Anonymous wrote:I spoke with a principal and she explained that because FCPS switched from counting days to counting educational hours, for record keeping purposes FCPS now considers school open as soon as kids walk into the building (even though there's not much instruction going on while students are transitioning into the classroom)

Yes, I've heard it explained this way too, but apparently some schools are not handling it this way. Some are actually moving their tardy bells up 10 minutes so kids are in the class 10 minutes more. Others are counting the extra 10 minutes, but aren't requiring kids to be in their seats at that time (as you said). The question is why it's not consistent.

I spoke with a principal and she explained that because FCPS switched from counting days to counting educational hours, for record keeping purposes FCPS now considers school open as soon as kids walk into the building (even though there's not much instruction going on while students are transitioning into the classroom)

Our school got pushed up 10 minutes earlier, meaning 10 minutes more of school as we'll end at the same time. Principal has sent multiple emails stating the extra 10 minutes has been added to the school day by FCPS. But if it's being required by FCPS, why am I hearing from parents of other schools saying their days are not being lengthened or, if they are, their principals are saying it's just on paper & the tardy bell will still be at the same time?

Anonymous wrote:Shoot -- our school's website still has last year's times (with the short Mondays). there is nothing on the website about the open house (presumably it is still scheduled) and nothing about when school starts. Nothing on the calendar AT ALL. The front sign still talks about events in June. I'm tempted to call and ask if I can re-do the front sign, but I'm afraid they'll take it as a complaint... they are kind of insular like that.

Our school website is like that too. We finally got an email today with information on our open house, but no mention of changes to start times so far. Early Monday hours are still on our school website.

Those of you seeing your schedules pushed up 10 mins, is the total length of day 6:40 or 6:50?

Shoot -- our school's website still has last year's times (with the short Mondays). there is nothing on the website about the open house (presumably it is still scheduled) and nothing about when school starts. Nothing on the calendar AT ALL. The front sign still talks about events in June. I'm tempted to call and ask if I can re-do the front sign, but I'm afraid they'll take it as a complaint... they are kind of insular like that.

It seems from the website that Shrevewood pushed its bell schedule up 10 minutes as well. From 9:15 to 9:05.