Short Spring Break

[Anonymous]

Wondering why MCPS can not reduce Spring break in stead of extending School days in June?

[Anonymous]

They won’t do it because the teachers union would scream and they’re counting on the bill passing in the state legislature so they don’t have to extend the year.

[Anonymous]

Because the parents who’ve booked vacations would lose their minds.

[Anonymous]

I think short spring would be worse than a few days less for summer. I’m a parent. I suspect many feel the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They won’t do it because the teachers union would scream and they’re counting on the bill passing in the state legislature so they don’t have to extend the year.

I think more outrage would come from the parents than the teachers on this one

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They won’t do it because the teachers union would scream and they’re counting on the bill passing in the state legislature so they don’t have to extend the year.

Stop blaming the teacher's union. They do a lot of bad things, but they are advocating for making up days during the school year when they are of value to students. Teachers share the sentiment that MCPS has made awful calendar decisions as of late. We should be using our built in snow days, and we should be using some of Spring Break at this point. Families who have planned something can take their kids out, but the majority should be allowed to continue with instruction - the days would certainly be better attended than those planned in late June. I cannot imagine there would be enough subs to cover those June days, either.

[Anonymous]

My concern is that marking period will be over and AP exams will be over by original end of school year. What is the point of asking everyone to come to school for extended days? Satisfy whom and at what cost?

[Anonymous]

It used to be that days from spring break were included as possible make up days if needed. Both families and teachers were not in favor of this and the days were never used. Now, the state is pushing back and saying you need to have a plan that you actually are willing to use before they will grant a waiver for days. MCPS didn't put spring break days in the calendar, so it would be extra hard to use them this year... but you can try advocating for it in the future. (I'd gladly give up 2 days of spring break to finish earlier, and have instruction at a more meaningful time)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think short spring would be worse than a few days less for summer. I’m a parent. I suspect many feel the same.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It used to be that days from spring break were included as possible make up days if needed. Both families and teachers were not in favor of this and the days were never used. Now, the state is pushing back and saying you need to have a plan that you actually are willing to use before they will grant a waiver for days. MCPS didn't put spring break days in the calendar, so it would be extra hard to use them this year... but you can try advocating for it in the future. (I'd gladly give up 2 days of spring break to finish earlier, and have instruction at a more meaningful time)

This is the whole point. MCPS must make a reasonable calendar plan, one they will be able to keep, and then follow the calendar. That way everyone knows what to expect.

I am glad that the state is pushing back. It is about time that MCPS higher ups do their job.

[Anonymous]

It’s too late. Why didn’t OP rally the BOE last year when they adopted this calendar? How stupid it was to have transition day and the day befofe thanksgiving as make up days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because the parents who’ve booked vacations would lose their minds.

I wouldn't send my kids on the shortened spring break days either.

[Anonymous]

No one wants to go later in June.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they were included as possible make-up days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think they were included as possible make-up days.

Yes, but possible make-up days appear irrelevant here since they are now being ignored.