While it is a pain in the neck for parents, I think it's important that ongoing professional learning time be provided during the school year. It allows teachers opportunities to immediately apply what they have learned. It communicates high expectations for teachers knowledge of best practices. Schools are able to coordinate learning among a whole staff and make certain practices standardized across the school. Structured learning for staff is a good thing for kids.

My daughter will be attending PreK at Ross Elementary this fall, and I was hoping to connect with some other families before school starts. Might make the first day a little less daunting if she knew someone. Anyone else out there interested in meeting at a playground some time this August?