School system soliciting input on website for 2013-14 school year calendar

The Dickson County school system is soliciting input from parents and staff in preparing the 2013-14 school year calendar. Comments can be submitted on the school system’s website at dicksoncountyschools.org through Friday. The county’s current modified calendar starts on Aug. 1, includes a two-week fall break, two-week Christmas break and a six-day spring break. There are three days off for Thanksgiving with one day each for Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day and Good Friday. The school year ends May 24. Director Dr. Danny Weeks and Director of Student Services Steve Sorrells are asking parents to submit comments either in support of the current format or with suggested changes. Students must attend 180 days of instruction. The Tennessee General Assembly is expected to debate mandating that all schools start their new year after Labor Day when the new session begins in January. Weeks said such a statute would force the Dickson County school system to either do away with most of its built-in breaks and/or extend the school year into June. The comments submitted through the website will be combined with staff recommendations to be presented to the school board.