It looks like my kid's teacher will not let him have a spring break after all

[Anonymous]

OP, are you certain this was all JUST assigned? Perhaps your kid procrastinated? Regardless, have him set a plan and get to work.

He can still have a break if he sets time aside every morning, there is no need to spend 8 hours a day on these tasks.

[Anonymous]

My kid's in LCPS both have either a large paper or large project due upon returning from break, but they were both assigned ages ago (one at the beginning of the year), not last minute. The term ends today, essentially, so I'm not expecting either to have regular HW over spring break. Although, one kid does have AP test studying to keep up with.

I'd find out if these assignments really were assigned last minute or if he's known about them and put them off.

I remember when I was a kid and teachers would load us up with work before break. I went to FCPS and LCPS growing up and both did the same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My junior kid has been working very hard this school year and have mostly A's. So far, two of his classes load him with busy work and projects - he has to read two hundred pages for one class, 160 for another, a paper due the day they return from spring break and one after. Plus he needs to study for AP subject test. He doesn't know yet if he'll get work from math and physics. He is pissed and extremely stressed by this last minute surprise. Now he is not looking forward to spring break after all. Anyone else's stressed out for their kid?

Reading 360 pages in 10.5 days is pretty easy, no?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, are you certain this was all JUST assigned? Perhaps your kid procrastinated? Regardless, have him set a plan and get to work.

He can still have a break if he sets time aside every morning, there is no need to spend 8 hours a day on these tasks.

My junior in APS says no way this was just assigned; he's put off all his reading for the quarter.

[Anonymous]

As a parent I can see how this might be stressful, but as someone who grew up with primary education in another country, this doesn't seem all that bad. Breaks weren't really something we enjoyed...always a workbook or sheets to turn in after any break. Schools were 6 days out of 7. Sounds like he's also in AP classes...so guess he's signed up for all this extra work?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rule in fairfax is no assigments over break.

I've heard that before. I teach for FCPS and if that's a rule not all teachers adhere to it.

Our FCPS HS adheres to it. It seems comes out in an email from the Principal before every break.

Is this a county-wide policy or decided school by school?

School by school. Our principal sends out an email, but it is not a rule for the county.

Your post and the PP conflict.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a parent I can see how this might be stressful, but as someone who grew up with primary education in another country, this doesn't seem all that bad. Breaks weren't really something we enjoyed...always a workbook or sheets to turn in after any break. Schools were 6 days out of 7. Sounds like he's also in AP classes...so guess he's signed up for all this extra work?

OP here. Yes, it is from his AP classes. He still expected to have time to relax during the break. He's had homework every single weekend since the start of the school year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rule in fairfax is no assigments over break.

I've heard that before. I teach for FCPS and if that's a rule not all teachers adhere to it.

Our FCPS HS adheres to it. It seems comes out in an email from the Principal before every break.

Is this a county-wide policy or decided school by school?

School by school. Our principal sends out an email, but it is not a rule for the county.

Your post and the PP conflict.

The superintendent sent out MULTIPLE emails before winter break stating it is county policy not to give assignments over extended school breaks, or to test students the first two days back from break. I am trying to find them to quote, but I seem to have deleted them. This was reiterated by our principal several times. If this is really the case of assignments being given the day before break, due the day back (and not just break as an extra week to complete it), then your son should contact the principal and ask for clarification of the policy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a parent I can see how this might be stressful, but as someone who grew up with primary education in another country, this doesn't seem all that bad. Breaks weren't really something we enjoyed...always a workbook or sheets to turn in after any break. Schools were 6 days out of 7. Sounds like he's also in AP classes...so guess he's signed up for all this extra work?

OP here. Yes, it is from his AP classes. He still expected to have time to relax during the break. He's had homework every single weekend since the start of the school year.

Oh the horror

Was this truly not something he expected when he chose advanced classes? For that matter, why is homework every weekend a big deal even for standard level classes?

[Anonymous]

If this was K or 1st, I'd have some sympathy. For a HS Jr with AP classes, he should stop whining and get to work. 30 pages reading a day plus a paper is not something to complain about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If this was K or 1st, I'd have some sympathy. For a HS Jr with AP classes, he should stop whining and get to work. 30 pages reading a day plus a paper is not something to complain about.

I think it was 30 pages per day, two papers, plus studying for AP subject test. I have sympathy even for a high school junior who chose to take AP classes. The academic pressure is high these days. If he was planning to study for the AP subject matter test and then having some down time, I can see how he would feel stressed when 30 pages per day of reading plus two papers got added to the mix. These are kids. I would also feel sorry for a college kid studying for a test who, right before spring break, is told they also need to do two papers and read 30 pages per day. I know if right before a vacation I had a major work assignment added that needed to be done by the time I got back, I'd do it because it's my job, but I can't say I wouldn't be disappointed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Schedule 1 hour a day with him to sit and work together and work through it. In all seriousness, I would sit both of you at the table and write on a piece of paper - for the next 25 minutes I am going to ..... set the timer and be done. Take a 10 minute break, write task at hand, do another 25 minutes.

For a junior in high school??

I can't believe people do this. Even middle school seems old for these types of strategies....

[Anonymous]

To other parents, please read everything OP posted and if you feel similarly do not encourage your children to sign up for AP classes. They are not mandatory and are Advanced Placement possibly resulting in college credit for a reason.

[Anonymous]

Is it a test for an AP class, or just the test in May? If it's the master test, studying for it is his option, not a requirement over the break. If he's been doing his coursework and understanding the material he shouldn't need to be "studying" every day. I don't recall "studying" for them except for some practice tests to understand the formats.

If he put off his other work, even if for legitimate reasons, well, ow he has to do it. He should get up in the morning, spend a couple of hours doing all,the diffeeent things, and then he's done for the day and can go do whatever,

[Anonymous]

That does seem unfair; however, sounds like a good time to learn a life lesson. Life sometimes is unfair and we have to figure out a way to make the most of it. I like the idea of coming up with a studying plan that will allow for some play time as well. I agree with the others that I would find out if the was "just assigned" work or something that has been put off ...another good lesson to be learned if it's the latter. These things have a way of working out, even if it at first they seem like a burden. Hang in there!