In a 3-2 vote, the Scituate School Committee approved a change to the 2025-26 academic calendar, moving the first day of school to August 27, 2025. The decision marks a shift away from the district’s long-standing practice of starting school after Labor Day.
The move aims to improve learning conditions by shifting instructional days away from late June and closer to the start of Advanced Placement (AP) exams in May. Committee members also noted the growing challenge of ending the school year around the Juneteenth holiday, which can cause scheduling complications.
Balancing Academic and Community Priorities
Committee members discussed various factors before reaching their decision, including student readiness, athletics, and the impact on family schedules.
“We are trying to figure this out,” said committee member Maria Fenwick. “One thing I will say is that I was the person who brought this idea forward at the last meeting, although I know it’s been discussed on and off for many, many years prior to me being on the committee.”
The change means students will attend school for two days before Labor Day—Wednesday, August 27, and Thursday, August 28—before returning after the holiday weekend. Pre-K and kindergarten students will begin on September 2.
Community Feedback Divided
Parents and students voiced strong opinions on both sides of the issue. The committee received numerous emails, and a recent survey conducted by Superintendent William Burkhead found that responses were nearly split.
“For every email I got that said start early, I got one that said start late,” said committee member Dr. Carey Borkoski.
Students also weighed in through an article in The Scituation, the high school newspaper.
“The students were talking about the tradition of going back after Labor Day,” Borkoski said. “I wanted to acknowledge that again, not saying pro or con.”
Parent Laurie Withrow raised concerns during the public comment period, questioning the benefits of a later start.
“I’m actually having a hard time finding pros for starting after Labor Day,” she said. “From an educational standpoint … I just feel like September learning is more beneficial to our students and teachers versus June learning.”
Addressing the Impact on Athletics and Families
One point of discussion was the effect on student-athletes, as 75% of Scituate High School students participate in fall sports.
“We could see more students getting the Seal of Biliteracy,” said World Languages Department Chair Kate Ciulla. “But if we can do it in the middle of the year, we have a whole half of the year to push kids even further.”
Committee member Peter Gates acknowledged that the change might be challenging for some families.
“This year, particularly, we’re getting out a little bit late, and then we’re starting early,” he said. “So it makes this summer extra short.”
However, some members suggested that the change could benefit long-term planning.
“If we just say the kids are going to be going back to school the Wednesday and Thursday before Labor Day,” said committee member Janice Lindblom, “that’s consistent no matter what the date.”
What’s Next?
The final 2025-26 school calendar will be published soon, and school officials plan to inform families of the change through the district website and mobile notifications.
“We’ll get that posted ASAP,” said Superintendent Burkhead.
As the community adapts to the shift, committee members suggested that further discussions could take place for future years, particularly as Labor Day dates vary.