TRADITION, Fla. (CBS12) — Students at Tradition Lakes K-8 School will have an extended summer break, according to St. Lucie Public Schools.

On Thursday, the district announced that Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince has delayed the first day of school at Tradition Lakes K-8 from Aug. 10 to Aug. 17. District officials said the extra week will give teachers and staff more time to complete final classroom preparations at the district’s newest school.

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Prince said:

I made the decision to delay the opening of Tradition Lakes K-8 by one week, and I want our families to hear the reasoning directly from me. After inspecting the school, I didn’t feel staff had enough time to adequately prepare it for our parents and children. More time was needed. Delaying the start for a week will ensure our students get the first impression they deserve while also ensuring no changes need to be made to the school calendar moving forward. Our families have waited a long time for this school, and Tradition Lakes students deserve the very best we can give them,” Prince said. “I am not willing to hand them anything less on their very first day.

St. Lucie Public Schools said it will share child care options for families who need them during the week of Aug. 10-14.

An open house is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., giving families an opportunity to meet teachers and tour the campus before the first day of school.