NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The 2024/2025 school year will start a bit differently for Norfolk students.
Norfolk Public Schools will start its 2024 school year on Aug. 19, making it the earliest the school division has started classes.
The School Board held a meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13 to vote for the change.
The school year for Norfolk Public School students will also end earlier than ever, on May 30.
The current school year was the first Norfolk Public Schools started classes before Labor Day.
10 On Your Side spoke with parent, Lindi Denning.
She recently moved to Chesapeake from Norfolk but was there for the survey that influenced the board’s decision.
She said the change of the start and end date for school is actually common.
“I grew up in Missouri and we started that last week of august and then we would go all the way until right before Memorial Day and now in Missouri they actually get out earlier. Graduation is usually around Mother’s Day and then they get out sooner so they’re still getting the same amount of time off, so I think that’s fine. “
However, those weren’t the only changes made.
There will no longer be a March break in between the New Year and spring break.
That’s something Lindi said she believes won’t benefit the kids at all.
“I understand people’s concerns about kids falling behind because of covid and things but aren’t we then just increasing the level of burnout that our kids are dealing with? “
She told 10 On Your Side she thinks this could negatively affect teachers as well.
“We look at the nation and how many adults are all talking about how they need a mental health day. Kids need that too and the ones educating them also need that. “
She worries about the possibility of her kids’ new school district in Chesapeake will following suit.
“With certain schools starting earlier it feels like it’ll only be a matter of time before others follow suit so sports schedules and everything all line up. “
To view the entire calendar for the 2024 school year, visit the Norfolk Public Schools website here.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.