This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
SDP schools will now be open on April 15, 16, and 17 to make up for lost instructional days due to inclement weather #phled — Philadelphia Schools (@PhillyEducation) February 14, 2014
To make up for the days lost due to snow this year, the School District announced today that three of those days will be recouped by cutting spring break.
Spring recess had been scheduled for April 14-18, but schools will now be open on the three middle days of the week: April 15, 16, and 17. If any more school days are lost to inclement weather or emergency, the District said, it will review the calendar and make updates as needed. The school year is scheduled to end for students on June 19.
Public schools must be open at least 180 days, according to Pennsylvania law, though exceptions can be granted. In total, six school days have been canceled so far this school year, leaving the District short of the 180-day requirement even after adding the three makeup days.
"We are looking to file a waiver for the 180-day requirement but looking to meet the 990-hour requirement for [grades] 7-12 and 900-hour requirement for K-6," said spokesperson Fernando Gallard in an email.
Schools will also be closed on Monday, Feb. 17, for Presidents Day.