As a result of the five days Wicomico County Public Schools were closed for Winter Storm Grayson, the school system is planning adjustments to the 2017-2018 school year calendar to address the missed days.

The Board-approved 2017-2018 calendar includes three potential makeup days at the end of the school year. Wicomico schools will be in session on those designated makeup days, which are June 13, 14 and June 15; these are all early dismissal days. (Please note that June 8, 11 and 12 are now full school days rather than early dismissal days.)

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna C. Hanlin, with the support of the Board of Education, will request a waiver for the other two missed days. This request is based on the fact that on Jan. 4 and 5, the storm caused such extreme safety concerns in our area that a state of emergency was declared by Gov. Larry Hogan, Wicomico County and the city of Salisbury.

This waiver request for two days will be submitted to the Maryland State Board of Education. Wicomico Schools will await the state board’s response before making any other adjustments to this year’s calendar, Dr. Hanlin said. An updated calendar will be posted once all changes have been determined.

Students and families should note these other adjustments to the 2017-2018 school calendar:

• High school students will have mid-term exams tomorrow (Friday) during Periods 6 and 7; Tuesday, Jan. 30 during Periods 4 and 5; and Wednesday, Jan. 31, during Periods 1, 2 and 3.
• The second marking term will now end on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
• Report cards will be distributed on Wednesday, Feb. 7.