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DC Public and Public Charter Schools
Longer school days at DCPS?
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Anonymous
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WaPo article -- http://tinyurl.com/2g8rphm
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Anonymous
| Yes, I would save some money with afterschool care/summer camp, but personally think this is a bad idea for most kids. If a child has no academic and/or social support after school I think this could help, but I don't think all kids in DCPS need this. |
Anonymous
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What about the fact that our kids have less in class time than other close in jurisdictions? I read the article this morning, but I thought it said both Fairfax and MoCo had 7 or more hours of instruction daily and DCPS is at 6 1/2.
I was interested in the quote of the ES teacher who thought it could provide kids with more outdoor time, which I support. It sounds like outdoor time has been compromised to provide time for all the academic work, it would be good for the learning environment to put more of that back in the middle of the day as an outlet for kids to offset the pressure. |
Anonymous
| After reading the article, I thought it sounded like a good idea. As PP says, most neighboring jursidictions are in school for slightly longer days and slightly more days per year. This would bring more parity in that front. Also as the article points out, so much time is being devoted to test prep that less time is available for things like art, music, foreign language, and yes, recess. If this would bring more attention to those areas of the curriculum, I think it is a fantastic idea. |
Anonymous
| Double posting to clarify I am a new poster, not 15:30. |
Anonymous
| I think it is a great idea. I would be hesitant if we were talking about adding Saturdays, but a half-hour should only be a plus. |
Anonymous
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I am all for it and what has it taken so long? The hard sale will be with the senior members of the union. Yet I say put it to a vote with their membership and with their recent track record it will pass by a landslide.
Do you mean to tell me that not one school in the DCPS regime has an extended day, that seems quite odd to me? Hopefully, the longer day can help with some of the electives that are needed to make well-rounded students. |
Anonymous
Totally disagree with this. There was one instance where our K teacher had to be out of the classroom for a half-day to attend a funeral and parents stepped in to cover the class. She left for us her lesson plan for the morning and it was broken down in 20 minute increments. It was probably one of the most difficult volunteer assignments I ever had at our school. There were four parents and 23 kids. Trying to keep the kids engaged and make you sure you cover all of the essential info. was difficult. The kids weren't out of control or anything. Just seeing on paper what needs to be covered and the time to do it...I gained a new level of respect for our teachers after that assignment. Adding more time in the day is not about enrichment or extras - our teachers need more time to teach. Every child would benefit from this, not just those that are struggling. |
Anonymous
| I would support a nearly year-round school calendar - but also higher pay for teachers! The idea that they "clock out" at 3:15 pm is laughable, teachers work a long and exhausting day. I loved summer when I was a kid, but now that I'm a working parent scheduling summer is a huge pain. |
Anonymous
| As long as they tack it on to the END of the day...don't want to wake up 30 min earlier, though, kids need their rest! |
Anonymous
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This is not a good idea. Easy for the parents, sure. But what says that kids can handle a longer day with the same teacher? If you have a great teacher, maybe. But without one, it will be dull and make the school day just longer to deal with.
I feel bad for kids. My little guy is only in 1st grade. I hope this does not become his reality. |
Anonymous
| How about they actually go to school for a full week every now and then? The current calendar is ridiculous - they're out what seems like every freaking week for a day or more! That vent out, I'm all for extending for 30 minutes a day. Their counterparts at private schools go for almost an hour longer a day. |
Anonymous
and how to working parents handle all these half days and days off?! We're looking to start public school next year and I have no idea! |
Anonymous
| I am all for getting rid of some of these half-days and other days off but school is not free daycare. Most if not all schools have before and after school programs either on-site or off-site. Back in my day, these programs didn't exist. My mom was a single working mother and somehow managed 2 kids in school by herself w/ none of the many options that exist now for working parents. |
Anonymous
public school calendars run longer than private, just so you know I know most private schools here go back after labor day and end at memorial day |