Midland Park May 22, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Midland Park Public Schools students in grades two through 12 will be participating in an anonymous School Climate Survey before the end of the school year. This is the third year of the survey, which is part and parcel of the district’s anti-bullying initiatives. “As we seek to insure compliance with the Anti-Bullying Legislation, our district is committed to implementing proactive measures designed to create a safe and caring school environment for students and staff. The school climate surveys conducted have been valuable tools in helping identify issues and concerns important to Midland Park students and families,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Survey assesses students’ perception of school climate Marie Cirasella. “Survey results enable us to focus efforts in ways that best meet specific district needs.” The instrument was created by Dr. Paula RodriguezRust, a sociologist and diversity educator, who also interpreted the results in 2011 and 2012. Dr. Rust will interpret the results of this year’s survey as well, according to Craig Rush, the district’s student assistance counselor and antibullying coordinator. In the fall, Dr. Rust will make an evening presentation to parents/guardians in which she will compare the results of the previous surveys with the spring survey of 2013.Dr. Cirasella said that the 2012 school climate survey was espe- Midland Park public schools students will report to school next school year on Friday, Sept. 6 and will have the spring break on the week before Easter, rather than the following week, as originally planned. The board of education at its last meeting changed the first day of school for students from Sept. 5, so as not to conflict with Rosh Hashanah. The district was one of only two districts countywide to have scheduled Sept. 5 as the first day of school. To make up the lost day, the spring vacation will be held from April 14 -18, which includes Good Friday, a day already on the calendar as a day off. The original vacation School year to begin on September 6 cially helpful, and the district provided a presentation to the community in January during which the results of the 2012 survey were discussed and a Q&A for the community was provided. “As a result of these findings, we as a school district and as a community can assess our strengths and address areas identified for improvement,” Rush said. Written parent/guardian consent is required for student participation. The consent forms have been mailed to parents, who must respond with approval or denial by Friday, May 24. “In partnership, parents/guardians and the school district can successfully make Midland Park Public Schools a caring and nurturing educational environment for all,” Rush concluded. from April 21-25 would have used five days. No other changes were made to the calendar, originally adopted in March. The winter vacation will be a full week, Feb. 17-21, and the holiday break is set for Dec. 24 to Jan 1. Graduation for the Class of 2014 is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2014. State law requires 180 school days before graduation can take place. Midland Park board policy requires 183 school days for students. The approved calendar includes 185 days, with two emergency closing days. The last day of school for all students and teachers is set for June 24. Staff development days are scheduled for Sept. 3 and 4, Oct. 14, Jan. 20 and March 10, 2014.