ACPS Proposal to Extend the School Day and School Year

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have any insights into Dr. Sherman's (ACPS Superintendent) proposal to extend the school day and the school year in the City of Alexandria? It seems to have come with very little prior warning and I'm a bit surprised that I haven't seen or heard more debate on the subject.

Personally, I don't think quantity is ever a substitute for quantity and I dread dealing with a cranky, overtired child next year. Some after school activities will have to be cancelled, for sure. But, most of my neighbors couldn't care less and are, in fact, pleased that they will potentially be paying for less after school care.

Anyone else like to chime in?

[Anonymous]

I just took a look at the proposal on the website. It seems they are only calling for a few more days in the school year and 30 mins per day.

How old is your little one? Which school? We are zoned for Polk and are trying to look at the options.

There is a hearing this evening. It would be nice to hear some feedback by someone who attended.

[Anonymous]

I wasn't able to attend but a friend who was there said most of the comments were against the proposal. There is no provision to pay teachers more for the extra work so I understand that they are not particularly pleased. You can probably watch the proceedings from the ACPS website or on their TV channel.

[Anonymous]

I attended the meeting last night. The vote to add thirty minutes to the school day has been postponed. If you oppose this idea, you might wish to contact School Board members. The School Board did, however, recommend going forward with the request to the state to push the school start date back to August 29, before Labor Day. Under this new calendar, school will end a week earlier in June as well.