Blizzard Cuts into Port Jefferson School District Spring Break

After five school days were cancelled last fall following the wrath of Superstorm Sandy – and as a result, almost all of next week's February break was optioned as make-up days as a result – Port Jefferson School District officials announced this week that spring break will be shortened after last week's blizzard cut into the school week.

Classes were cancelled Monday and Tuesday of this week due to impassible roadways, and the school district announced that Friday, March 22 and Monday, April 1 – the first and last days of spring break – will be school days instead.

The dates had been predetermined in a Dec. 12, 2012 memo from Superintendent Ken Bossert after the district was forced to adjust its school schedule.

The superintendent's Dec. 12 note is attached as a PDF.

Should further snow days cut into the school year, Bossert's note stated, the week of March 25 – a full week of vacation, currently – would be considered for further instructional days, though that decision ultimately rests with the Board of Education.

Though school was cut short last Friday, Bossert said schools do not have to make up shortened days.

Despite the lost February break, and plans families may have in place, Bossert told families that the make-up time is still important for students to attend.

"Please understand that all students are expected to attend school during the week of Feb. 19-22. As a District we cannot afford to sacrifice instructional time. The instruction in the classrooms will be rigorous and meaningful."