Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I love how they think that “hey if we don’t use snow days we can end sooner and tell you in the 4th quarter” is a real solution, as if they think we can just magically find camps for these new days off with such short notice. I start registering my kids for camp in January.

The whole point of doing this policy is so they can decide the calendar way in advance to give everyone plenty of planning notice. The above is the complete opposite of that!

I hope people comment on this. It is the newest aspect of the calendar policy, so maybe it's one area where they are less dug in and are open to feedback.

I mean, they have shown no inclination to listen to what 95% of families want, so why would they care about this? Especially if it means Syphax staff get yet another paid day off.

Anonymous wrote:Sorry bad link above here is the correct one
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1672929300/nps/p4j14aia0vs3orqcmpu5/2023-2024NPSMajorDatesCalendar.pdf

+1

Fwiw, this is the calendar for most local fancy private schools. Shocking that those who can are departing in droves for alternatives that that conduct themselves with a level of rationality inapplicable to APS.

Sorry bad link above here is the correct one
https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1672929300/nps/p4j14aia0vs3orqcmpu5/2023-2024NPSMajorDatesCalendar.pdf

Here is a great calendar. Substitute the word “Fall” for the word “Thanksgiving” and the word “Winter” for the word “Christmas” to reduce possible offense to anyone and change the header and
you are all set.


https://resources.finalsi...lendar.pdf

The dictatorship of Duran continues

Anonymous wrote:Also I think we should be talking about Falls Church City more. My understanding is that they end earlier than us in June.

Yes. Falls church city will be out the first week in June and graduation is the day after Memorial Day. Fccps was the first to make a calendar policy. Fccps got rid of religious holidays in the policy recognizing that random mid week days off was not a ‘pro-student’ policy.

Also I think we should be talking about Falls Church City more. My understanding is that they end earlier than us in June.

I think people should comment on Dr Duran’s power point presentation for the upcoming school board meeting. When mentioning community feedback the PowerPoint states that while there was opposition to the earlier start date, starting earlier means ending earlier in June. That’s an absolute lie because we are not ending earlier in June. Also the presentation does not talk about overwhelming community opposition to the many random days off during the year whether for religious holidays or for other reasons.

I hadn't been on the app since I put in my input right after it was circulated and, wow, it is the most consistent input I've ever seen from the community. If they ignore the feedback Duran and Syphax will really be giving the finger to the whole APS community.

Anonymous wrote:I love how they think that “hey if we don’t use snow days we can end sooner and tell you in the 4th quarter” is a real solution, as if they think we can just magically find camps for these new days off with such short notice. I start registering my kids for camp in January.

The whole point of doing this policy is so they can decide the calendar way in advance to give everyone plenty of planning notice. The above is the complete opposite of that!

I hope people comment on this. It is the newest aspect of the calendar policy, so maybe it's one area where they are less dug in and are open to feedback.

Anonymous wrote:Alignment of the beginning of the school year isn't even that helpful for teachers in this case. If FCPS schools are starting, and APS doesn't begin until a week later, that doesn't create any childcare issues for APS employees. None. Even if you take into account the fact that APS employees have to report to work a week or two before school starts, then APS starting later improves that situation, rather than worsens it.

+1

Alignment of the beginning of the school year isn't even that helpful for teachers in this case. If FCPS schools are starting, and APS doesn't begin until a week later, that doesn't create any childcare issues for APS employees. None. Even if you take into account the fact that APS employees have to report to work a week or two before school starts, then APS starting later improves that situation, rather than worsens it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:https://go.boarddocs.com/vsba/arlington/Board.nsf/files/CUKLCZ50EC89/$file/New%20Policy%20I-4.30%20School%20Year%20Calendar%20Presentation.pdf

From the presentation: "However, starting earlier in August will allow for ending earlier in June."

Except that it doesn't.

If that were true that would be great. But the policy doesn’t say that.

Anonymous wrote:I love how they think that “hey if we don’t use snow days we can end sooner and tell you in the 4th quarter” is a real solution, as if they think we can just magically find camps for these new days off with such short notice. I start registering my kids for camp in January.

The whole point of doing this policy is so they can decide the calendar way in advance to give everyone plenty of planning notice. The above is the complete opposite of that!

+1 this is an absurd policy.

I love how they think that “hey if we don’t use snow days we can end sooner and tell you in the 4th quarter” is a real solution, as if they think we can just magically find camps for these new days off with such short notice. I start registering my kids for camp in January.

The whole point of doing this policy is so they can decide the calendar way in advance to give everyone plenty of planning notice. The above is the complete opposite of that!