MCPS updated calendar is insane

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The union is advocating to the BOE to uset he make-up days, but as you can see from the reinstatement of March 20, it is the community that they listen to, not the union.

The union is also advocating for passage of HB1084 to reduce the number of days in the calendar, because of course the union doesn’t want their teachers to actually work a full year…

If the bill passes, students will still be required to attend school for the annual hourly requirement. The passing of the bill would simply allow the system to meet the requirement in fewer than 180 days if that works better (such as during a year like this). Most states must meet only an hourly or a daily requirement. It's unusual and unnecessary for MD to require that school systems meet both. Anne Arundel already has this legislation approved. If it is approved in MCPS, I would guess the state would soon change the law across the board. Not sure why they didn't just do that when Anne Arundel County submitted the bill. Why would one system be different than others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The union is advocating to the BOE to uset he make-up days, but as you can see from the reinstatement of March 20, it is the community that they listen to, not the union.

The union is also advocating for passage of HB1084 to reduce the number of days in the calendar, because of course the union doesn’t want their teachers to actually work a full year…

If the bill passes, students will still be required to attend school for the annual hourly requirement. The passing of the bill would simply allow the system to meet the requirement in fewer than 180 days if that works better (such as during a year like this). Most states must meet only an hourly or a daily requirement. It's unusual and unnecessary for MD to require that school systems meet both. Anne Arundel already has this legislation approved. If it is approved in MCPS, I would guess the state would soon change the law across the board. Not sure why they didn't just do that when Anne Arundel County submitted the bill. Why would one system be different than others.

Many states require a minimum number of days while also meeting a minimum number of instructional hours. There's a poster going around here spreading false information.

180 day school years are the norm across the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What I'm wondering is why MCPS gave up on the asynchronous learning day concept that was done two years ago. I mean people complained about it for sure, but we thought this was better than tacking an extra day onto the end of the year. Kids got some work that they had like 10 days to complete and it counted as a school day. So no conflict with the teacher contract because it wasn't virtual learning, and students could still take the day off for a religious observance. I'm not suggesting having four of these but why not at least have this option?

Asynchronous days don't count as instructional days. Basically, what MCPS attempted to pass off as a school day two years ago was clearly such a joke that the state changed the law to add a live instruction requirement.

And I completely agree with that law. Neither of my kids' teachers did anything for that day. Not even an acknowledgment that something was supposed to happen. Which, admittedly, kind of made sense because it was always going to be worthless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

It's your union. You pay them dues. Stop pretending they're an independent body that has nothing to do with its members (you.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The union is advocating to the BOE to uset he make-up days, but as you can see from the reinstatement of March 20, it is the community that they listen to, not the union.

The union is also advocating for passage of HB1084 to reduce the number of days in the calendar, because of course the union doesn’t want their teachers to actually work a full year…

If the bill passes, students will still be required to attend school for the annual hourly requirement. The passing of the bill would simply allow the system to meet the requirement in fewer than 180 days if that works better (such as during a year like this). Most states must meet only an hourly or a daily requirement. It's unusual and unnecessary for MD to require that school systems meet both. Anne Arundel already has this legislation approved. If it is approved in MCPS, I would guess the state would soon change the law across the board. Not sure why they didn't just do that when Anne Arundel County submitted the bill. Why would one system be different than others.

Many states require a minimum number of days while also meeting a minimum number of instructional hours. There's a poster going around here spreading false information.

180 day school years are the norm across the country.

Massachusetts schedules 185 to make sure they get to 180 with all their snow days. The school district I grew up in (New York State) schedules 184, and if the snow days didn't materialize, school let out earlier in June (they are listed as potential snow makeup days on the calendar).

My New York friends from childhood laugh at my Maryland stories of how badly snow days are managed in MCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

It's your union. You pay them dues. Stop pretending they're an independent body that has nothing to do with its members (you.)

You sound like you have the critical thinking skills of a 4 year old. Not all teachers pay dues. Just like all democracies, they aren't completely representative of everyone. Imagine how that works. I feel so sorry for you and your kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The union is advocating to the BOE to uset he make-up days, but as you can see from the reinstatement of March 20, it is the community that they listen to, not the union.

The union is also advocating for passage of HB1084 to reduce the number of days in the calendar, because of course the union doesn’t want their teachers to actually work a full year…

If the bill passes, students will still be required to attend school for the annual hourly requirement. The passing of the bill would simply allow the system to meet the requirement in fewer than 180 days if that works better (such as during a year like this). Most states must meet only an hourly or a daily requirement. It's unusual and unnecessary for MD to require that school systems meet both. Anne Arundel already has this legislation approved. If it is approved in MCPS, I would guess the state would soon change the law across the board. Not sure why they didn't just do that when Anne Arundel County submitted the bill. Why would one system be different than others.

Many states require a minimum number of days while also meeting a minimum number of instructional hours. There's a poster going around here spreading false information.

180 day school years are the norm across the country.

Yes...180 is the general norm. Now look at the hours. Some states requiring have 180 days have no hours required. Meaning they could technically go 180 days and only have 4 hours of instruction per day. They'd be in school the same days technically, but not for an equal amount of time. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

It's your union. You pay them dues. Stop pretending they're an independent body that has nothing to do with its members (you.)

If you have an issue, take it up with the BOE yourself. Teachers are busying educating our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The union is advocating to the BOE to uset he make-up days, but as you can see from the reinstatement of March 20, it is the community that they listen to, not the union.

The union is also advocating for passage of HB1084 to reduce the number of days in the calendar, because of course the union doesn’t want their teachers to actually work a full year…

If the bill passes, students will still be required to attend school for the annual hourly requirement. The passing of the bill would simply allow the system to meet the requirement in fewer than 180 days if that works better (such as during a year like this). Most states must meet only an hourly or a daily requirement. It's unusual and unnecessary for MD to require that school systems meet both. Anne Arundel already has this legislation approved. If it is approved in MCPS, I would guess the state would soon change the law across the board. Not sure why they didn't just do that when Anne Arundel County submitted the bill. Why would one system be different than others.

Many states require a minimum number of days while also meeting a minimum number of instructional hours. There's a poster going around here spreading false information.

180 day school years are the norm across the country.

Yes...180 is the general norm. Now look at the hours. Some states requiring have 180 days have no hours required. Meaning they could technically go 180 days and only have 4 hours of instruction per day. They'd be in school the same days technically, but not for an equal amount of time. Hope this helps.

Many of those states also have instructional hour requirements.

Also, most places don't need state law to get local school districts to do more than the bare minimum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

It's your union. You pay them dues. Stop pretending they're an independent body that has nothing to do with its members (you.)

You sound like you have the critical thinking skills of a 4 year old. Not all teachers pay dues. Just like all democracies, they aren't completely representative of everyone. Imagine how that works. I feel so sorry for you and your kids.

If the union doesn't speak for you, then speak for yourself to the BoE and superintendent. Otherwise you're implicitly going along with MCEA.

And if you are a union member, vote for better leaders.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The situation is more complicated than you’re making it seem. The teachers’ union didn’t fight for *April 15th*, specifically; there’s nothing special about that date. Teachers needed more time for planning and grading, so their union fought for a paid, non instructional workday after each quarter. You’re thinking small: we need makeup days, so let’s get rid of April 15th, which isn’t anyone’s holiday. The union has to look at the bigger picture: we fought for this, so if we now say we’re happy to give it up, we’ll be ceding ground and the next time there’s pressure to find more instructional days, we could lose more paid grading and planning time, under the guise that we must not really need it. They can’t give back something they fought for and won because of the precedent it sets — even if, in this very specific circumstance, most of the teachers would rather use April 15th as a makeup day than June 25th.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The situation is more complicated than you’re making it seem. The teachers’ union didn’t fight for *April 15th*, specifically; there’s nothing special about that date. Teachers needed more time for planning and grading, so their union fought for a paid, non instructional workday after each quarter. You’re thinking small: we need makeup days, so let’s get rid of April 15th, which isn’t anyone’s holiday. The union has to look at the bigger picture: we fought for this, so if we now say we’re happy to give it up, we’ll be ceding ground and the next time there’s pressure to find more instructional days, we could lose more paid grading and planning time, under the guise that we must not really need it. They can’t give back something they fought for and won because of the precedent it sets — even if, in this very specific circumstance, most of the teachers would rather use April 15th as a makeup day than June 25th.

There are 3 designated back up days. That is one. The decision was already made when calendar was approved. No idea why this is even a discussion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The situation is more complicated than you’re making it seem. The teachers’ union didn’t fight for *April 15th*, specifically; there’s nothing special about that date. Teachers needed more time for planning and grading, so their union fought for a paid, non instructional workday after each quarter. You’re thinking small: we need makeup days, so let’s get rid of April 15th, which isn’t anyone’s holiday. The union has to look at the bigger picture: we fought for this, so if we now say we’re happy to give it up, we’ll be ceding ground and the next time there’s pressure to find more instructional days, we could lose more paid grading and planning time, under the guise that we must not really need it. They can’t give back something they fought for and won because of the precedent it sets — even if, in this very specific circumstance, most of the teachers would rather use April 15th as a makeup day than June 25th.

They wouldn't be ceding anything they didn't already cede by having MCPS designate April 15 a make-up day on the calendar. If they weren't willing to hold school that day, it shouldn't have been identified as a make-up day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The situation is more complicated than you’re making it seem. The teachers’ union didn’t fight for *April 15th*, specifically; there’s nothing special about that date. Teachers needed more time for planning and grading, so their union fought for a paid, non instructional workday after each quarter. You’re thinking small: we need makeup days, so let’s get rid of April 15th, which isn’t anyone’s holiday. The union has to look at the bigger picture: we fought for this, so if we now say we’re happy to give it up, we’ll be ceding ground and the next time there’s pressure to find more instructional days, we could lose more paid grading and planning time, under the guise that we must not really need it. They can’t give back something they fought for and won because of the precedent it sets — even if, in this very specific circumstance, most of the teachers would rather use April 15th as a makeup day than June 25th.

They wouldn't be ceding anything they didn't already cede by having MCPS designate April 15 a make-up day on the calendar. If they weren't willing to hold school that day, it shouldn't have been identified as a make-up day.

MCPS/the BOE designated it a makeup day (obviously never intending to use it ). The union isn’t going to support using it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher who already booked a vacation for the week of the 22nd. I never take days off, but I’ve put in for a sub and will leave board games and summer reading for my kids.

I wish the MCPS parents who perpetually complain could direct their vitriol at MSDE and the State Superintendent for being so unreasonable about giving waivers for extreme weather conditions.

Nah, it’s your union and MCPS that are completely inflexible. Stop blaming the state for the county’s issues.

The other county’s figured it out. MCPS put zero effort in, refused to use their 3 allocated snow make up days and just wants the state to sign a form for their incompetence.

The union is not asking teachers what they want and decides for them. Stop scapegoating teachers.

You might be right that a majority of teachers would prefer to teach April 15 than June 25, but if so, they should speak out to the BOE that the union is misrepresenting them. Not just for this year but in advocating for a more rational calendar going forward.

The situation is more complicated than you’re making it seem. The teachers’ union didn’t fight for *April 15th*, specifically; there’s nothing special about that date. Teachers needed more time for planning and grading, so their union fought for a paid, non instructional workday after each quarter. You’re thinking small: we need makeup days, so let’s get rid of April 15th, which isn’t anyone’s holiday. The union has to look at the bigger picture: we fought for this, so if we now say we’re happy to give it up, we’ll be ceding ground and the next time there’s pressure to find more instructional days, we could lose more paid grading and planning time, under the guise that we must not really need it. They can’t give back something they fought for and won because of the precedent it sets — even if, in this very specific circumstance, most of the teachers would rather use April 15th as a makeup day than June 25th.

They wouldn't be ceding anything they didn't already cede by having MCPS designate April 15 a make-up day on the calendar. If they weren't willing to hold school that day, it shouldn't have been identified as a make-up day.

Exactly! And it could be a 1/2 day, and you could even make the 14th a 1/2 day too. I don’t see how it’s in the best interest of teachers for the union to be inflexible on this.