The Rockford Public School District announced Tuesday that it will be modifying the 2019-20 academic calendar so that the first day of school will be the day after Labor Day.
This move makes Rockford schools start about 10 days later than the current schedule.
The School District said the start date was moved back to “help students and staff avoid 10 days in August that are typically very warm, as many schools do not have central air conditioning.”
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.
Important dates:
First day of school: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019
Fall Break: Nov. 27-29
Winter Break: Dec. 23-Jan. 1
Spring Break: March 16-20
Last day of school: Friday, June 5, 2020
