February, the shortest month of the year, has been shortened even further for Hays High students with new changes to the 2020-2021 academic calendar. On Jan. 27, Hays High sent out a text message that detailed the changes and other important events.

Wednesday, Feb. 10 is an already planned Early Release Day for all USD 489 students; they will be dismissed at 1 p.m. like other Early Release Days so that the faculty can engage in professional development activities.

Friday, Feb. 12 is now an Early Release Day for all Hays High School students, too, and again, they will be dismissed at 1 p.m. The early dismissal is due to Hays High hosting the Kansas State High School Activities Association 5A regional wrestling tournament.

On Monday, Feb. 15, all USD 489 students will have no school at all. The change was made to include a professional development day for teachers. Feb. 15 is also Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday.

The change to the academic calendar, however, does not affect the Maroon & Gold schedule. Students will have a Gold Day on Friday, Feb. 12 and will return to school on Tuesday, Feb. 16 with another Gold Day.

Some students are looking forward to the extra day off from school and are making plans to fill the free time.

“I’m always hype for no school, but I feel like we’ve missed enough already,” senior Zach Chance said. “Usually, I spend time with friends and family and just try to relax.”