Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So you remove Federal Holidays, which are about the same in number as the religious holidays. Fixed.

And you uncouple Spring Break from Easter as a bonus, providing an annual date for Spring Break that doesn't move.

People can complain all they want that Christmas falls in Winter Break but it is a federal holiday and has been a time period for travel across the country for forever. Schools would be shut due to lack of attendance and teachers and staff if it wasn't off. There are no other holidays were that would be the case.

There are 11 federal holidays:

- Independence Day and Juneteenth fall outside of the school year.
- Labor Day (plus the Friday) is mandated by VA law.
- Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years are untouchable, and I'd argue Memorial Day also.
- Columbus is already used as a teacher workday.
- So, only MLK, Presidents, and Veterans Days are viable school days.

Of the surrounding districts (Arl, Falls Church City, Prince William, Loudoun), the only one that has school on any of those three days is Loudoun for Veterans Day.

Thanksgiving doesn’t require 3 days. Make the Weds or the Fri a teacher work day. Friday after Thanksgiving a teacher work day? ARE YOU INSANE? The Wednesday could be but teachers would like to be able to travel too.

Christmas does not require two weeks. Make 23rd a teacher work/training day. Christmas doesn't require 2 weeks but much of the world does it that way so those places with shorter breaks have many people skipping the week before Christmas if the break starts late or the week of New Year's if Christmas is Monday or Tuesday.

Memorial Day does not require three days. Make one a work day. This is a 1 off, next year the Eid holidays are both 10 days earlier and Memorial Day is later so the 2nd Eid is 2 weeks before Memorial Day instead of 2 days after.

Teacher should be allowed to work remotely on their workdays and training should be available online.

There, got rid of three days off and didn’t upset anybody/disenfranchise any religion.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If we want to remove religious holidays, it needs to be all. It isn’t right to leave in Christian holidays but then view Muslim holidays as expendable. A new calendar system where only federal holidays are honored and no religious holidays are included at all would work, but it would require people who are very used to having Christian holidays honored to accept the change. No two week winter break. Christmas Eve in school, only Christmas Day off for the federal holidays and back on 12/26. Spring break untied from Easter.

There are no Christian holidays on the FCPS calendar (except for the ridiculous Orthodox ones they added).

Christmas is at the center of the Winter Break and Spring Break is tied to Easter. FCPS tried to uncouple Spring Break from Easter but the Teachers who live in other counties threw a hissy fit because their counties kept Spring Break tied to Easter. Instead of the entire region realizing there was a problem with tying Spring Break to easter, FCPS caved. It was around that time that we got all of the other religious holidays added to the calendar and the current awful mess we have.

Winter Break has nothing to do with Christmas, which is only one day and a Federal holiday anyway.

Yes, FCPS tried to show woke they were by decoupling Spring Break from Easter and failed horribly. But Easter is always on a Sunday and is not a school holiday.

The point is, people can scream and cry about Christian holidays, but they have no impact to the calendar.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

Do you teach reading? I am expected to find a pay for childcare on snow days. Even if asked to telework most teachers won’t have to pay for childcare which is why they’re not losing in this scenario.

Seriously? I'm not a teacher, but I could not have driven kids anywhere for childcare during the ice mess.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

No one asks you to. Your administration plans training— they put it online, state requirements met. What are you “losing” by being asked to work?
What are your students gaining by having class?

We can’t have a conversation as you don’t understand the work of a teacher. And I’m not saying that to be rude. You simply don’t. Trainings are such a small, tiny, minuscule part of what we do. Particularly ones that can be put online.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

No one asks you to. Your administration plans training— they put it online, state requirements met. What are you “losing” by being asked to work?
What are your students gaining by having class?

We can’t have a conversation as you don’t understand the work of a teacher. And I’m not saying that to be rude. You simply don’t. Trainings are such a small, tiny, minuscule part of what we do. Particularly ones that can be put online.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

Do you teach reading? I am expected to find a pay for childcare on snow days. Even if asked to telework most teachers won’t have to pay for childcare which is why they’re not losing in this scenario.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

No one asks you to. Your administration plans training— they put it online, state requirements met. What are you “losing” by being asked to work?
What are your students gaining by having class?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

I’m the teacher you started attacking. This is the first time I’ve posted since my initial posts re: monitoring.

I suppose you need another adult to tell you when to work. I don’t. I will work my contracted hours, my weekends, and (yes) on snow days without someone else telling me to. I don’t know why that bothers you so much. Are you micromanaged at your job? Do you want me to suffer with you?

And you’re not alone. Guess what? I ALSO pay for someone to watch my children on teacher work days. You are aware teachers are also parents, aren’t you?

And I appreciate that “no one loses” to you in the scenario above. I guess it would take a teacher to see how teachers lose. I can’t schedule my extra work around random, unexpected snow days. I’m sure you’re about to tell me how I can, though.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

No I’m one of these poor victims who is “monitored” by my workplace and expected to find and pay for childcare on snow days.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

You are not a teacher, are you?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

It’s actually very simple. Move to 1.5 hours of each early release that is “admin directed” to virtual. Move the training to virtual. Then when there is a snow day, teachers do the training online. The next early release/TWD is cancelled. No change to contract days. Literally no one loses in this scenario and it costs Fairfax not one penny.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The snow days should be virtual days at this point. A week without school over a snowstorm is ridiculous in 2026

We would have been absent. Virtual school is a waste of time unless you are enrolled in a dedicated virtual program that is established for that type of learning. The COVID year was a complete waste, and my kid attended every day. The math was so bad that we started RSM and found competition math. DS loved it and still participates in math competitions but he was learning nothing in math during COVID.

I agree virtual school is a waste. Teachers should telework on snow days like other professionals and subsequent teacher workdays/early release days cancelled.

Teachers already work on snow days. I’m a professional. I work until the work is done, which often means every day of the week.

Are you saying that it should simply be somehow tracked? Micromanaged?

So what you’re really saying is that teacher work time shouldn’t be reflected in the calendar. Parents shouldn’t have to find childcare so teachers can get behind-the-scenes work done.

Fine. I actually agree. But until we teach fewer classes or have fewer duties, I’m not sure what the solution is. Simply put: teachers do need time to get work done. That’s just fact. And random snow days isn’t enough.

In the rest of the white-collar professional world, on days of inclement weather, employees, bring home laptops, and participate in meetings, trainings, calls, etc. It’s not “tracking” or “micromanagement” when Deloitte does it, why is it such an imposition for teachers?

As I wrote, I am working on snow days. I am also bringing home my laptop, participating in team meetings, etc. I don’t need an administrator to TELL me to work. I don’t need an administrator to TELL me to contact my team and schedule a meeting because we have the gift of time that day. I’m already on it.

My comment regarding micromanaging is related to the suggestion above that teachers should be ***told*** to work on these days. Oh, we are. I don’t need an administrator checking in on me.

Why if an administrator tells you to is that wrong, but if the CEO or team lead at a normal company tells their employees that they’ll be meeting virtually tomorrow because of the snow that’s fine? Yes, sometimes people need to be told to work. Public employees on contract days should be expected to work, yes, but that expectation could be reflected in the result in school calendar.

I don’t know why you feel the need to pick a fight. This isn’t a big deal unless you decide to make it one. Just don’t assume I’m lazily basking in the glory of a snow day and I’ll be fine.

I mean— thats exactly the impression you’re giving. No one can MAKE me work. No one can CHECK my work. Just because I’m paid for this day doesn’t mean anyone can EXPECT something.

The NYT ran an opinion piece last week about school choice. NYC has charter schools with 12 hour days. The “don’t micromanage!” me attitude isn’t going to fly much longer.

NYC charter schools have nothing to do with Virginia public schools. Charter schools are notorious for poor working conditions for teachers because you don’t have to have a professional license to teach at one. The outcomes in education at charters are also not great as a result of this and many other factors such as they don’t have to abide by federal accountability standards.

Anonymous wrote:I was a teacher. I don't understand the attack on teachers about a snow day. The teachers do not make the decision.

And, FWIW, I was a teacher of K and 1. Most of my work was done at school. Sure, I could plan outside of school, but preparing materials, and setting up the classroom is a key part of planning with young children.

I guess I am not sure what some on here are expecting of a teacher on a snow day. Remember, many also have children. It is difficult for everyone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The snow days should be virtual days at this point. A week without school over a snowstorm is ridiculous in 2026

We would have been absent. Virtual school is a waste of time unless you are enrolled in a dedicated virtual program that is established for that type of learning. The COVID year was a complete waste, and my kid attended every day. The math was so bad that we started RSM and found competition math. DS loved it and still participates in math competitions but he was learning nothing in math during COVID.

I agree virtual school is a waste. Teachers should telework on snow days like other professionals and subsequent teacher workdays/early release days cancelled.

Teachers already work on snow days. I’m a professional. I work until the work is done, which often means every day of the week.

Are you saying that it should simply be somehow tracked? Micromanaged?

So what you’re really saying is that teacher work time shouldn’t be reflected in the calendar. Parents shouldn’t have to find childcare so teachers can get behind-the-scenes work done.

Fine. I actually agree. But until we teach fewer classes or have fewer duties, I’m not sure what the solution is. Simply put: teachers do need time to get work done. That’s just fact. And random snow days isn’t enough.

In the rest of the white-collar professional world, on days of inclement weather, employees, bring home laptops, and participate in meetings, trainings, calls, etc. It’s not “tracking” or “micromanagement” when Deloitte does it, why is it such an imposition for teachers?

As I wrote, I am working on snow days. I am also bringing home my laptop, participating in team meetings, etc. I don’t need an administrator to TELL me to work. I don’t need an administrator to TELL me to contact my team and schedule a meeting because we have the gift of time that day. I’m already on it.

My comment regarding micromanaging is related to the suggestion above that teachers should be ***told*** to work on these days. Oh, we are. I don’t need an administrator checking in on me.

Why if an administrator tells you to is that wrong, but if the CEO or team lead at a normal company tells their employees that they’ll be meeting virtually tomorrow because of the snow that’s fine? Yes, sometimes people need to be told to work. Public employees on contract days should be expected to work, yes, but that expectation could be reflected in the result in school calendar.

I don’t know why you feel the need to pick a fight. This isn’t a big deal unless you decide to make it one. Just don’t assume I’m lazily basking in the glory of a snow day and I’ll be fine.

I mean— thats exactly the impression you’re giving. No one can MAKE me work. No one can CHECK my work. Just because I’m paid for this day doesn’t mean anyone can EXPECT something.

The NYT ran an opinion piece last week about school choice. NYC has charter schools with 12 hour days. The “don’t micromanage!” me attitude isn’t going to fly much longer.

NYC charter schools have nothing to do with Virginia public schools. Charter schools are notorious for poor working conditions for teachers because you don’t have to have a professional license to teach at one. The outcomes in education at charters are also not great as a result of this and many other factors such as they don’t have to abide by federal accountability standards.