School districts cut into students' vacation time to make up days

When the bell rang Thursday, Jackson students flooded out of the high school to five days of freedom — three days less than expected. But most students had no problem with the district's decision to schedule makeup days for bad weather during their spring break.

"I like a longer summer," junior Brad Groening said.

Austin Gillard, a junior, planned on spending the break watching March Madness, the NCAA basketball tournament. "If it was up to me I'd like to have both breaks," he joked.

A majority of students interviewed said they were planning on staying in town because of the shorter break or were taking short trips around the state. Valerie Drewett plans on spending Easter with family in St. Louis.

"I like that we're making it up now so that when it's warm we'll be out and can go swimming or do whatever," Audrey Peters said.

Senior Jeff Womack had hoped to visit his grandparents in Florida but had to change plans because of the shorter break. "With a short break you can't do much if you were planning on going somewhere," he said.

Spring break will last Friday, Monday and Tuesday in Jackson. Cape Girardeau students will have a full, weeklong spring break, but the end of their school year will be extended by at least five school days, though graduation will not be affected.

Some districts, such as Advance, had to postpone graduation, and seniors in Perryville will be expected to return after graduation for a week of school.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

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