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By Audrey Wong
DIXON -- All students will hit the books earlier this year when they begin
school Wednesday as part of plan to cut costs and boost attendance.
Two year-round schools switched to traditional calendars and the Dixon
Unified School District added an extra week to winter break, said
Superintendent Wally Holbrook. The board made the calendar
changes in June.
When schools break in December, many students visit relatives in
Mexico and may not return to school within the two-week vacation.
With so many students absent, schools can lose state money, which
is based on average daily student attendance.
"We have a fairly significant Hispanic population who go to Mexico a
period of time to be with family," Holbrook said. "We're hoping the
longer winter break might allow them to do that. They can get back
to school and not miss out"
By synchronizing school calendars, the district also doesn't have to
hire staff for extended periods and can cut miles on bus routes,
Holbrook said.
Dixon schools are supposed to have 180 days of instruction but with
different schedules teachers and other staff may have to work longer
to accommodate all schools, Holbrook said. Buses will also have to
travel more to adjust to all schools.
With the new system, all staff members can attend development
programs and not miss out because of conflicts.
Gretchen Higgens and Tremont elementary schools will have to adjust
to the traditional calendars.
Tremont operated on a single-track modified schedule and Higgens
was a multi-track year-round school.
"We're all kind of sad to see the year-round go," said Principal
David Robertson.
But the district had to make the change to save money, he said.
Having all students attend school at the same time can be an advantage
when it comes to receiving district services, Robertson said.
However, some parents prefer year-round schedules because it
provides more flexibility when planning vacations They could choose
a track that gives time off in the winter or summer.
Students won't forget their lessons during the three-week winter break,
Robertson said. Pupils on year-round schedules are accustomed to
4- or 5-week winter breaks and can jump back into their studies, he said.
The last day of school will be June 3, 2004.
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