Growing up on the South Shore of Long Island, I looked forward to school summer vacation more than my birthday and every holiday combined. It arrived each year like a beautifully wrapped gift under the tree. Summer meant many things back then, but especially the promise of carefree days. When school ended and summer began that third week of June, we knew we were free until just after Labor Day. There was a gentle and predictable rhythm to it all. For once, the season and the calendar seemed in sync with a child’s instincts to run and play and swim.

But then I moved to Colorado.

For many residents, the summer of 2015 is already a quickly fading memory as school districts across the region open their doors for another year of instruction. In fact, by mid-August, many children have been in class for two weeks.

I don’t get it.

Why does “summer vacation” commence almost a month before summer actually begins and wrap up nearly two months before it even ends?

Supporters of the current school calendar see it simply as a matter of shifting dates. Others argue that “summer vacation” is, in and of itself, an antiquated holdover of an agrarian society and thus, a dispensable and dated vestige of a bygone era. Some might even argue for year-round school, claiming a “summer slide” in learning that’s caused by the extended break from the classroom.

To be fair, the modern school calendar only dates back to the late 19th century. Before countrywide coordination, many urban schools were open much longer than they are today, although attendance was voluntary. In 1842, the New York City school year was 248 days long.

School officials suggest earlier start times allow for greater flexibility for the remainder of the year. In other words, more time off. What was once a week for Christmas break now becomes two. Then there’s fall break and a week off for Thanksgiving, and of course a week or two in the spring.

There is year-round beauty in Colorado, but would a child rather have off in late May when it’s likely to be windy and snowing or be off in August when it’s 85 degrees and sunny?

My greater concern, though, is that the school calendar creep diminishes the wonder and joy of summer itself. Just as the summer season in Colorado is kicking into high gear, parents and children are forced to confront its end. “Dog Days” now become the “Doing Days” with classes and formal activities dominating instead of camping and exploration and all things Colorado.

Psychologists often stress the importance of unstructured playtime for children. In fact, studies show that the summer is the happiest time for kids, largely because it provides them with the best opportunity to be kids.

It’s time to put the summer back into summer vacation and shift the school calendar. Childhood is a short enough season. Why must we shortchange our kids the most beautiful weather of the year?

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Paul J. Batura is a local writer and father of three young boys. He can be reached at Paul@PaulBatura.com.