Lafayette Schools will end 1st semester before Christmas in 2013

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Lafayette School Corporation trustees approved Monday the school calendar for the next academic year. In a big switch, the first semester will end before the Christmas break.
    
The first day for students will be Aug. 13, 2013, and the final day is slated for May 21, 2014.

Superintendent Les Huddle said it's a big and important change for high school students who will no longer have to take their first semester finals after their longest academic break of the school year.

"We bring kids back and maybe do a little review and then say, 'Now take one of your hardest exams,'" said Huddle.  "It's very important for them, too. So we want to give kids the academic opportunity to do their best on the exams."

Huddle said the move was prompted in part by parent feedback. He added the district will build the 2014-2015 academic calendar based on feedback next fall.
    
The board also approved Monday a measure creating a fire and rescue course as an option for students at Lafayette Jefferson High School starting next year.