Porter Ranch Community School Opens Today; LAUSD Rolls Out New Calendar

 Thousands of kids will be heading back to school today, about three weeks earlier than usual, as the Los Angeles Unified School District rolls out an that officials say could help bolster students' grades.

And LAUSD will open 20 new campuses today, including the . 

The was previously being used by about 20 LAUSD campuses, primarily in the San Fernando Valley. Now the early start system is being rolled out district-wide.

"The early start calendar allows students to complete their first semester prior to winter break, which has been shown to have a positive impact on final examinations and grades," LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy said. "Many of the high schools in the valley that have been on the early start schedule the past few years have reported that it is popular with parents and students."

Under the early calendar, the last day of the 2012-13 school year will be May 31, 2013.

LAUSD officials said the earlier calendar will give high school students more options for college and university summer programs, as well as summer jobs.

Three "multi-track" schools in the district will not adhere to the early schedule -- Del Olmo Elementary, Cahuenga Elementary and Bell High School.

Parents need to make sure their kids have a little extra money because at LAUSD campuses will cost 50 cents more this year.

This year also marks the beginning of a requirement that all seventh- graders have a to prevent against pertussis, or whooping cough.

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