Decatur Schools To Only Make Up One Snow Day – On March 14th
Decatur Metro | January 24, 2011Tammy sends the link from Superintendent Phyllis Edwards’ letter to parents regarding making up the week snow-days we endured a couple weeks back.
Here it is in full…
The inclement weather experienced January 10-14, 2011 affected all of us in important ways. This extraordinary circumstance surprised the district and the metro Atlanta area.
The only single-day available in the second semester calendar is March 14, 2011. This day was scheduled as a professional learning day. March 14, 2011 will now be a school day for students.
As the district sought to respond to this situation, leaders examined various alternatives and reviewed plans made by other school districts. Consideration was given to the new Board-approved calendar for this current year in which single days were grouped into week-long breaks.
The other available dates in the second semester were entire weeks: February 14-18, 2011 and April 4-8, 2011. These were not deemed viable options for the district as they would cause undue hardship to families that may have already booked reservations or made deposits toward planned travel.
Many other districts in the metro Atlanta area had reduced their number of school days for the current 2010-2011 year. City Schools of Decatur kept 180 school days planned for this current year.
I have decided to utilize the flexibility from the state to not make up some of the inclement weather days. We will reduce our calendar to 176 school days, making up one of the inclement weather days on March 14, 2011.
If you are a parent of a high school student, you will receive a communication in the next week from Decatur High School of various ways your child may engage in extra learning to prepare for their high-stakes assessments. We trust that parents will make every effort to provide access for high school students to engage in these opportunities.
We will continue to use the time remaining to design engaging and rigorous work for students. Thank you for your partnership with us.
Sincerely,
Dr. Phyllis A. Edwards, Superintendent
I think this was a very good decision
My two fifth graders also think it was a good decision.
The heck? Why don’t they just extend the school year to make up the days? That’s what schools do up north. If we weren’t in school a set number of days, we lost state funding.
Oh, I forgot. Georgia doesn’t give a crap about education. LOVELY.
Good point about extending the calendar–why can’t that be done? It’s less likely to be disruptive to families and staff because they’re less likely to have made plans that far ahead. My guess is that end of the year and graduation plans are already set so it’s inconvenient to extend school. And it might cost a lot more if teachers and staff have to be paid for that extension.
Well, the last day of school this year is Friday, May 27. Extending the calendar would take us into the week after Memorial Day, and they may have decided doing that wasn’t worth it. Honestly, by the last week of school, my kids are DONE. I’m for making up as many days as possible during the year. I think Dr. Edwards did the right thing.
@EvilScienceChick: Agreed! I share your view. Sloughing off 4 school days would never have flown in New England. In fact, I remember we were going to have school on a Saturday in Falmouth, ME after the blizzard of ’78. Then my family moved to Andover, MA about 1 week before said weekend school day. As a 3rd grader, I thought I had won the lottery! Of course, we just went longer into the summer break. Anyhow, point being: my perception agrees with yours that education is taken a little more seriously up north. Of course there are 30+ years between then and now. I am older and more crotchety, so things may not be as different as I think.
Overgeneralizing adds nothing to a conversation. I’d counter that many Georgians give a hoot about education, especially my children’s dedicated, passionate teachers. To say that Georgia’s education problems stem from snow-day absences is short-sighted.
I do not believe that the Georgia public education system’s general shortcomings stem from snow day absences. However, I do feel that the snow day absences that are not made up are indicative of some underlying problems with education in Georgia.
Furthermore, I do not question the teachers’ enthusiasm and dedication. I believe a good teacher is one of the most underpaid positions out there. In fact, I would wager that if put to a vote among teachers, the days would be made up. The decision not to make up snow days is administrative. I believe that most school administration has grown way past it’s useful size. Virtually every teacher I know will agree. (reference the film, The Cartel)
Public schools across the entire state of Georgia rank consistently in the 40- somethings. Out of 50 states, that isn’t so great. Google it, there are plenty of specifics to be found.
That being said, I moved to Decatur, pay city of Decatur taxes, and send (will send) my kids to school here because the schools are *MUCH, MUCH* better than state average. We spend more on schools than the average Georgia town and we have a smaller, more personal system that is not as administratively top heavy as, say, DeKalb. Thus I expect a little more from Decatur. Perhaps I am disappointed in CSoD more than anything. The decision to not make up the days is out of character.
Note: I will admit up front that I know nothing about the specific process CSoD went through to come to their decision. There may be good reason to not make up the days, but I see no convincing arguments in the Dr. Edwards letter.
Now that, is a well-reasoned response.
Sounds good to me. Those random single teacher work days or professional work days are pretty hard for working parents anyway.
I’m not thrilled at losing school days; many kids need every day on the calendar. But I also don’t like the idea of breaking up the family, personal, medical, and recreational plans that some families and staff have already scheduled for the winter and spring breaks.
First, it seems that the ramp down and back up before and after these week long breaks are much more disruptive in the classroom than long weekends are. They seem to get nothing done the first few days before and after extended breaks, so it would seem to reason that we would go for fewer extended interruptions, not more. I don’t get it.
But, Karass, responding more directly to your comment, while I can generally juggle my work schedule into a compressed week and take a long weekend, and we get a lot out of those as a family, I cannot take all these extra entire weeks off work. I cannot take 3 entire “break” weeks off, and also a week for Thanksgiving, and some days at Christmas — and that time off would not include taking a summer vacation. So our lovely long weekends are thrown out and what we get in return are weeks where the parents are working, there are no cool summer work or camp opportunities, no cousins to vacation with, etc. My child couldn’t work their counselor job last summer because we started school 8/3.
Re vacation, if it matters, I wonder how many people really can afford another week off so soon? What about the people with plans already for the long weekend that we just lost? We went to school after Mem’l day weekend last year and my family canceled long standing summer plans for that.
Does it matter? I am surprised that it does seem to right now.
Sometimes I’m amazed that Decaturites seem so immune to the work pressures that so many are facing due to the economy. Or maybe it’s just those who post here on this board. Maybe those who are working two jobs with family-unfriendly employers who tell them to produce more with less don’t have time to read and post on this blog.
Hooray!!! I think this is a great idea!
Great decision. I also like that there will be opportunities for high schoolers to make up work and boost learning. They are the ones most affected by this b/c of AP and EOCT.
Cutting one of the breaks would have been unfair to families who have already paid for trips. Going into an already woefully short summer would be unfair to families also…. and adding on days after Memorial Day would be a waste of time b/c the kids would be totally checked out. Heck… mine wouldn’t even be in attendance.
My suggestion to CSD is that they add some “catch up camps” during the February and April breaks for kids who are at risk of failing the CRCT. That way, those that are in town that week can get some small group time focusing on the skills that they need, and it will provide a childcare resource for their families. We already have some camps going at Oakhurst, why not add a catch up camp?
Maybe there’s no funds to pay for that… but it sure would be nice.
I’m really surprised they didn’t have a single snow day built into the calendar.
+1
Just a thought (and I may be missing something here): I completely understand and appreciate the decision not to cancel the two breaks because of previous committments made by families to travel or whatever, but, assuming that they could have used one of these weeks as make-up days, and thus have $$$ in the budget to do so, why not make one of these weeks optional? While I wouldn’t want those who attend to be light years past those who don’t/can’t attend, it could be used as a review time, tutoring, work on your weak spot, etc. and those who don’t attend aren’t penalized.
Great ideas. Problem might be how to fund.
I guess the same way they would fund any other type of make up days – I’m assuming it is in some sort of emergency fund, or state funds step in? They could forgo the cafeteria, too. But still surprised it isn’t built in. And, this is the 3rd year in a row that we have had serious snow (serious for Georgia) that has caused a standstill. I am all for increasing school day for physical activity. Mind/body connection is so important, and, a body in motion stays in motion. Get that childhood energy out so they can concentrate.
Personally, I think they should extend the school day 30 minutes or 1 hour for a couple of weeks to make up for some of the time. Skipping four school days in favor of not upsetting vacation plans just strikes me as wrong. Of course, I also think the school day should be extended in general so the 4th and 5th graders can have more than 15 minutes outside every day and more P.E.
More great ideas. And I agree that extending the day to incorporate more PE and outside “social time” (read run around and get your energy out).
I have to warn you though that’s parents who just hate the idea of anymore school time than there already is. They vociferously object to any extensions of the day or school calendar. But maybe that’s more when their kids are in preK-3. Maybe by the time of 4th grade and above, they can let them go a little more for the sake of more enrichment.
Should we also raise taxes so that we can pay teachers and school staff for the extra time? Can’t socializing, outdoor play, and exercising be done outside of school? Shouldn’t these activities be facilitated by parents? Take your kid to the playground or sign him/her up for sports. If your child needs extra enrichment there are lots of programs out there – Sylvan, Kumon, etc. There are also many resources available to parents for enrichment purposes.
Of course, we do all of that, but some families cannot afford it. Plus recess during the school day is different from structured activities after school. It’s actually been shown to refresh children and help them focus better when they return to their academics.
As I said, you can provoke a lot of strong feelings by mentioning anything about the school day or vacations. Makes sense since the school world is the center of many families’ lives.
I don’t think extending the school day by 15 minutes would lead to raising taxes. At Glennwood, the 4th and 5th graders get 15 minutes outside and at least one-fourth of that is probably taken up by getting there. Another 15 minutes would do a world of good. And maybe this school system is making the right decision but I disagree with the reason cited. If the school system feels like the students can do everything they need to do academically without making up these days, then say so. But the only reason cited given was that it will upset vacations. I agree the school system couldn’t have anticipated missing a week of school. But the winter break could have been shortened the winter break to three days and if people had vacations planned, well, they can always make a choice between school and vacation.
I think it depends on the age too. Tacking on extra hours for young elementary age doesn’t make sense. They are pretty much toast by 2:45 anyway. Also tacking on days at the end of the school year doesn’t seem very effective unless you push back testing dates as well. My limited experience has been that there is a lot of pressure/ push leading up to CRCT testing & then things kind of coast after that. If they were going to add in days, it makes sense to add them in before the end of the year. As far as recreation/enrichment goes, I think it enhances learning. It’s not developmentally appropriate (especially for younger ones) to expect kids to hammer away at academics without any kind of movement or down time for processing. Even switching up activities can fulfill the same purpose. Plus the enrichment activities at CDS, from my experience, tend to reinforce the learning targets….i.e., spanish, art, etc. integrate the topics that children are learning for language arts or science.
I agree that enrichment/outside time are an important part of the school day but I don’t think that it should be extended to incoporate more of these activities.
What do you think the kids would really add to their learning by extending the year 4 more days? Nothing, been there done that. The kids will be FINE!!! Just 4 days- freak snow/ice storm, all will be ok…
As a self employed marginally educated individual, 5 years of college compared to the 15 plus the rest of you guys seem to have, I have to say…..”Really?”
Four days can mean a lot to some children. ( Mine included, but we can take up the slack.) Dismissing four education days works for my family and most of Decatur. MOST. Was that the goal of our mission statement in 2006? I really like Mr. Fixit’s idea about providing “Catch Up Camps” for those who need it. Or those who want it .
I hope CSD will consider implementing this idea, THIS YEAR.
On a positive note, I am pleased that Bruce will be the Principal at the Four Five Academy at Fifth Avenue, formally know as the Glenwood Academy at……I think in many ways this situation illustrates the disconnect between the community and central office. Individuals stated that central office needs to communicate better with the community. Response, central office appoints a communications administrator. Less than a year later, the communications administrator is made a principal, again, likely a good decision, with no communication to the community.
I don’t think the community was ever seeking a new administrative position.
As far as I’m concerned we were saying ” Communicate with your Community.”
An example of this would have included a dialog with your SLT prior to making hiring decisions for Fifth Avenue.
Having said that, Bruce, “All the best, for you and for our children!” I’m glad you’ll be at the helm, where I suspect you would have ended up any way you slice it.
Like everyone, I have tons of respect and liking for Mr. Roaden and am sure he is up to any principalship. But is anyone else besides me scratching their head about how he’s going to transition from the middle school age group to the latency period? I always thought that one of his great features was that he not only could relate to middle schoolers, guide them, and discipline them, but he kind of was ONE OF THEM, in his own humorous, witty way. I hope he doesn’t find the 9-11 year old crowd too boring. He’s also going to have to adjust to the parents who are used to weekly Gator Communicator newsletters, folders going home every week, lots of opportunities for chaperoning and parent participation, and a very active PTO and SLT, none of which are exactly the middle school style where students forbid their parents to attend and the teachers/staff side with the kids. I’m not worried, just curious and prepared to be amused.
Wouldn’t it better serve your purposes to talk to Mr. Roaden about your concerns instead of posting that he acts like a middle school student (no offense to middle school students and may be clueless about the job and responsibilities he’s about to assume — parents, students, publications and all?
I’m also scratching my head b/c I don’t understand why a conversation about snow days resulted in this post.
Then, again, the diner makes it into every thread (you’re welcome) so I shouldn’t be surprised!
I was just too lazy to make two separate posts!
Oh, man, my post is being misinterpreted and I feel bad. I meant those comments as a COMPLIMENT to Mr. Roaden. I think being able to relate to middle school students is a rare and incredibly valuable commodity in a middle school principal. In no way were my comments concerns. Rather, I am surprised that he is interested in the 4/5th grade age group and am aware that the culture at the 4/5 Academy is very different from the culture at Renfroe. Both are entirely appropriate cultures–4/5 has tons of parent involvement and communication, Renfroe has less as is age-appropriate; Renfroe kids change classes, 4/5 kids do not; 4/5 Academy has recess, only 6th grade does at Renfroe, etc.–so going from one to another takes a transition. I am scratching my head and wondering if there’s a back story or so, but I withdraw my comments entirely if they are going to be construed as a criticism of Mr. Roaden.
Plus, didn’t I say I wasn’t worried….???? Maybe I should have used caps?
@ karass: Cool. Sorry to be so defensive. Just hope the guy gets a fair chance to do a great job. I cannot imagine how hard it is to be a principal of a school — and getting knocked around before beginning is a little tough.
@ nola:
Cool here too. I haven’t heard anything negative anywhere about the CHOICE of Mr. Roaden, just the process, so I hope he doesn’t feel knocked around. Plus he’s a pretty sturdy character, IMHO. You have to be to do well as a middle school principal! It’s got to be the hardest public school principalship out there! I just hope that the 4/5 kids are enough of a challenge!
The difference between GA and the Northeast is that a storm like this occurs once every 15-20 years. I’ve been teaching for almost a decade, and this is the first time that we’ve ever had more than 2 snow days in a year. I’ve had a few years where we had zero. Building in snow days for something that happens this seldom is not necessary. Decatur usually makes up any days taken off. This is an extenuating circumstance, and I believe Dr. Edwards did the right thing. Our summer has already been shortened to 7 weeks. Does taking an entire additional week out of that make sense? What’s the point in student’s even trying to get a summer job? Also, I think many of you are forgetting the memories and fun family time that the snow allowed. Not since the Blizzard of ’93 have we had anything like this! It was inconvenient, and claustrophobic, and an AWESOME time to spend with my family. I wouldn’t change it.
Agreed. Good grief, people, it was a once-every-decade event. Can we all calm down?
Amen. How ridiculous and pretentious is it to expect a school district in a completely different climate to react the same way as snow-bound districts! And how unfair and frankly ill-informed is it to demean the accomplishments of our local school system by generalizing about the problems statewide.
What she said. (And said tremendously well, I might add.)
LS – I nearly choked when I read “7 weeks” in your post!
I count May 30 through August 1st, including 5 weeks in June and 4 weeks in July; returning to school on 8/2/11. That’s 9 weeks. I don’t see a lot of post-planning, and pre-planning starts the last week of July – wouldn’t that be 8 for teachers and 9 for students?
Teacher’s last day is June 1, a Wed. We start back the last week of July. It was the 25th, unless they changed it. So, I guess that’s technically 7 1/2 weeks for teachers. Students’ would get more days.
I know there are arguments on both sides but I personally think they made the right decision. If four days after memorial day are what’s going to make the difference, then I think we’re really in trouble.
It does seem reasonable to build a calendar with some built in slack for snow days but it seems to me that five days was so out of the norm that planning for it would be over cautious.
On the notes above about physical activity. I would like to put my vote in for more outside time for 4th graders and above. This is not a zero sum game. By taking time to breathe fresh air and move your body during your school day learning will be improved. Good health and good academic performance go hand in hand and I fear we are forgetting that in some of the older children’s schedules. It seems too bad that we’d have to make the day longer to include that.
I am not saying 4 days total- I am saying extending 4 days at the end of a year ( May)- just a few extra days at the end of May is just a few more days they will be autographing books and playing games… That is what I meant… Sorry …
I agree with dsw and old school… unless the time is made up PRIOR to CRCT testing its not worth doing…. what happens post CRCT to end of year at 4/5 and below isn’t much academically…. sadly…
My question is this: Why doesn’t the school system have better contingency plans for inclement weather? We haven’t even gotten into March (often the time when we get the most snow/ice).
My guess is that we’ll have at least a couple more snow days before the school year is over. What then? Weather being what it is, it makes sense to have plans for extreme conditions. Would any of us be in favor of a plan that required only one day as a backup? I’m not comfortable with the idea of leaving the number of school days up to the administration. They’re all very competent, but school is more important than vacation. Maybe this will be an opportunity to plan better for next year.
I’m really disappointed that a few families’ vacation plans are more important than the education of our children. The kids can learn a lot in 4 days. And tacking the days onto the end of the school year doesn’t help–that’s after the CRCT and all those other tests our kids have to ace. That’s why they should make the days up during the February break. I don’t care of someone already has a ski trip planned and paid for. If you don’t care about your kids missing 4 days of school, then go on your trip anyway. The rest of our kids NEED these days, especially those who are already struggling as it is.
I agree with you that 4 days is substantial. It’s more than 2% of the school year. That 2% may be critical for students who are struggling to meet state standards. But CSD was stuck. Not only have families invested in vacations for the two 10-calendar day breaks, but so have teachers and staff.
Years ago, someone told me that a good public school is great for typical students with no learning, emotional, behavioral, or social issues, e.g. above average performers like many CSD kids, but not so gifted so that they get frustrated at the lack of challenge or that they seem odd to the other kids. Those typical kids will do fine whether they go to school for 200, 180, 176, 150, or 100 days. Their parents will love everything the schools do and overlook the flaws because their children are thriving and happy. They won’t understand the parents whose children are not thriving and not so happy, nor why those parents have to advocate so hard and push the system to provide the instruction their children need so badly and are due by law. The only families that will really get the whole picture are those that have both typical and non-typical children attending the same public schools.
we are getting soft. I seriously wonder what percentage of CSD families are actually going anywhere. We are falling behind worldwide in education. I seriously doubt any of the top ranked countries would simply forgo making up days because it may inconvenience those with vacation plans. give me a break.
AGREED!
Agreed Robert. What? you cant reschedule a trip? dont most airlines give you a year to use a voucher for a rescheduled trip? is the 75 dollar charge for that too much to take? I guess it doesnt matter that we no longer produce the number of engineers and scientist we used to. I suppose the ever vital February vacation is far more important.
my comment deleted? seriously? hence my point that we are getting too soft. I guess I should “tone down the rhetoric”
First time commenters’ comments are sent to moderation.
sorry
I seriously don’t see the connection between not making up 4 days of school and America’s lagging behind the industrialized world in terms of education. It’s not indicative of Decatur parents toward education. It’s an exceptional circumstance. (I’ve lived here most of my adult life and rarely seen snow and ice and March as someone pointed out.) If you wish to help the schools don’t just anonymously point out what you perceive to be CSD’s failings, volunteer at College Heights to help struggling pre-K students. Volunteer at the Boys and Girls club in Oakhurst to do some tutoring. How much of this opposition is coming from judgmental non-parents? I had all the answers about education and children before I actually became a parent.
How do you know posters aren’t doing all that? My sense is that the folks who post on DM are many of the do-ers around Decatur.