As the last days of summer roll by, students savor the final days of freedom before the familiar stresses of academics return; however, this year, teachers’ and students’ summers will be cut short.

The two day earlier start date is not what seems to be bothering students, but the full week that introduces the school year. In the past, there was not a full week of school before Labor Day. Instead, there was a shortened week, with school starting on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Students and teachers both appreciated the shortened week, as it allowed for an easier transition between the end of summer and the start of school.

Many students, like Ben Shmaruk ’17, feel they need a smooth shift back into the academic environment after a long break. Shmaruk thinks that easing back into the rigors of the year would be far easier than jumping in with a full week.

According to Superintendent Elliott Landon, one reason for school starting earlier is because “Greater learning takes place at the beginning of the school year rather than in the warmer month of June.”

Another reason for the earlier start and the full school week is that the Board of Education is taking a cautionary approach to the possibility of some really big storms. In recent years, Staples has closed school for hurricanes and winter storms like Nemo, Irene, Sandy, and the October Nor’easter in 2011.  In addition, the Farmer’s Almanac states that this winter is going to be colder and wetter than normal with above average snowfall. Looking back at last winter, the Farmers Almanac prediction was very accurate to the actual weather.

The good news is starting the year earlier means ending the year earlier!