Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 13:13     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is encouraging is the school can absorb 11 snow days without changing the calendar.


And what is discouraging is that there is no chance of getting those 11 days of summer back if we don't use a single snow day.


And this proves that someone will always be pissed. Last year, with the 11 snow days, which resulted severe modification to the calendar, people were pissed, saying things like why can't they adjust so there will be no problem? This year, they adjust, by adding two hours per week, and people are not happy.

The rules in virginia are the kids need to go 990 hrs or 180 days. Last year, the schedule was real close to 990 (for es only), but they had 183 by default. This year, they will be over 990 hrs until 11 days hit.


I have a good idea! How about picking one day a week as an "early release" for students? It could be the same day every week, so it would be consistent. If there aren't many snow days they wouldn't end up going extra and teachers could use that time for planning or meetings. It's a win-win!


It was called half day Mondays, remember?
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 13:12     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why did they post the calendar on the website then???

They need to get their act together. And I need to cancel hotel reservations now (good thing I didn't book the flight yet).


Why? It's only one day. I have students who extend their weekends or are even gone for a good part of a week. Not a big deal.


Probably because different parents have different philosophies about missing school.


Exactly. With AP classes, I really don't want to pull out Dd more than needed.

Mugh not be a big deal for you but some parents feel diffetently.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 13:03     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is encouraging is the school can absorb 11 snow days without changing the calendar.


And what is discouraging is that there is no chance of getting those 11 days of summer back if we don't use a single snow day.


And this proves that someone will always be pissed. Last year, with the 11 snow days, which resulted severe modification to the calendar, people were pissed, saying things like why can't they adjust so there will be no problem? This year, they adjust, by adding two hours per week, and people are not happy.

The rules in virginia are the kids need to go 990 hrs or 180 days. Last year, the schedule was real close to 990 (for es only), but they had 183 by default. This year, they will be over 990 hrs until 11 days hit.


I have a good idea! How about picking one day a week as an "early release" for students? It could be the same day every week, so it would be consistent. If there aren't many snow days they wouldn't end up going extra and teachers could use that time for planning or meetings. It's a win-win!
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 12:51     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Why did they post the calendar on the website then???

They need to get their act together. And I need to cancel hotel reservations now (good thing I didn't book the flight yet).


Why? It's only one day. I have students who extend their weekends or are even gone for a good part of a week. Not a big deal.


Probably because different parents have different philosophies about missing school.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 12:50     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:Why did they post the calendar on the website then???

They need to get their act together. And I need to cancel hotel reservations now (good thing I didn't book the flight yet).


Why? It's only one day. I have students who extend their weekends or are even gone for a good part of a week. Not a big deal.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 12:41     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is encouraging is the school can absorb 11 snow days without changing the calendar.


And what is discouraging is that there is no chance of getting those 11 days of summer back if we don't use a single snow day.


And this proves that someone will always be pissed. Last year, with the 11 snow days, which resulted severe modification to the calendar, people were pissed, saying things like why can't they adjust so there will be no problem? This year, they adjust, by adding two hours per week, and people are not happy.

The rules in virginia are the kids need to go 990 hrs or 180 days. Last year, the schedule was real close to 990 (for es only), but they had 183 by default. This year, they will be over 990 hrs until 11 days hit.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 12:40     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:What is encouraging is the school can absorb 11 snow days without changing the calendar.


And what is discouraging is that there is no chance of getting those 11 days of summer back if we don't use a single snow day.


This. +1000. Nothing like the true costs of rushed, emotional decisions.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 12:39     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Why did they post the calendar on the website then???

They need to get their act together. And I need to cancel hotel reservations now (good thing I didn't book the flight yet).
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 12:16     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:What is encouraging is the school can absorb 11 snow days without changing the calendar.


And what is discouraging is that there is no chance of getting those 11 days of summer back if we don't use a single snow day.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 08:59     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
What is encouraging is the school can absorb 11 snow days without changing the calendar.
Anonymous
Post 07/13/2014 08:34     Subject: Re:Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:9:25, me too! I almost booked a weekend trip. Guess I shouldn't be so eager LOL!


We already did! We have one in a private school who has always has a four day weekend for Columbus day, so we jumped at the chance. Our other one will just miss a day now. Not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Anonymous
Post 07/12/2014 12:25     Subject: Re:Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
9:25, me too! I almost booked a weekend trip. Guess I shouldn't be so eager LOL!
Anonymous
Post 07/12/2014 09:53     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Anonymous wrote:So is this new calendar final yet?


No. Scheduled to be voted on by the School Board at the July 24 meeting.
Anonymous
Post 07/12/2014 09:51     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
So is this new calendar final yet?
Anonymous
Post 07/12/2014 09:25     Subject: Change in the FCPS calendar for kids off/teacher work days
Good thing I procrastinated and did not book a trip for that 4 day Oct weekend--I was pretty excited about it. I agree that it was a poorly timed and rushed decision and that unforeseen implications will continue to appear.