Comments on: CSD Board Approves School Calendar Changes for 2010-2011

By: Karass

Karass — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 03:31:48 +0000

It may be that everyone just loves the balanced calendar but that’s not what the parents who responded to the poll a year or so ago indicated. The majority, ~70% I think, were against it. But maybe they’ll be proven wrong. Another poll after a year of the new calendar should indicate how parents feel after they’ve tried it. Listening to parents is just one element that influences a CSD or School Board decision. However, the last election, closer for both incumbents than any election in years, is what happens if people feel their representatives aren’t listening enough.

By: Swill

Swill — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:42:49 +0000

Many I’ve spoken with like the new calendar; I do, too. I’m a full-time worker, and though I receive a number of weeks of vacation each year, we can’t take multi-weeks off throughout the summer. So, I have had to send my son to lots of summer camps. This new schedule enables me to spread out the weeks off that I’ve earned and spend more time with him, whether on a vacation or a stay-cation.

By: becky

becky — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:06:53 +0000

I love the new calendar and I was actually disappointed when it wasn’t introduced this year. I know that it is easier for me than some parents as I only work part time. However the reason I love it is because it gives the kids a break. My Kindergartener was so exhausted by December break last year. My kids may have to go to one of the camps at least during one of the breaks but playing all day is more restful than concentrating on school. Of course my kids have a night owl tendency so a later start in the morning is a rest for the whole family. It might take them a few days to get back to the early morning routine but all these days here and there have the same effect anyway. I think the Thanksgiving week is a no brainer because nobody is concentrating for the 2 days normally. Swapping a week in August for a week in September is great. The temps are nicer in September so it is a chance to take the kids outdoors more. Also a lot of the camps stop at the end of July. Not having two extra days in the first full week of Jan is a good thing too. Concentrating the single days in Feb and March sounds like a great idea.

Two full months off in summer is plenty for most kids. They start getting bored of the holidays by then and are less willing to entertain themselves. As for parents of middle-schoolers and high-schoolers maybe something could be organised where they run or help run some inexpensive camps around Decatur for younger kids with an opportunity to earn service hours which I think is an IB requirement. Or they could volunteer elsewhere with less competition from other students who will be in school, for other service hours. That may help older kids balance their year by not having to take on these things during the rest of the year.

By: Bee

Bee — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:03:04 +0000

Emily,
Try setting it up. My son is already going to be at the first baptist church. They have a great program. If you really can’t find anything then start complaining again. But try first.

By: karass

karass — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:06:09 +0000

The calendar is set for next year, i.e. 2010-2011. But another Calendar Committee is set to meet if it hasn’t started already. I’m sure it will be spoon fed what Central Office would like to see for 2011-2012, but there’s the possibility that the Committee can persuade Central Office to do some evaluation before deciding. Or at least before the 2012-2013 Calendar is decided. And you never know—sometimes decisions are revisited although I doubt it will happen for 2010-2011.

Find out who your school representatives to the Calendar Commitee are and let them know how you feel. One will be a parent volunteer and one will be a teacher/staff person. That’s the way it ought to work–that your school representatives get input although I don’t think it’s been happening.