time that enhances family bonds and creates lasting lifetime memories. Reformatting the school calendar to incorporate a “President’s Week” with a shortened Spring Break would allow us to fulfill this need and not jeopardize our children’s school attendance. Thank you for your consideration.

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