You Ask, Patch Answers: When's the Last Day of School?

Thanks to the recent blizzard, which closed Somerville schools for a few days, a couple of people have asked, "When's the last day of school?"

You see, when students miss a day of school, they have to make it up at the end of the year.

I spoke briefly to Vince McKay, assistant superintendent of Somerville Public Schools, and he said the last day of school is currently scheduled for June 27.

Apparently, Somerville has already reached its allotment of canceled school days for the academic year.

The school district builds into its calendar the option of having five additional days of school in June, just in case it needs them due to snow days and other cancelations. Originally, the school year was supposed to end on June 20, McKay explained.

In addition to the three days missed earlier in February due to the blizzard, schools were closed for two days in October as a result of Hurricane Sandy, McKay explained. That's five days, and the school district is crossing its fingers there won't be more missed days.

So, what happens if Somerville is on the receiving end of another major snow storm or some other event that leads to canceled school?

McKay explained that, in such a case, the school district would have to have a discussion with teachers about how and when to make up those extra days. They could potentially be added to the end of the year, or maybe they could be taken from April vacation, to name a few options. The school district would have to cross that bridge if and when it gets there, and it's hoping not to get there.