For Immediate Release
Monday, August 2, 2004
The 2004-05 school year for the Madison Metropolitan School District starts on Wednesday, September 1, as allowed by state law. In addition, the Winter Break will be shorter by two weekdays than it has been in past years.
In 2003, in the first year under a new state statute, Madison schools opened on Tuesday, September 2, which happened to be after Labor Day. Because of this, many believe that the new state statute prohibited schools from opening before Labor Day.
Wisconsin Statute 118.045 states that "no public school may commence the school term until September 1." As a result, September 1 will mark the first day of classes both this year and in 2005.
For the past many years, Winter Break has been two weeks - ten weekdays. In order to end the school year in June on about the same date as this year, Winter Break will be shorter. It will be eight weekdays -- Wednesday, December 22 through Friday, December 30 - with classes resuming on Monday, January 3. The school year will end on Friday, June 10, 2005.
The full school year calendar is available under "District Calendar" at http://www.mmsd.org.
"We are very aware that changing the school year calendar impacts some families and their plans," said Superintendent Art Rainwater. "We want families and the whole community to be aware of the calendar differences so all can plan accordingly."
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-663-1879
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2004-08-02
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