CALENDAR: O days and new material

[Anonymous]

Whose kids are already running into problems with teachers giving tests or introducing new material on O days? Rosh Hashanah is next week, marked as a religious observance (O) day.

[Anonymous]

Is the problem that the teacher is giving a test on the O day, or that the teacher isn't giving a test on the O day?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the problem that the teacher is giving a test on the O day, or that the teacher isn't giving a test on the O day?

OP clearly stated the problem is with teacher giving tests or introducing new material on O days. Can you not read??

[Anonymous]

OP, so far we haven’t been given any notice of upcoming tests anyway. ES parent here.

[Anonymous]

Tell the teacher and the principal. It’s a new thing and they might need a reminder.

[Anonymous]

pretty sure that teachers are not required to refrain from teaching those days. So they can teach new material.

They just can't give tests.
https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-school-board-adopts-calendar-designed-recognize-respect-and-honor-plurality

"Under two updated regulations, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events cannot be scheduled on any of the 15 religious and cultural observances. Tests and quizzes will be given prior to any of the 15 days, so that students will not be expected to study on these days."

[Anonymous]

OP, have you started with reminding the teacher it's an O day? It's a brand new thing so not surprised it may take a bit to sink in. I would only escalate to teh principal if the teacher blows it off after you send the reminder.

[Anonymous]

O days ares so stupid.

There are thousands of religions. Why do they only honor a few of them?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:pretty sure that teachers are not required to refrain from teaching those days. So they can teach new material.

They just can't give tests.
https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-school-board-adopts-calendar-designed-recognize-respect-and-honor-plurality

"Under two updated regulations, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events cannot be scheduled on any of the 15 religious and cultural observances. Tests and quizzes will be given prior to any of the 15 days, so that students will not be expected to study on these days."

+1 they're allowed to teach new material.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:O days ares so stupid.

There are thousands of religions. Why do they only honor a few of them?

Did you sleep through last year? Because 3 religions were pushing hard to get off for their biggest holidays despite the fact that only a very small slice of the school kids or teachers are out those days. It became clear there was no secular reason for giving school off those days and so FCPS lawyers kiboshed granting days off specifically for religious reasons (vs. operational logistics problems). O days are a compromise and aim to more neutrally include ALL days that see a spike in students being out (although all spikes are very small) not just a few "squeaky" ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pretty sure that teachers are not required to refrain from teaching those days. So they can teach new material.

They just can't give tests.
https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-school-board-adopts-calendar-designed-recognize-respect-and-honor-plurality

"Under two updated regulations, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events cannot be scheduled on any of the 15 religious and cultural observances. Tests and quizzes will be given prior to any of the 15 days, so that students will not be expected to study on these days."

+1 they're allowed to teach new material.

Nope. We have gotten dozens of emails reminding us repeatedly not to introduce new content on those days. The following is attached to every calendar notification they sent out for every holiday.

For Religious and Cultural Observances in the Classroom

Religious and cultural observances are designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Regulation 2234 specifies these days. The regulation states that teachers shall create ungraded lessons or activities on the observance day that:
a. reinforce previously acquired material
b. engage students in meaningful learning
c. are not the sole opportunity to engage in lessons or activities on that day

When creating school schedules, teachers shall not schedule the following activities on the observance day:
a. New graded assignments or activities
b. Tests, quizzes or other assessments
c. Field trips, school pictures, guest speakers or assemblies

The regulation also states that on the class period following the observance day, teachers and school staff may schedule new graded assignments or activities that have been announced at least one week prior to that day. No other new graded assignments or activities should be due on those days.
When considering the lessons to be presented on observance days, to create an identifying space / to value these days, ask yourself these guiding questions:
● On the observance day, am I planning for the class to work on a concept that will help move a student forward in the class / curriculum? If so, please offer this lesson on another day.
● Am I offering another opportunity for the students to gather this information? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Will the student be at a disadvantage by missing class? If so, please offer this lesson on another day.
● Can a student make up the work / activity without an undue burden? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Am I making this a meaningful day for students? Please consider that these days should continue to be of value to the students attending
school that day.
● Does my lesson plan for the day continue to value and respect the diverse needs of students and staff who are out of school due to this observance? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Since our expectation is that this regular school day is treated with a serious, strategic focus on student learning, am I ensuring this is not viewed as a “free” day especially when there is academic work that can be done? Please consider that these days should continue to be of value to the students attending school that day.
Frequently Asked Questions

May I ask my students if they will be celebrating one of the observance days?
No. Teachers shall not survey classes at any time to determine how students identify religiously.

How do I define “new material?”
New material is defined as material/content that has not previously been introduced in class.

How do I define the term “day following?”
In secondary schools with an Odd/Even calendar, the “day following” is considered the next odd or even day. For example, if the observance is on an Odd day, the “day following” is the next Odd day.

How do I define “one week?”
One week = 7 days, includes weekends and holidays

What does “auditions or try outs that cannot be rescheduled” look like?
There must be another scheduled option if the try out or audition is held on the day of the observance. Staff should offer multiple days for these events; the onus should not be on the student to reschedule the audition or try out.

Can classes be recorded and posted for review on Observance days?
Classes may be recorded and posted, but please keep these points in mind:
● Recordings do not take the place of quality in-person instruction
● New material should not be introduced on the observance day without offering an additional in-school opportunity to learn it
● Students out for the observance cannot be required to review a video of the class and submit a reflection or other assignment from the video
● Remember, while any class can be recorded and posted at any time, we cannot expect students who miss a class for an observance to use the recording as the make-up lesson or work

What things can teachers do on observance days?
Teachers can:
● Review or revisit content. Teachers should not conduct a full group review, especially prior to an assessment. This creates a missed instructional opportunity for a student. Teachers may allow students to work on a study guide that was provided in advance of the observance day.
● Conduct Math or Reading Workshops
● Share the FCPS provided information around the observance
● Provide time for students to work on long-term projects
● Allow students to practice concepts already taught
● Allow students to work on an activity that isn't due the next day
● Provide extension/enrichment work
● Allow students to complete missing assignments
● Allow students to retake quizzes
● Allow students to finish essays
● Allow students to re-read course material
● Allow students to complete enrichment activities
● Extend science lab time
● Tutor students
● Provide a student catch up day for individual student work
● Allow students to practice previously taught material
● Long term projects / assignments can be due the following class period as long as they were given one week prior

Can classrooms where the holiday is not celebrated give tests or present new material?
No. Remember that teachers shall not survey classes at any time to determine how students identify religiously. The purpose of the religious and cultural observances is to acknowledge beyond traditional holidays and honor those who celebrate.

Can teachers have a guest speaker that covers content not being assessed?
No. Language in the regulation prohibits this.

May teachers give an assessment or have a project due the day after Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break or Spring Break?
No. FCPS continues to expect schools to respect the time with families over these breaks for staff and
students.

Can I have students give presentations if they will span more than one class period?
Yes, provided these presentations do not provide not new material on which students will be assessed.

Can I offer retake opportunities?
Yes, as long as that day is not the only retake opportunity

Can SEL lessons be done on observance days?
No. No new material presented on these days.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pretty sure that teachers are not required to refrain from teaching those days. So they can teach new material.

They just can't give tests.
https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-school-board-adopts-calendar-designed-recognize-respect-and-honor-plurality

"Under two updated regulations, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events cannot be scheduled on any of the 15 religious and cultural observances. Tests and quizzes will be given prior to any of the 15 days, so that students will not be expected to study on these days."

+1 they're allowed to teach new material.

Nope. We have gotten dozens of emails reminding us repeatedly not to introduce new content on those days. The following is attached to every calendar notification they sent out for every holiday.

For Religious and Cultural Observances in the Classroom

Religious and cultural observances are designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Regulation 2234 specifies these days. The regulation states that teachers shall create ungraded lessons or activities on the observance day that:
a. reinforce previously acquired material
b. engage students in meaningful learning
c. are not the sole opportunity to engage in lessons or activities on that day

When creating school schedules, teachers shall not schedule the following activities on the observance day:
a. New graded assignments or activities
b. Tests, quizzes or other assessments
c. Field trips, school pictures, guest speakers or assemblies

The regulation also states that on the class period following the observance day, teachers and school staff may schedule new graded assignments or activities that have been announced at least one week prior to that day. No other new graded assignments or activities should be due on those days.
When considering the lessons to be presented on observance days, to create an identifying space / to value these days, ask yourself these guiding questions:
● On the observance day, am I planning for the class to work on a concept that will help move a student forward in the class / curriculum? If so, please offer this lesson on another day.
● Am I offering another opportunity for the students to gather this information? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Will the student be at a disadvantage by missing class? If so, please offer this lesson on another day.
● Can a student make up the work / activity without an undue burden? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Am I making this a meaningful day for students? Please consider that these days should continue to be of value to the students attending
school that day.
● Does my lesson plan for the day continue to value and respect the diverse needs of students and staff who are out of school due to this observance? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Since our expectation is that this regular school day is treated with a serious, strategic focus on student learning, am I ensuring this is not viewed as a “free” day especially when there is academic work that can be done? Please consider that these days should continue to be of value to the students attending school that day.
Frequently Asked Questions

May I ask my students if they will be celebrating one of the observance days?
No. Teachers shall not survey classes at any time to determine how students identify religiously.

How do I define “new material?”
New material is defined as material/content that has not previously been introduced in class.

How do I define the term “day following?”
In secondary schools with an Odd/Even calendar, the “day following” is considered the next odd or even day. For example, if the observance is on an Odd day, the “day following” is the next Odd day.

How do I define “one week?”
One week = 7 days, includes weekends and holidays

What does “auditions or try outs that cannot be rescheduled” look like?
There must be another scheduled option if the try out or audition is held on the day of the observance. Staff should offer multiple days for these events; the onus should not be on the student to reschedule the audition or try out.

Can classes be recorded and posted for review on Observance days?
Classes may be recorded and posted, but please keep these points in mind:
● Recordings do not take the place of quality in-person instruction
● New material should not be introduced on the observance day without offering an additional in-school opportunity to learn it
● Students out for the observance cannot be required to review a video of the class and submit a reflection or other assignment from the video
● Remember, while any class can be recorded and posted at any time, we cannot expect students who miss a class for an observance to use the recording as the make-up lesson or work

What things can teachers do on observance days?
Teachers can:
● Review or revisit content. Teachers should not conduct a full group review, especially prior to an assessment. This creates a missed instructional opportunity for a student. Teachers may allow students to work on a study guide that was provided in advance of the observance day.
● Conduct Math or Reading Workshops
● Share the FCPS provided information around the observance
● Provide time for students to work on long-term projects
● Allow students to practice concepts already taught
● Allow students to work on an activity that isn't due the next day
● Provide extension/enrichment work
● Allow students to complete missing assignments
● Allow students to retake quizzes
● Allow students to finish essays
● Allow students to re-read course material
● Allow students to complete enrichment activities
● Extend science lab time
● Tutor students
● Provide a student catch up day for individual student work
● Allow students to practice previously taught material
● Long term projects / assignments can be due the following class period as long as they were given one week prior

Can classrooms where the holiday is not celebrated give tests or present new material?
No. Remember that teachers shall not survey classes at any time to determine how students identify religiously. The purpose of the religious and cultural observances is to acknowledge beyond traditional holidays and honor those who celebrate.

Can teachers have a guest speaker that covers content not being assessed?
No. Language in the regulation prohibits this.

May teachers give an assessment or have a project due the day after Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break or Spring Break?
No. FCPS continues to expect schools to respect the time with families over these breaks for staff and
students.

Can I have students give presentations if they will span more than one class period?
Yes, provided these presentations do not provide not new material on which students will be assessed.

Can I offer retake opportunities?
Yes, as long as that day is not the only retake opportunity

Can SEL lessons be done on observance days?
No. No new material presented on these days.

Wow, that’s a whole lot of restrictions for teachers. Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pretty sure that teachers are not required to refrain from teaching those days. So they can teach new material.

They just can't give tests.
https://www.fcps.edu/news/fairfax-county-school-board-adopts-calendar-designed-recognize-respect-and-honor-plurality

"Under two updated regulations, tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events cannot be scheduled on any of the 15 religious and cultural observances. Tests and quizzes will be given prior to any of the 15 days, so that students will not be expected to study on these days."

+1 they're allowed to teach new material.

Nope. We have gotten dozens of emails reminding us repeatedly not to introduce new content on those days. The following is attached to every calendar notification they sent out for every holiday.

For Religious and Cultural Observances in the Classroom

Religious and cultural observances are designed to allow students the opportunity to miss school for observances not already designated as school holidays. Regulation 2234 specifies these days. The regulation states that teachers shall create ungraded lessons or activities on the observance day that:
a. reinforce previously acquired material
b. engage students in meaningful learning
c. are not the sole opportunity to engage in lessons or activities on that day

When creating school schedules, teachers shall not schedule the following activities on the observance day:
a. New graded assignments or activities
b. Tests, quizzes or other assessments
c. Field trips, school pictures, guest speakers or assemblies

The regulation also states that on the class period following the observance day, teachers and school staff may schedule new graded assignments or activities that have been announced at least one week prior to that day. No other new graded assignments or activities should be due on those days.
When considering the lessons to be presented on observance days, to create an identifying space / to value these days, ask yourself these guiding questions:
● On the observance day, am I planning for the class to work on a concept that will help move a student forward in the class / curriculum? If so, please offer this lesson on another day.
● Am I offering another opportunity for the students to gather this information? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Will the student be at a disadvantage by missing class? If so, please offer this lesson on another day.
● Can a student make up the work / activity without an undue burden? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Am I making this a meaningful day for students? Please consider that these days should continue to be of value to the students attending
school that day.
● Does my lesson plan for the day continue to value and respect the diverse needs of students and staff who are out of school due to this observance? If so, this is an appropriate activity.
● Since our expectation is that this regular school day is treated with a serious, strategic focus on student learning, am I ensuring this is not viewed as a “free” day especially when there is academic work that can be done? Please consider that these days should continue to be of value to the students attending school that day.
Frequently Asked Questions

May I ask my students if they will be celebrating one of the observance days?
No. Teachers shall not survey classes at any time to determine how students identify religiously.

How do I define “new material?”
New material is defined as material/content that has not previously been introduced in class.

How do I define the term “day following?”
In secondary schools with an Odd/Even calendar, the “day following” is considered the next odd or even day. For example, if the observance is on an Odd day, the “day following” is the next Odd day.

How do I define “one week?”
One week = 7 days, includes weekends and holidays

What does “auditions or try outs that cannot be rescheduled” look like?
There must be another scheduled option if the try out or audition is held on the day of the observance. Staff should offer multiple days for these events; the onus should not be on the student to reschedule the audition or try out.

Can classes be recorded and posted for review on Observance days?
Classes may be recorded and posted, but please keep these points in mind:
● Recordings do not take the place of quality in-person instruction
● New material should not be introduced on the observance day without offering an additional in-school opportunity to learn it
● Students out for the observance cannot be required to review a video of the class and submit a reflection or other assignment from the video
● Remember, while any class can be recorded and posted at any time, we cannot expect students who miss a class for an observance to use the recording as the make-up lesson or work

What things can teachers do on observance days?
Teachers can:
● Review or revisit content. Teachers should not conduct a full group review, especially prior to an assessment. This creates a missed instructional opportunity for a student. Teachers may allow students to work on a study guide that was provided in advance of the observance day.
● Conduct Math or Reading Workshops
● Share the FCPS provided information around the observance
● Provide time for students to work on long-term projects
● Allow students to practice concepts already taught
● Allow students to work on an activity that isn't due the next day
● Provide extension/enrichment work
● Allow students to complete missing assignments
● Allow students to retake quizzes
● Allow students to finish essays
● Allow students to re-read course material
● Allow students to complete enrichment activities
● Extend science lab time
● Tutor students
● Provide a student catch up day for individual student work
● Allow students to practice previously taught material
● Long term projects / assignments can be due the following class period as long as they were given one week prior

Can classrooms where the holiday is not celebrated give tests or present new material?
No. Remember that teachers shall not survey classes at any time to determine how students identify religiously. The purpose of the religious and cultural observances is to acknowledge beyond traditional holidays and honor those who celebrate.

Can teachers have a guest speaker that covers content not being assessed?
No. Language in the regulation prohibits this.

May teachers give an assessment or have a project due the day after Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break or Spring Break?
No. FCPS continues to expect schools to respect the time with families over these breaks for staff and
students.

Can I have students give presentations if they will span more than one class period?
Yes, provided these presentations do not provide not new material on which students will be assessed.

Can I offer retake opportunities?
Yes, as long as that day is not the only retake opportunity

Can SEL lessons be done on observance days?
No. No new material presented on these days.

Sounds like you can introduce new content. You just can’t have it be the main or sole time that you do that content. Obviously, it would be crappy teaching to just address a concept or skill one time anyway. However, it sounds like you could do a fun activity that allows students to explore a new concept on an O day and then the next day, do a more rigorous activity that is the main lesson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like you can introduce new content. You just can’t have it be the main or sole time that you do that content. Obviously, it would be crappy teaching to just address a concept or skill one time anyway. However, it sounds like you could do a fun activity that allows students to explore a new concept on an O day and then the next day, do a more rigorous activity that is the main lesson.

lol, clearly you haven't taught a high school math class. We have so many standards that it is literally a new topic every single day of the year or we don't get to it all. Most days I'm covering 2-3 standards. We review them throughout the year on warm ups and activities and every unit has a review day, but it is explicitly taught once. Our CTs have already gone through the pacing guides and AP documentation to figure out what we can cut out this year without doing too much damage, because we can't get to it all.

[Anonymous]

The list of what you "can" do makes it sound like those "catch up days" from last year. How long until the kids realize those are stupid days and just don't come to school?