Earlier start date proposed for MCPS

[Anonymous]

This is so much better!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they really listened to community concerns that this wasn't enough lead time to make these changes but we should expect an earlier start date the following year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like they really listened to community concerns that this wasn't enough lead time to make these changes but we should expect an earlier start date the following year.

The 2017-18 tentative calendar that was put forth at the 11/10 meeting did have the first day of school 2 weeks prior to Labor Day. MCPS said they wished to have an additional school year to implement for facilities (mainly) and not have back-to-back years of major systemwide change (i.e., bell times this year and earlier than usual start date next year).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like they really listened to community concerns that this wasn't enough lead time to make these changes but we should expect an earlier start date the following year.

The 2017-18 tentative calendar that was put forth at the 11/10 meeting did have the first day of school 2 weeks prior to Labor Day. MCPS said they wished to have an additional school year to implement for facilities (mainly) and not have back-to-back years of major systemwide change (i.e., bell times this year and earlier than usual start date next year).

That seems like reasonable notice. Changing for this coming year was not.

[Anonymous]

That's an excellent solution. And I really appreciate the effort to follow through with accommodating Muslim students who want to celebrate Eid with family and friends on 9/12. I hope Muslim teachers are given flexibility on 9/12.

[Anonymous]

Why is it an early start for next year? I never read a reason as to why we are starting 2 weeks early in 2017-2018

[Anonymous]

Yes, agreed reasonable notice for 2017-2018.

Major thanks to OP. I feel like OP got this issue resolved through his/her publication. I would not have known otherwise.

[Anonymous]

If professional leave is granted...won;t lots of teachers take it? Will there be enough subs? Seems like a very low learning day to me!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, agreed reasonable notice for 2017-2018.

Major thanks to OP. I feel like OP got this issue resolved through his/her publication. I would not have known otherwise.

This OP. Thanks! I'm very pleased with the outcome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If professional leave is granted...won;t lots of teachers take it? Will there be enough subs? Seems like a very low learning day to me!

Do you mean on 10/21?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If professional leave is granted...won;t lots of teachers take it? Will there be enough subs? Seems like a very low learning day to me!

Teacher here, though not for MCPS. I can tell you from experience that it is usually much easier to come into school than to prepare plans for subs. Most teachers would rather not be out, unless there is a very good reason.

[Anonymous]

Bowers' first draft was a good calendar, and it is mostly back in this draft. Hooray!

As for the earlier start if school in 2017, won't that be dependent on the new Superintendent slated to start July 1? Does an extra week prior to AP exams make much of a difference? There are still states that start after Labor Day, and I don't hear major complaints about AP exams.

But, yes, we are all on notice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If professional leave is granted...won;t lots of teachers take it? Will there be enough subs? Seems like a very low learning day to me!

Teacher here, though not for MCPS. I can tell you from experience that it is usually much easier to come into school than to prepare plans for subs. Most teachers would rather not be out, unless there is a very good reason.

I hope you are right!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is it an early start for next year? I never read a reason as to why we are starting 2 weeks early in 2017-2018

High school students need more time earlier in the year to prepare for AP exams that are given in May. Very little learning goes on in a lot of high school classes once AP exams are over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If professional leave is granted...won;t lots of teachers take it? Will there be enough subs? Seems like a very low learning day to me!

Allegedly few teachers attend the conference.