Hazelwood School District Approves Its 2012-13 School Year Calendar

 (HSD) students can look forward to going back to school during the 2012-13 school year on Aug. 13, 2012.

The HSD Board of Education approved the calendar at Tuesday's meeting.

"It is pretty similar to calendars we've had the last two to three years," said Dwight Lindhorst, assistant superintendent of finance and facilities. "In November since we have a general election, we're off Nov. 6, 2012."

Lindhorst also said the district would have a three day break for Thanksgiving as well because it has been working for keeping attendance during that week high, Nov. 21 to 23, 2012.

• Christmas Break: Dec. 22, 2012 to Jan. 7, 2013
• Spring Break: March 18-22, 2013

Board member Desiree Whitlock was concerned with students getting out so late next school year, compared to this school year's end date of May 31, 2012, which is padded with six inclement weather days.

"It could end earlier than June 3 if we don't use the inclement weather days," Lindhorst said. "But again, the June 3 date is padded with six inclement weather days."

Whitlock also asked about graduation, which has been tentatively scheduled for May 18, 2013, but is not confirmed.

"I've had parents call indicating that they need to make reservations for their summer vacations," Whitlock said. "Is there a way to let parents know sooner than April?"

To which Lindhorst said no. "In all probability, except for last year, we haven't had to use all six weather days," he said.

Lindhorst added that the district waits until April to released an official revised calendar because it's prone to closing due to power outages from sever weather and rain, as much as it is from snow.