Dear Parents and Guardians, 

I am pleased to share the attached calendar for the 2020-2021 school year. The School Committee approved the calendar at their meeting last night. It’s also available on our website under "PSB News."

You will notice that beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the school district will acknowledge the Lunar New Year as a “day of low attendance” (no school). Last spring, the School Committee heard a very compelling presentation from the parents, students and staff of the Brookline Asian American Family Network advocating for this recognition of Lunar New Year. After careful consideration, we have proceeded with marking this day on the school calendar. We are pleased to be able to recognize this holiday that is of such significance to many of our families. 

One other item that may be of interest to you is the placement of the Professional Development Day in November 2020. It is scheduled for Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. As you know, this will be a Presidential election year and so we expect a large turnout of voters at polling locations across town. Six of our schools serve as polling locations. Given the large crowds expected at polling locations it is sensible to hold PD Day on Election Day. In non-Presidential election years - when the voter turnout is lower and more manageable in each school building - we will typically schedule the Professional Development Day on a Friday. 

I wish you and your family all the best in this New Year. 

Sincerely, 

Ben Lummis

Interim Superintendent