As the end of school draws near, seniors and their families are making plans for graduation. But with the event scheduled for a Thursday, some of them are left scratching their heads and asking, “why?” Others are concerned that loved ones won’t be able to attend.
“Saturdays you don’t schedule doctor’s appointments and visits. Thursday you do,” said Leslie Cataldo, mother of Anthony, a senior at Carson High School.
Graduation dates are set a year in advance, according to Eisa Cox, Rowan-Salisbury executive director of secondary education.
“Historically, it’s always been the day after the last day of school,” Cox said. “Typically, that falls on a weekend. This year, that fell on a Thursday.”
The number of days in the school year are determined by the number of instructional hours required, as well as set numbers of teacher workdays and holidays throughout the year.
“It’s not uncommon for school to end on any given day of the week,” she said.
Each year, the school board approves the academic calendar, which includes the last day of school and graduation.
This year’s calendar was approved last May, said Cox, who has worked for the district since July.
Because the school system has already secured venues and announced the date, it’s too late to change the date for graduation this year
Although no decision has been made yet for next year, Cox said district leaders are “exploring having that on a Saturday next year” in hopes of making it more convenient for families.