The Rockford Public School District says they're changing the academic calendar to have the 1st day of school happen after Labor Day.

Pointing out that the last couple of weeks in August tend to be really hot, and that many schools don't have central air-conditioning, the Rockford School District says they're trying to help staff and students avoid all that heat by starting the school year later than it usually has.

Of course, starting later has at least one drawback: the last day of school will be Friday, June 5th, 2020.

The state changed its calendar requirements, which is part of the state's evidence-based funding overhaul. Now Illinois schools are required to have a minimum of 176 instructional days – up from 172 in the past. Because of that change, next year's academic calendar includes four more instructional days at elementary and middle schools for teaching and learning. RPS 205 high schools will have five more instructional days. Starting this spring and continuing next year, graduation will be held after school instead of during the school day. That means school will be in session for freshmen, sophomores and juniors the same day seniors graduate.

Here are some of the new dates to put on your calendar:

  • First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019
  • Fall Break: November 27th-29th
  • Winter Break: December 23rd-January 1st
  • Spring Break: March 16th-20th
  • ​Last day of school: Friday, June 5, 2020

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