The first week of school is one that leaves a lasting impression on students that they’ll carry with them for the rest of the school year. Seating charts to forever friendships, and class assignments to a positive and progressive year. But, imagine if the comfort of this week was ripped away from you, just three months before the start of the summer?

Every three calendar years, the Atlanta Public School board of education has the opportunity to revise the timeline, and structure, of the upcoming school year. In 2018, the calendar was revised, prolonging summer, and, effectively, shortening mid-year breaks. Fall, winter, and spring breaks that were once a full week became only three days long. The response to this calendar change was positive and it worked smoothly for its three-year course. As of the beginning of February, just three months prior to the start of the summer season, the school board made the impromptu decision to shorten summer. Sophomore Trista Rohrer is one of many North Atlanta students who will be greatly impacted by the calendar change. Rohrer, who will be attending summer camp up to July 29, will have to conclude camp, travel home from Hendersonville, N.C., and then start school the next day. “I feel overwhelmingly blindsided by this decision,” she said. “It is so last minute, and the thought of it completely stresses me out.” 

Breaking up the year puts a handicap on working parents across greater Atlanta. The majority of American households live off of two full-time working parents, most of which do not have the ability to leave work at the drop of a hat, meaning that these hard-working guardians have to figure out costly alternatives to ensure their children a fun, and safe, week, while still being able to commit to a nine-to-five. One thing I remember from when I was little was sitting at home during breaks because my parents work full time, it was sad, for them and for me,” Roher said. 

In contrast to Rohrer, a different majority of the student body will endure a lesser effect due to the summer change. Just because the immediate impact is lessened does not account for the in-year problems that these students, and their families will face. One of these students, Freshman Spencer Hines, relates to this point, saying “It isnt like I will be out of town, but like, in any capacity, this is way to last minute to be taken into account for summer plans” He says, “It’s ridiculous, to students, teachers, and parents, all in the same.”

In a world of unknowns, one thing is for sure, calendars should be set with warning for the betterment of our student body. Some could say: calenDONT count on your summer plans!