Many changes to the Holy Family system calendar could be implemented next year, on
top of the individual schedule changes taking place at Wahlert.
Early in February, the Dubuque Community School Board approved a motion to change
the system calendar—adding one hour late arrivals to Fridays and removing early dismissal in
service days. However, Holy Family Catholic Schools has developed a proposed calendar that
differs from the Dubuque Community calendar .
“Once the calendar was passed, we began hearing concerns particularly from elementary
parents about additional daycare costs as well as the difficulty that they would have in getting their
children to school,” said Holy Family administrator Carol Trueg. “We are also concerned that the
weekly late arrival does not line up with our current professional development delivery model.”
Holy Family then sent out a detailed survey to parents, outlining the proposed changes
and asking for their feedback on issues such as busing and childcare.
“We have had more than 500 people respond to the survey,” said Mrs. Trueg.
But what would happen to Holy Family's system calendar?
“Every year the system calendar changes,” said Wahlert Vice Principal Ms. Cynthia
Wagner. “It's done in an attempt to make the learning environment better for students and teachers.
With the new understanding of hours versus days, there's been a lot of debate over what constitutes
a meaningful school day.”
Holy Family has proposed a calendar that will eliminate the Friday late arrivals and
includes three full inservice days.
“I don't like the idea of Friday delays,” said Judith Leon, '16. “I think the schedule will be
better next year if we come to school at the regular time.”
“The last day of school would be May 22, the Friday before Memorial Day,” said Mrs.
Trueg. That would be before any snow days, of course. First semester would also end before
winter break, and spring break would be taken out of the schedule.
“Even without spring break, I think the new calendar is a good idea,” said Marcos Vega,
'16. “We'll get...
