The legislature may end up reverting the makeup days...

[Anonymous]

Anyone heard any updates on this? We need to figure out our camp plans for that first week of summer if there's no school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone heard any updates on this? We need to figure out our camp plans for that first week of summer if there's no school.

It’s stuck in the Senate right now.

And if that’s what you’re worried about, then got it, school is childcare for you.

Book the camp if you need childcare and send the kid. Nothing substantive will happen during the last week of school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This. We need to start one week earlier
They are already doing that in 26-27 as the first day is two weeks before Labor Day when it has always been one week before Labor Day (or after Labor Day in some years).
NO towards starting another week earlier, I'd prefer they start the week of August 31 (teachers have to come in a week earlier), 2 weeks December-early January, 4 or 5 day weekend for President's Day, 1 week spring break after 3Q, 4 Day weekend late April (coincide with Easter if it is later), end before Juneteenth.

We started August 26th this school year, and start August 25th next school year. Just 1 day difference. It is because of where Labor Day falls. This is not the first year that Labor Day is September 7, it is the first year ever to start earlier than the 1 week mark (last Monday in August). This is due to more holidays. https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/12-09_7386 (2009-10)
https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/Montgomery_2015-16_SchoolCalendar(1) (2015-16)
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/elementary-schools/d-g/drewes/homepage/0332.20ct_2020-21_schoolyearcalendar_amended-10_6.pdf (2020-21)
Those years had school the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas which is very undesirable. Almost everywhere south and west of Maryland has 2 weeks off in December into January and some even are off the full week of Thanksgiving (though they are only separated by 3 weeks).

The Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas just moves the number from 184 to 182 (the transition day further reduced that to 181). It's the addition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and 2 Eid holidays that extended the year a week.
------------------------- The fair law solution due to additional holidays:
School starts as early as the last Monday in August to as late as week of Labor Day and ends BEFORE Juneteenth. Schools still have to schedule 1080 hours (ES/MS), 1170 hours (HS) but can lose up to 30 hours below the minimum before any makeup time is needed. The more hours scheduled above the minimum the less likely that makeup time is needed. If a single bad weather event results in schools being closed THREE (3) or more days, schools can go virtual starting on the 3rd closure day. If schools have been closed FIVE (5) or more days excluding any virtual days, schools can choose to be open on either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a makeup day (but not both). The mandated closure on election day every even year November can also be allowed to be a virtual school day.
-----------------------
How would that work for the current school year?
School was closed for 6 days so either Good Friday or Easter Monday would automatically be allowed to be a school day as a result of reaching the 5 closure threshold.
The first storm closed school for five days. Schools would have been allowed to go virtual for the last 3 days. If that happened there would only be 3 full closures instead of 6.
Schools aren't required to go virtual but it would be a choice which should be influenced by the community. The same goes with a Good Friday or Easter Monday makeup, if the community supports it. If the schools still have 1050 (ES/MS)/1140 (HS) or more hours after full closures, no makeups are required.
------------------------
How would next year's calendar be affected?
Schools would start no earlier than the week of August 31 for students (last Monday of August) and the ending would still be the same time before Juneteenth. The actual number of school days scheduled would be based on how various holidays fall, adequate break time and enough cushion to decrease the chance of more than 1 makeup day while thwarting an extended single storm closure with virtual days. Election day can be replaced with more time off around President's Day (midway between winter and spring breaks) or holding spring break away from Easter (when Easter isn't near the end of 3Q).

This is a solid solution. I'm sorry if I missed something. Did the poster come up with this, or is this solution being considered in the legislature?

Heck no! School should not start any earlier!

+1. We need a longer summer, not shorter!

We certainly don't need it. It isn't good for students to be off that long. The only people who benefit are teachers. That's not intended to be a slight against teachers- they're overworked in their jobs. But longer summers isn't a good way to address that.

I'm a teacher, and I don't think I benefit from summer break. Sure, I could work, but I'd much rather have a more consistent school schedule, and I think that would benefit students as well and prevent the summer slide and help with mental health. I'd prefer a year round model, although I doubt that would ever happen. Same number of days, but more breaks throughout the year (2-3 weeks every quarter, and then summer can be a month).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This. We need to start one week earlier
They are already doing that in 26-27 as the first day is two weeks before Labor Day when it has always been one week before Labor Day (or after Labor Day in some years).
NO towards starting another week earlier, I'd prefer they start the week of August 31 (teachers have to come in a week earlier), 2 weeks December-early January, 4 or 5 day weekend for President's Day, 1 week spring break after 3Q, 4 Day weekend late April (coincide with Easter if it is later), end before Juneteenth.

We started August 26th this school year, and start August 25th next school year. Just 1 day difference. It is because of where Labor Day falls. This is not the first year that Labor Day is September 7, it is the first year ever to start earlier than the 1 week mark (last Monday in August). This is due to more holidays. https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/12-09_7386 (2009-10)
https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/Montgomery_2015-16_SchoolCalendar(1) (2015-16)
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/elementary-schools/d-g/drewes/homepage/0332.20ct_2020-21_schoolyearcalendar_amended-10_6.pdf (2020-21)
Those years had school the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas which is very undesirable. Almost everywhere south and west of Maryland has 2 weeks off in December into January and some even are off the full week of Thanksgiving (though they are only separated by 3 weeks).

The Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas just moves the number from 184 to 182 (the transition day further reduced that to 181). It's the addition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and 2 Eid holidays that extended the year a week.
------------------------- The fair law solution due to additional holidays:
School starts as early as the last Monday in August to as late as week of Labor Day and ends BEFORE Juneteenth. Schools still have to schedule 1080 hours (ES/MS), 1170 hours (HS) but can lose up to 30 hours below the minimum before any makeup time is needed. The more hours scheduled above the minimum the less likely that makeup time is needed. If a single bad weather event results in schools being closed THREE (3) or more days, schools can go virtual starting on the 3rd closure day. If schools have been closed FIVE (5) or more days excluding any virtual days, schools can choose to be open on either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a makeup day (but not both). The mandated closure on election day every even year November can also be allowed to be a virtual school day.
-----------------------
How would that work for the current school year?
School was closed for 6 days so either Good Friday or Easter Monday would automatically be allowed to be a school day as a result of reaching the 5 closure threshold.
The first storm closed school for five days. Schools would have been allowed to go virtual for the last 3 days. If that happened there would only be 3 full closures instead of 6.
Schools aren't required to go virtual but it would be a choice which should be influenced by the community. The same goes with a Good Friday or Easter Monday makeup, if the community supports it. If the schools still have 1050 (ES/MS)/1140 (HS) or more hours after full closures, no makeups are required.
------------------------
How would next year's calendar be affected?
Schools would start no earlier than the week of August 31 for students (last Monday of August) and the ending would still be the same time before Juneteenth. The actual number of school days scheduled would be based on how various holidays fall, adequate break time and enough cushion to decrease the chance of more than 1 makeup day while thwarting an extended single storm closure with virtual days. Election day can be replaced with more time off around President's Day (midway between winter and spring breaks) or holding spring break away from Easter (when Easter isn't near the end of 3Q).

This is a solid solution. I'm sorry if I missed something. Did the poster come up with this, or is this solution being considered in the legislature?

Heck no! School should not start any earlier!

+1. We need a longer summer, not shorter!

We certainly don't need it. It isn't good for students to be off that long. The only people who benefit are teachers. That's not intended to be a slight against teachers- they're overworked in their jobs. But longer summers isn't a good way to address that.

I'm a teacher, and I don't think I benefit from summer break. Sure, I could work, but I'd much rather have a more consistent school schedule, and I think that would benefit students as well and prevent the summer slide and help with mental health. I'd prefer a year round model, although I doubt that would ever happen. Same number of days, but more breaks throughout the year (2-3 weeks every quarter, and then summer can be a month).

Then go find a year round school to work in. Find a workplace that “benefits” you. This isn’t about you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This. We need to start one week earlier
They are already doing that in 26-27 as the first day is two weeks before Labor Day when it has always been one week before Labor Day (or after Labor Day in some years).
NO towards starting another week earlier, I'd prefer they start the week of August 31 (teachers have to come in a week earlier), 2 weeks December-early January, 4 or 5 day weekend for President's Day, 1 week spring break after 3Q, 4 Day weekend late April (coincide with Easter if it is later), end before Juneteenth.

We started August 26th this school year, and start August 25th next school year. Just 1 day difference. It is because of where Labor Day falls. This is not the first year that Labor Day is September 7, it is the first year ever to start earlier than the 1 week mark (last Monday in August). This is due to more holidays. https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/12-09_7386 (2009-10)
https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/Montgomery_2015-16_SchoolCalendar(1) (2015-16)
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/elementary-schools/d-g/drewes/homepage/0332.20ct_2020-21_schoolyearcalendar_amended-10_6.pdf (2020-21)
Those years had school the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas which is very undesirable. Almost everywhere south and west of Maryland has 2 weeks off in December into January and some even are off the full week of Thanksgiving (though they are only separated by 3 weeks).

The Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas just moves the number from 184 to 182 (the transition day further reduced that to 181). It's the addition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and 2 Eid holidays that extended the year a week.
------------------------- The fair law solution due to additional holidays:
School starts as early as the last Monday in August to as late as week of Labor Day and ends BEFORE Juneteenth. Schools still have to schedule 1080 hours (ES/MS), 1170 hours (HS) but can lose up to 30 hours below the minimum before any makeup time is needed. The more hours scheduled above the minimum the less likely that makeup time is needed. If a single bad weather event results in schools being closed THREE (3) or more days, schools can go virtual starting on the 3rd closure day. If schools have been closed FIVE (5) or more days excluding any virtual days, schools can choose to be open on either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a makeup day (but not both). The mandated closure on election day every even year November can also be allowed to be a virtual school day.
-----------------------
How would that work for the current school year?
School was closed for 6 days so either Good Friday or Easter Monday would automatically be allowed to be a school day as a result of reaching the 5 closure threshold.
The first storm closed school for five days. Schools would have been allowed to go virtual for the last 3 days. If that happened there would only be 3 full closures instead of 6.
Schools aren't required to go virtual but it would be a choice which should be influenced by the community. The same goes with a Good Friday or Easter Monday makeup, if the community supports it. If the schools still have 1050 (ES/MS)/1140 (HS) or more hours after full closures, no makeups are required.
------------------------
How would next year's calendar be affected?
Schools would start no earlier than the week of August 31 for students (last Monday of August) and the ending would still be the same time before Juneteenth. The actual number of school days scheduled would be based on how various holidays fall, adequate break time and enough cushion to decrease the chance of more than 1 makeup day while thwarting an extended single storm closure with virtual days. Election day can be replaced with more time off around President's Day (midway between winter and spring breaks) or holding spring break away from Easter (when Easter isn't near the end of 3Q).

This is a solid solution. I'm sorry if I missed something. Did the poster come up with this, or is this solution being considered in the legislature?

Heck no! School should not start any earlier!

+1. We need a longer summer, not shorter!

We certainly don't need it. It isn't good for students to be off that long. The only people who benefit are teachers. That's not intended to be a slight against teachers- they're overworked in their jobs. But longer summers isn't a good way to address that.

I'm a teacher, and I don't think I benefit from summer break. Sure, I could work, but I'd much rather have a more consistent school schedule, and I think that would benefit students as well and prevent the summer slide and help with mental health. I'd prefer a year round model, although I doubt that would ever happen. Same number of days, but more breaks throughout the year (2-3 weeks every quarter, and then summer can be a month).

Then go find a year round school to work in. Find a workplace that “benefits” you. This isn’t about you.

She’s allowed to express her opinion on an anonymous website. -DP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This. We need to start one week earlier
They are already doing that in 26-27 as the first day is two weeks before Labor Day when it has always been one week before Labor Day (or after Labor Day in some years).
NO towards starting another week earlier, I'd prefer they start the week of August 31 (teachers have to come in a week earlier), 2 weeks December-early January, 4 or 5 day weekend for President's Day, 1 week spring break after 3Q, 4 Day weekend late April (coincide with Easter if it is later), end before Juneteenth.

We started August 26th this school year, and start August 25th next school year. Just 1 day difference. It is because of where Labor Day falls. This is not the first year that Labor Day is September 7, it is the first year ever to start earlier than the 1 week mark (last Monday in August). This is due to more holidays. https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/12-09_7386 (2009-10)
https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/Montgomery_2015-16_SchoolCalendar(1) (2015-16)
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/elementary-schools/d-g/drewes/homepage/0332.20ct_2020-21_schoolyearcalendar_amended-10_6.pdf (2020-21)
Those years had school the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas which is very undesirable. Almost everywhere south and west of Maryland has 2 weeks off in December into January and some even are off the full week of Thanksgiving (though they are only separated by 3 weeks).

The Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas just moves the number from 184 to 182 (the transition day further reduced that to 181). It's the addition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and 2 Eid holidays that extended the year a week.
------------------------- The fair law solution due to additional holidays:
School starts as early as the last Monday in August to as late as week of Labor Day and ends BEFORE Juneteenth. Schools still have to schedule 1080 hours (ES/MS), 1170 hours (HS) but can lose up to 30 hours below the minimum before any makeup time is needed. The more hours scheduled above the minimum the less likely that makeup time is needed. If a single bad weather event results in schools being closed THREE (3) or more days, schools can go virtual starting on the 3rd closure day. If schools have been closed FIVE (5) or more days excluding any virtual days, schools can choose to be open on either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a makeup day (but not both). The mandated closure on election day every even year November can also be allowed to be a virtual school day.
-----------------------
How would that work for the current school year?
School was closed for 6 days so either Good Friday or Easter Monday would automatically be allowed to be a school day as a result of reaching the 5 closure threshold.
The first storm closed school for five days. Schools would have been allowed to go virtual for the last 3 days. If that happened there would only be 3 full closures instead of 6.
Schools aren't required to go virtual but it would be a choice which should be influenced by the community. The same goes with a Good Friday or Easter Monday makeup, if the community supports it. If the schools still have 1050 (ES/MS)/1140 (HS) or more hours after full closures, no makeups are required.
------------------------
How would next year's calendar be affected?
Schools would start no earlier than the week of August 31 for students (last Monday of August) and the ending would still be the same time before Juneteenth. The actual number of school days scheduled would be based on how various holidays fall, adequate break time and enough cushion to decrease the chance of more than 1 makeup day while thwarting an extended single storm closure with virtual days. Election day can be replaced with more time off around President's Day (midway between winter and spring breaks) or holding spring break away from Easter (when Easter isn't near the end of 3Q).

This is a solid solution. I'm sorry if I missed something. Did the poster come up with this, or is this solution being considered in the legislature?

Heck no! School should not start any earlier!

+1. We need a longer summer, not shorter!

We certainly don't need it. It isn't good for students to be off that long. The only people who benefit are teachers. That's not intended to be a slight against teachers- they're overworked in their jobs. But longer summers isn't a good way to address that.

I'm a teacher, and I don't think I benefit from summer break. Sure, I could work, but I'd much rather have a more consistent school schedule, and I think that would benefit students as well and prevent the summer slide and help with mental health. I'd prefer a year round model, although I doubt that would ever happen. Same number of days, but more breaks throughout the year (2-3 weeks every quarter, and then summer can be a month).

Or just have more school days and less homework.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone heard any updates on this? We need to figure out our camp plans for that first week of summer if there's no school.

It’s stuck in the Senate right now.

And if that’s what you’re worried about, then got it, school is childcare for you.

Book the camp if you need childcare and send the kid. Nothing substantive will happen during the last week of school.

School does serve as child care during school hours. Don't be obtuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone heard any updates on this? We need to figure out our camp plans for that first week of summer if there's no school.

It’s stuck in the Senate right now.

And if that’s what you’re worried about, then got it, school is childcare for you.

Book the camp if you need childcare and send the kid. Nothing substantive will happen during the last week of school.

School does serve as child care during school hours. Don't be obtuse.

+1
How dare PP dare to have a job, so selfish, sounds like a nasty woman s/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
This. We need to start one week earlier
They are already doing that in 26-27 as the first day is two weeks before Labor Day when it has always been one week before Labor Day (or after Labor Day in some years).
NO towards starting another week earlier, I'd prefer they start the week of August 31 (teachers have to come in a week earlier), 2 weeks December-early January, 4 or 5 day weekend for President's Day, 1 week spring break after 3Q, 4 Day weekend late April (coincide with Easter if it is later), end before Juneteenth.

We started August 26th this school year, and start August 25th next school year. Just 1 day difference. It is because of where Labor Day falls. This is not the first year that Labor Day is September 7, it is the first year ever to start earlier than the 1 week mark (last Monday in August). This is due to more holidays. https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/12-09_7386 (2009-10)
https://teacherquality.nctq.org/dmsView/Montgomery_2015-16_SchoolCalendar(1) (2015-16)
https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/schools/elementary-schools/d-g/drewes/homepage/0332.20ct_2020-21_schoolyearcalendar_amended-10_6.pdf (2020-21)
Those years had school the Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas which is very undesirable. Almost everywhere south and west of Maryland has 2 weeks off in December into January and some even are off the full week of Thanksgiving (though they are only separated by 3 weeks).

The Wednesdays before Thanksgiving and Christmas just moves the number from 184 to 182 (the transition day further reduced that to 181). It's the addition of Diwali, Lunar New Year, and 2 Eid holidays that extended the year a week.
------------------------- The fair law solution due to additional holidays:
School starts as early as the last Monday in August to as late as week of Labor Day and ends BEFORE Juneteenth. Schools still have to schedule 1080 hours (ES/MS), 1170 hours (HS) but can lose up to 30 hours below the minimum before any makeup time is needed. The more hours scheduled above the minimum the less likely that makeup time is needed. If a single bad weather event results in schools being closed THREE (3) or more days, schools can go virtual starting on the 3rd closure day. If schools have been closed FIVE (5) or more days excluding any virtual days, schools can choose to be open on either Good Friday or Easter Monday as a makeup day (but not both). The mandated closure on election day every even year November can also be allowed to be a virtual school day.
-----------------------
How would that work for the current school year?
School was closed for 6 days so either Good Friday or Easter Monday would automatically be allowed to be a school day as a result of reaching the 5 closure threshold.
The first storm closed school for five days. Schools would have been allowed to go virtual for the last 3 days. If that happened there would only be 3 full closures instead of 6.
Schools aren't required to go virtual but it would be a choice which should be influenced by the community. The same goes with a Good Friday or Easter Monday makeup, if the community supports it. If the schools still have 1050 (ES/MS)/1140 (HS) or more hours after full closures, no makeups are required.
------------------------
How would next year's calendar be affected?
Schools would start no earlier than the week of August 31 for students (last Monday of August) and the ending would still be the same time before Juneteenth. The actual number of school days scheduled would be based on how various holidays fall, adequate break time and enough cushion to decrease the chance of more than 1 makeup day while thwarting an extended single storm closure with virtual days. Election day can be replaced with more time off around President's Day (midway between winter and spring breaks) or holding spring break away from Easter (when Easter isn't near the end of 3Q).

This is a solid solution. I'm sorry if I missed something. Did the poster come up with this, or is this solution being considered in the legislature?

Heck no! School should not start any earlier!

+1. We need a longer summer, not shorter!

We certainly don't need it. It isn't good for students to be off that long. The only people who benefit are teachers. That's not intended to be a slight against teachers- they're overworked in their jobs. But longer summers isn't a good way to address that.

I'm a teacher, and I don't think I benefit from summer break. Sure, I could work, but I'd much rather have a more consistent school schedule, and I think that would benefit students as well and prevent the summer slide and help with mental health. I'd prefer a year round model, although I doubt that would ever happen. Same number of days, but more breaks throughout the year (2-3 weeks every quarter, and then summer can be a month).

Then go find a year round school to work in. Find a workplace that “benefits” you. This isn’t about you.

I'll take the bait. So, by your statement, am I to assume you are in 100% agreement with everything that happens at MCPS? Otherwise, you'd be somewhere else, right? I hope you at least see how silly that argument is. Every place has positives and negatives. Our traditional calendar isn't a deal breaker for me, but when we're all talking hypotheticals of what could be better, I'll throw in my 2 cents. And I specifically stated it's my opinion that a year round system serves the students best, so it wasn't about me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
It works fine once you accept that extended summers off are antiquated.

When you mean extended summers, do you mean at least 10 weeks?
If so they are not nearly as rare as you claim but this is becoming more of an issue in the DMV.
First it was just the DC public schools. Their year got a week longer because of many PD days and 2 PTC days in addition to 180 student days.
Then Fairfax joined in with a bunch of non-student workdays but unlike DC these were to close on many religious holidays.
Now Montgomery County is a week longer
Other DMV counties like Loudoun and Prince George's appear to be losing a week of summer too though in PG it's because of the Maryland makeup law. They would have ended June 12 without the makeup requirement.

I didn't say extended summers off are rare. I said they're antiquated. We have air conditioning. We don't need 10+ weeks off for summer.

antiquated means old-fashioned. Old-fashioned things often happen to be rare although old fashioned itself doesn't mean rare.

[Anonymous]

When is this supposed to be decided?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When is this supposed to be decided?

They could just sit on it without taking any actions.

[Anonymous]

It's HB 1084 and was referred to the Senate committee on 2/27

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's HB 1084 and was referred to the Senate committee on 2/27

Yes, we know, but has anyone heard anything from our state senators or anyone else knowledgeable regarding the outlook and timing for this in the Senate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's HB 1084 and was referred to the Senate committee on 2/27

Yes, we know, but has anyone heard anything from our state senators or anyone else knowledgeable regarding the outlook and timing for this in the Senate?

It is not scheduled for a hearing for another two weeks, so will not be resolved anytime soon: https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB1084/2026