The calendar may still say summer, but its unofficial end comes for Mariposa County youngsters next Tuesday. All schools in the Mariposa County Unified School District begin classes on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

There will be five fewer school days this year, as a result of the state’s continued budget crisis and its impact on the local school district. The entire district will shut down May 2 through 6, 2011, to save the district money. All employees in the district have agreed to the furlough days.

Those days in May probably seem far away for students. The complete list of MCUSD bus routes appears in this edition of the MARIPOSA GAZETTE, and it can also be found online at www.mariposa.k12.ca.us by clicking on the transportation link.

There will be increased traffic around all schools next week, and motorists are urged

exercise caution as the new year begins. Mariposa County Sheriff Brian Muller and the California Highway Patrol reminded everyone to observe speed regulations in school zones and to be aware of pedestrians.