As the summer heat subsides and the leaves begin to turn, it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming school year. For students and parents in Albuquerque, the APS school calendar provides a roadmap for the year ahead, outlining important dates and events.
Key Dates for the 2023-2024 School Year
- First day of school: Monday, August 14, 2023
- Last day of school: Friday, May 24, 2024
- Winter break: December 23, 2023 – January 5, 2024
- Spring break: March 11-15, 2024
- Teacher work days: September 4, 2023; October 12, 2023; November 2, 2023; January 19, 2024; April 19, 2024
Important Considerations for the APS School Calendar
In addition to the key dates, the APS school calendar provides other information that is important for families to know:
- School hours: Elementary schools: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM; Middle schools: 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM; High schools: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- School holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day
- Grading periods: Elementary schools: 9 weeks; Middle schools: 6 weeks; High schools: 10 weeks
- Parent-teacher conferences: Elementary schools: September 26-27, 2023 and March 13-14, 2024; Middle schools: September 25-26, 2023 and March 6-7, 2024; High schools: September 28-29, 2023 and March 8-9, 2024
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a smooth start to the school year, it’s important to avoid common mistakes such as:
- Not marking key dates on your calendar
- Forgetting to purchase school supplies
- Not checking your child’s school assignment book regularly
- Not attending parent-teacher conferences
- Communicating with your child’s teacher only when there is a problem
Benefits of Staying Organized
Staying organized and following the APS school calendar has several benefits for students and families:
- Reduced stress: Knowing what to expect each day and week can help reduce anxiety and stress for both students and parents.
- Improved academic performance: Students who are organized and know when assignments are due are more likely to succeed academically.
- Stronger parent-teacher relationships: Attending parent-teacher conferences and communicating regularly with teachers helps build strong relationships and supports student success.
- Increased family time: Knowing when school breaks and holidays occur allows families to plan quality time together.
FAQs about the APS School Calendar
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the APS school calendar:
- How can I access the APS school calendar online? The APS school calendar is available online at www.aps.edu/calendar.
- Are there any changes to the APS school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year? The APS school calendar for the 2023-2024 school year is similar to the previous year’s calendar, with some minor adjustments to start and end dates.
- What should I do if I have a conflict with a school activity? If you have a conflict with a school activity, please contact your child’s teacher or the school principal as soon as possible.
- How can I stay informed about changes to the APS school calendar? The APS school district website and social media pages provide updates on changes to the school calendar.
- What is the APS policy on excused absences? The APS policy on excused absences is available online at www.aps.edu/attendance.
- What resources are available to help students with schoolwork? The APS school district provides a variety of resources to help students with schoolwork, including after-school programs, tutoring, and online learning.
Conclusion
The APS school calendar provides a valuable roadmap for the school year, helping students and families stay organized and informed. By following the calendar and avoiding common mistakes, families can help ensure a successful school year for their children.