New to FCPS - what was the rationale for starting and ending school a week early?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Superintendent worked 5 years in another county where school year ended in early-mid June. Came here and was shocked we were still in school after mid June.

I seriously heard him share this at a community meeting.

That is quite a valid point.

[Anonymous]

Stafford County is starting August 12 next year and getting out end of May. First semester will end before Christmas break and schedule will be more like college schedule.

One reason given is it that high school students will be able to "relax" over Christmas break with a new semester beginning when they return.

[Anonymous]

Starting in August is the norm in most parts of the country. I agree with posters who believe it's easier to go back early than it is to stay in school for most of June.

Two years ago, my DD had to fly out to her college orientation in the middle of graduation rehearsals because graduation was held on June 20 - it was a huge hassle.

[Anonymous]

FCPS loses the waiver after ‘19-‘20 if they don’t close at least 8 days this school year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS loses the waiver after ‘19-‘20 if they don’t close at least 8 days this school year.

I thought the Kings Dominion rule is going to be voted away in the next session.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS loses the waiver after ‘19-‘20 if they don’t close at least 8 days this school year.

I thought the Kings Dominion rule is going to be voted away in the next session.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/wtop.com/education/2018/07/skirmish-over-first-day-of-school-in-va-to-be-refought/amp/

[Anonymous]

Wish they would start after labor day, end by 6/15, and have fewer teacher workdays/half days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS loses the waiver after ‘19-‘20 if they don’t close at least 8 days this school year.

I thought the Kings Dominion rule is going to be voted away in the next session.

There are bills proposed. Who knows how they will end?

[Anonymous]

Frankly I would prefer a 6-8 week summer, 10/11 weeks way too long all at once. Have two week breaks between each quarter to even it out. Vacations, camps and sports would change to meet the new schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
One school board member who was against it kept talking about how it is so much hotter in late Aug. than in mid June (which is not true based on historical data); and she also talked about how it would be a burden on those who have swim team practice that doesn't end until late July and then fall sports would end up starting in early Aug -- so families wouldn't get a chance for vacation. Yes, she actually said that her kid(s) got 5's on the AP calculus test even though they didn't start the class until after Labor Day, so we shouldn't worry about kids who think they might benefit from having an extra week prior to the nationally-set AP Calc test date.

One or two board members from zones that have some of the lowest performing schools asked if their schools could start TWO weeks early even if other FCPS schools started only one week prior to Labor Day.

Bottom line -- those who have pool memberships (and those concerned about the financial health of their pool corporation) + those who have beach properties + those who like to use the last week of Aug. to get lower rates for beach properties ---> wanted school to start after Labor Day.

Those who wanted to give students more time in class before tests, or less time in school AFTER nationally-set tests, or more time in summer to get useful programs/jobs ---> wanted school to start before Labor Day.

Which one do YOU think should be the priority of the school board????


Honestly, I think there should be less testing, so all this wouldn't even be an issue.


It will be when your kid gets to high school.

Also, many summer programs start while fcps is still in session. Most of the rest of the country gets out in May.

The late dismissal is a real disadvantage to HS students who want to take college-level summer programs, internships, etc. All of them start by mid-June, and VA students are competing for spots against students from other states that get out earlier. I've seen kids who had to leave school early in order to participate.

[Anonymous]

Because otherwise, the kids were in school until June 23rd or later. Who wants to be in school at that late date?

My niece and nephew in the Silicon Valley in California went to back to school this past Monday, August 13. An August 28 start isn't that bad.

[Anonymous]

Was just in Florida and they were starting Aug. 13th. I believe they get out in the first week of June.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Frankly I would prefer a 6-8 week summer, 10/11 weeks way too long all at once. Have two week breaks between each quarter to even it out. Vacations, camps and sports would change to meet the new schedule.

Disagree. I feel the summer is still a bit too short.

[Anonymous]

If they start after labor day, all they have to do is shorten winter break by a week to get the week back in June. It would make things a lot easier on working parents, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Because otherwise, the kids were in school until June 23rd or later. Who wants to be in school at that late date?

My niece and nephew in the Silicon Valley in California went to back to school this past Monday, August 13. An August 28 start isn't that bad.

Missouri starts this week and gets out before Memorial Day (usually 1 week before).

Kansas too.

Texas starts around the 3rd week of August (20 something) and gets out the week before Memorial day. California too.

It just makes so much sense to go back to school in August and get out earlier.

This region is so backwards about the school calendar.