East Meadow to make up one snow day

Two major winter storms that prompted the East Meadow School District to close school for a total of three days led officials to add a makeup day to the school calendar. Tuesday, April 6 — the final day of the spring recess — was selected as the makeup date.
   
The announcement was made Thursday night at the East Meadow Board of Education work session. A statement was also posted on the district Web site.
   
"All East Meadow Schools will be in session and offices will be open on Tuesday, April 6, 2010," the district wrote. "We apologize for any inconvenience which this may cause."

   
At least a foot of snow fell on East Meadow during both storms.
  
"Once we used a third [snow day], we knew we were going to have a makeup day involved," Superintendent Louis DeAngelo said at Thursday's meeting.
   
DeAngelo explained that the decision was made after consulting with administration, speaking with officials from nearby districts and discussing with bargaining units and the PTA Council.  The approved 2009-2010 calendar had included 182 days, including superintendent conferences. A third snow day put the number under 180 sessions, which is required by the state.  
   
Some school board members said the change in schedule could impact families with planned vacations, but agreed that it was the best option.

Calendar set for next year
   
The school board recently approved the district calendar for 2010-2011.
   
With Labor Day occurring on Monday, Sept. 6, teachers will report for superintendent conference days on Wednesday, Sept. 1 and Thursday, Sept. 2. The first day of classes for students is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 7. After being back to school for only two days, schools close for the Rosh Hashanah holiday on Thursday, Sept. 9 and Friday, Sept. 10.
   
Other holiday, observances and conference-related school closures throughout the year include: Columbus Day, Oct. 11; Election Day, Nov. 2; Veterans Day, Nov. 11; Thanksgiving, Nov. 25,26; Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 17, 2011; Memorial Day, May 30, 2011. The holiday recess in observance of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year's is scheduled for Dec. 23 through Dec. 31. Winter Recess, which includes President's Day, is slated for Feb. 21, 2011 through Feb. 25, 2011 and Spring Recess (Easter and Passover observances) is set for April 18, 2011 to April 26, 2011.
   
The last day of classes is scheduled for June 24, 2011.
   
Subject to unexpected school closures for inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, students report for a total of 181 days, while teachers are to work for 184 days.