Public Schools Start August 27; Calendar Available

The 2007-08 school calendar is now available for parents, educators and interested persons. The annual school calendar contains information regarding important public school student and personnel reporting dates, marking period schedules, holidays and observances for the upcoming school year.

“A territory-wide calendar is one on which the days of operation are universal to all public school buildings and school-based programs within the territory of the Virgin Islands, including the beginning and ending dates of the school year and all vacation days,” said Acting Education Commissioner Dr. Lauren Larsen. “However, the individual public school buildings and school-based program hours of operation may vary on the universal days for activities such as staff development and parent-teacher conferences.”

The school calendar is self-adjusting to accommodate make-up days necessitated by severe emergencies. No individual public school has the authority to deviate from the school calendar without the express approval of either the district superintendent or the commissioner of education.

The 2007-08 school year beings with the return of students on Monday, August 27. Parents and guardians are reminded that at the start of the academic year, announcements related to individual school orientations will be made.

Copies of the school calendar will be available at the superintendents’ offices in each district. The schedule will also appear on VITV Channel 10 and on the department Web site, www.doe.vi.