Hosting a dialogue among parents, educators and community members focused on improving our schools and providing a quality, equitable education for each of our nearly 100,000 students.
~ "ipsa scientia potestas est" ~ "Knowledge itself is power"
Pages
▼
Monday, October 18, 2010
2011-2012 and 2012-2013 School Calendar Options
Check out the calendar options below (click on them to view and download a larger copy). Then, to provide feedback, click here - and take the survey (linked at the bottom of that webpage) by close of business Friday, October 22, 2010.
Why, oh why, will DCSS not consider the calendar that Decatur City uses? It gives the kids a nice break every other month and still ends before Memorial Day. All of those lousy one day holidays are lumped together into some meaningful time off. Students need time during the school year to recharge their batteries!
Having gone to school up North and starting school after Labor Day and ending mid-June, I never understood why the South started school in August and ended in May. It seems that the school system could save a considerable sum of money (AC costs), if they too considered starting after Labor Day and ending mid-June.
PLEASE give teachers big ole' breaks at Thanksgiving and Christmas so they can recharge their batteries! VOTE FOR OPTION #1 until we can get on board with Decatur's schedule!
When I contacted Ramona Tyson about the lack of choices (i.e. not including one with a later start date in August) she referred me to the calendar committee. When I contacted the head of the calendar committee, she said she was going based on the directives from Ramona Tyson. It is very frustrating to see that no one appears to be steering this ship!
Not only is the Decatur calendar with many breaks very hard on working parents, it is impossible for single working parents.
There are no camps or other places for the children to go. Having two weeks off at Christmas plus all the other breaks puts a terrible burden on working parents.
In this economy, no parent can risk losing a job to go AWOL and take off extra days. Most workers only have 10 business days off the entire year. So you will end up with more latch key kids.
Neither is a great option, but take it from a teacher- go with option 2. It starts a little later in August, and avoids the unnecessary week at Thanksgiving. The week off just before the end of the semester is not a good idea for educational continuity.
There are no right or wrong answers when it relates to the calendars. There are just a zillion different opinions. And this won't change with a new board.
There are parents who speak strongly and loudly about their desire for finals to be given before winter break. Fulton started school much later this year but they have very unbalanced semesters. This is not ideal, but it is nearly impossible in DeKalb where nearly every high school is on the 4 by 4 block.
Cobb started earlier than we did as they have gone to a semi-balanced calendar. Caused a huge outcry because about half the parents are opposed. Guess what? About half support it as well.
I just do not understand why, oh why the various metro Atlanta schools systems, universities, colleges, and private schools cannot agree on academic calendars that are better aligned.
The two-day school week Thanksgiving week is a waste. So many people take off anyway so getting anything done during those two days is nearly impossible. I'm also tired of people talking about childcare issues. DCSS is NOT a babysitting service. For what it's worth, if we did have more weeks of during the year, you could take your vacation at a much discounted price in October or February and see lower crowds..... Also, it's often just as hot in Georgia in June as it is in August, so that argument isn't worth much there.
do away with big breaks and you will be seeing more substitutes. camps are a way for folks to make money. change the schedule, and people who run camps will open their doors.
Wow, I love the comments about working parents and single parents. I feel for the tough work you must do when there is a holiday.
But isn't there a family leave act, signed by Bill Clinton. Plus, didn't they extend those benefits recently?
Also, I think the business sector would create more camps, if there could be a more coordinated schedule among systems.
I'm not sure if I am for or against the week off at Thanksgiving. It seems like a long time to me.
Growing up in the 60's and 70's, in Tampa, We started school the week before Labor Day. This way kids had a chance to acclimate themselves and then get down to work the Tuesday after Labor Day.
In October there was a longer Fall Break. Thurs. Fri. Mon. around Columbus Day. Teachers had one of these days, as a work day.
I never understood DeKalb's thinking about the Spring Break in April. It seems so late in the year. I feel an earlier Spring Break during the 3rd or 4th week in March, would give teachers more time to prepare the students for the CRCT and give those skiing parents a chance a better snow.. (sarc.) Is there a religious reason for this late Spring break scheduling?
In Florida, school was finished following the first full week in June. What to do!
Roy Barnes said Furlough days will also be in play too..
dont trust those TV ads.
My brother works for DNS and they have furlough too. Its a way of life right now. I am happy I have a job unlike other members of my family and I get to do what I love.
"I'm also tired of people talking about childcare issues. DCSS is NOT a babysitting service."
comments like these are simply offensive and do not deserve a response. As as for the Family Medical Leave Act, it is terrific legislation but guarantees only "leave without pay."
How about we look at data from successful school systems, outside of Georgia, and see how their calendars support and enhance the education their kids receive. Many of the top performing systems in the NE have 1st semester exams after winter holidays. That way, they start after Labor Day and get out in June.
Just to throw in my two cents...Why, also, would they not consider starting school on a Wednesday or Thursday like a lot of private schools do - get the kids in there, get organized and then start the academic work on the next Monday. Why do these "calendar committees" not seem to have any imagination or thought into what works best for kids not just following the surrounding areas which has always been their argument.
I definitely want to start as late as possible in August. On the 2011-2012 Calendar, that would be Option 1. On the 2012-2013 Calendar, both options start on 8/13 and there are options to have the last day of class on Friday 5/24 (right before Memorial Day) - Option 2 or to have the last day after Memorial Day (Option 1). I would prefer option 2 so families could get on with their summer arragements. No reason to have to come back for 2 days after Memorial Day. Nothing will get done, for sure. Why can't we do like Fulton did this year? They added 10 minutes to each school day and started school August 23rd - a full week later than we did. Seems like a no-brainer.
My child is attending a Decatur City school this year. Initially, we were a little put off by the calendar, but it seems to be working well. And finding an alternative is not a problem; various places offer camps for the kids (my child goes to the camps at the Decatur YMCA). The schedule has not posed any problems (my husband and I both work) so I'm not sure the assumption that it would be "impossible for working parents" holds true.
I don't know how old your child is, but if they are old enough for big projects and big tests, did you find that large assignments were given so that they were due right after break?
This is a concern of mine. that a break won't really be a break.
As a teacher, I have often said that school is not babysitting. It is not meant as a sign of disrespect. My point is that decisions cannot be made based on child care issues. If Dekalb had a year-round schedule, camps and daycare centers (and probably some teachers) would meet the needs of parents by offering services during times off.
Some children don't attend school on those two days before Thanksgiving. My experience with daycare was that if the schools were out and it wasn't a holiday, they would offer care or supervision for school-age students who attended their after school program.
I agree that schools should not be in the business of providing childcare.
@11:44 "I definitely want to start as late as possible in August." I hope you haven't voted yet, because for 2011-12 the proposed Option 1 start date is August 8th, while the Option 2 start date is August 15th.
More than 80% of the households in DeKalb do not have children at a DCSS school. If taxpayers knew how much DCSS pay in air conditioning (electricity, labor, equipment, maintenance, outside contracts, etc.), they would demand that school starts later in August rather than earlier. It's in the millions.
Really, I mean does A/C cost more in August than it does in June? Our kids would be in school deep into June if those of you who want (are obsessed with) a Labor Day start get your way.
I mean ... Lewis was in over his head and maybe a criminal. Yes, much (not all but most) of the central office is in over their head.
But "millions"...If those of us on here just start posting trash (unsubstantiated) information, then we're not much better.
Come on people - we've moved mountains thus far with far to go still. Post facts please - not stuff that makes no sense or is clearly bogus or just skewed to your own personal fixation. Jeez.
@ Anonymous 9:55 pm "Really, I mean does A/C cost more in August than it does in June? Our kids would be in school deep into June if those of you who want (are obsessed with) a Labor Day start get your way......Post facts please - not stuff that makes no sense or is clearly bogus or just skewed to your own personal fixation. Jeez. "
Here are the facts: The average temperature in June in Atlanta is 2 degrees less than in August, and this is using the average of the entire month of June. The first 2 weeks of June are cooler than the last two weeks. so this would make the differential even wider: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/30326?from=month_bottomnav_vacation
Taking the more conservative estimate of 2 degrees cooler temperatures from June to August: http://progress-energy.com/custservice/carres/energytips/ac.asp
"For each degree you raise your thermostat setting, you reduce seasonal cooling costs by 3 percent to 5 percent. "
This would equate to a cost savings of 6% to 10% in air conditioning.
I'd say DCSS would spend a considerable amount on air conditioning if we stared two weeks later and ended two weeks later..
Correction to my last post .."I'd say DCSS would spend a considerable amount on air conditioning if we stared two weeks later and ended two weeks later.. "
"Based on the average temperatures and the cost of cooling for each degree, DCSS would spend a considerable amount LESS on air conditioning if we stared two weeks later at the end of August and ended two weeks later in mid June "
And don't forget that August is the most polluted month because it is the second hottest month of the year. As soon as the buses hit the road, we immediately get more code orange days. With the asthma epidemic in Atlanta, this is terrible for our children.
This blog is moderated. Please submit your comment and we will review it as soon as possible. Offensive comments will be removed. Thank you for participating in our community blog.
Very interesting:
ReplyDeletehttp://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/10/18/hallelujah-state-is-finally-ready-with-its-student-data-tracking-system-they-built-it-now-will-you-come-on-board/
Why, oh why, will DCSS not consider the calendar that Decatur City uses? It gives the kids a nice break every other month and still ends before Memorial Day. All of those lousy one day holidays are lumped together into some meaningful time off. Students need time during the school year to recharge their batteries!
ReplyDeleteBut we don't need to start school in early August. It is just to hot, some schools AC doesn't work properly and air quality is very poor.
ReplyDeleteHaving gone to school up North and starting school after Labor Day and ending mid-June, I never understood why the South started school in August and ended in May. It seems that the school system could save a considerable sum of money (AC costs), if they too considered starting after Labor Day and ending mid-June.
ReplyDeletePLEASE give teachers big ole' breaks at Thanksgiving and Christmas so they can recharge their batteries! VOTE FOR OPTION #1 until we can get on board with Decatur's schedule!
ReplyDeleteI certainly don't want a week break at Thanksgiving and then two at Christmas three weeks later. Especially since it means starting August first.
ReplyDeleteWhen I contacted Ramona Tyson about the lack of choices (i.e. not including one with a later start date in August) she referred me to the calendar committee. When I contacted the head of the calendar committee, she said she was going based on the directives from Ramona Tyson. It is very frustrating to see that no one appears to be steering this ship!
ReplyDeleteThe Decatur schedule is impossible for working parents. Vacations interspersed throughout the year do not work well with childcare options.
ReplyDeleteNot only is the Decatur calendar with many breaks very hard on working parents, it is impossible for single working parents.
ReplyDeleteThere are no camps or other places for the children to go. Having two weeks off at Christmas plus all the other breaks puts a terrible burden on working parents.
In this economy, no parent can risk losing a job to go AWOL and take off extra days. Most workers only have 10 business days off the entire year. So you will end up with more latch key kids.
Neither is a great option, but take it from a teacher- go with option 2. It starts a little later in August, and avoids the unnecessary week at Thanksgiving. The week off just before the end of the semester is not a good idea for educational continuity.
ReplyDeleteI hate to be the cynical voice here, but come on--why would this be the one time that "they" do the right thing?
ReplyDeleteThe one they have already decided on is the one that will "win."
@ 8:32
ReplyDeleteYou're forgetting "we" have a chance to change who "they" are in a couple of weeks!
There are no right or wrong answers when it relates to the calendars. There are just a zillion different opinions. And this won't change with a new board.
ReplyDeleteThere are parents who speak strongly and loudly about their desire for finals to be given before winter break. Fulton started school much later this year but they have very unbalanced semesters. This is not ideal, but it is nearly impossible in DeKalb where nearly every high school is on the 4 by 4 block.
Cobb started earlier than we did as they have gone to a semi-balanced calendar. Caused a huge outcry because about half the parents are opposed. Guess what? About half support it as well.
Again, no wrong or right answer here.
I just do not understand why, oh why the various metro Atlanta schools systems, universities, colleges, and private schools cannot agree on academic calendars that are better aligned.
ReplyDeleteI just hope we don't have any more furlough days !!!!
ReplyDeleteThe two-day school week Thanksgiving week is a waste. So many people take off anyway so getting anything done during those two days is nearly impossible. I'm also tired of people talking about childcare issues. DCSS is NOT a babysitting service. For what it's worth, if we did have more weeks of during the year, you could take your vacation at a much discounted price in October or February and see lower crowds.....
ReplyDeleteAlso, it's often just as hot in Georgia in June as it is in August, so that argument isn't worth much there.
Anonymous @1157 - Nathan Deal has promised more furlough days if he gets elected. I see Paul Womack pushing for them also.
ReplyDeleteStart after Labor Day and do away with the massive number of breaks, etc., and you could still finish by June.
ReplyDeleteThe worst schools in the nation tend to be in the South, and southern states often have the most illogical schedules. Could there be a connection?
do away with big breaks and you will be seeing more substitutes. camps are a way for folks to make money. change the schedule, and people who run camps will open their doors.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love the comments about working parents and single parents. I feel for the tough work you must do when there is a holiday.
ReplyDeleteBut isn't there a family leave act, signed by Bill Clinton. Plus, didn't they extend those benefits recently?
Also, I think the business sector would create more camps, if there could be a more coordinated schedule among systems.
I'm not sure if I am for or against the week off at Thanksgiving. It seems like a long time to me.
Growing up in the 60's and 70's, in Tampa, We started school the week before Labor Day. This way kids had a chance to acclimate themselves and then get down to work the Tuesday after Labor Day.
In October there was a longer Fall Break. Thurs. Fri. Mon. around Columbus Day. Teachers had one of these days, as a work day.
I never understood DeKalb's thinking about the Spring Break in April. It seems so late in the year. I feel an earlier Spring Break during the 3rd or 4th week in March, would give teachers more time to prepare the students for the CRCT and give those skiing parents a chance a better snow.. (sarc.) Is there a religious reason for this late Spring break scheduling?
In Florida, school was finished following the first full week in June. What to do!
Roy Barnes said Furlough days will also be in play too..
ReplyDeletedont trust those TV ads.
My brother works for DNS and they have furlough too. Its a way of life right now. I am happy I have a job unlike other members of my family and I get to do what I love.
"I'm also tired of people talking about childcare issues. DCSS is NOT a babysitting service."
ReplyDeletecomments like these are simply offensive and do not deserve a response. As as for the Family Medical Leave Act, it is terrific legislation but guarantees only "leave without pay."
How about we look at data from successful school systems, outside of Georgia, and see how their calendars support and enhance the education their kids receive. Many of the top performing systems in the NE have 1st semester exams after winter holidays. That way, they start after Labor Day and get out in June.
Just to throw in my two cents...Why, also, would they not consider starting school on a Wednesday or Thursday like a lot of private schools do - get the kids in there, get organized and then start the academic work on the next Monday. Why do these "calendar committees" not seem to have any imagination or thought into what works best for kids not just following the surrounding areas which has always been their argument.
ReplyDeleteI definitely want to start as late as possible in August. On the 2011-2012 Calendar, that would be Option 1. On the 2012-2013 Calendar, both options start on 8/13 and there are options to have the last day of class on Friday 5/24 (right before Memorial Day) - Option 2 or to have the last day after Memorial Day (Option 1). I would prefer option 2 so families could get on with their summer arragements. No reason to have to come back for 2 days after Memorial Day. Nothing will get done, for sure. Why can't we do like Fulton did this year? They added 10 minutes to each school day and started school August 23rd - a full week later than we did. Seems like a no-brainer.
ReplyDeleteMy child is attending a Decatur City school this year. Initially, we were a little put off by the calendar, but it seems to be working well. And finding an alternative is not a problem; various places offer camps for the kids (my child goes to the camps at the Decatur YMCA). The schedule has not posed any problems (my husband and I both work) so I'm not sure the assumption that it would be "impossible for working parents" holds true.
ReplyDeleteLoretta
ReplyDeleteI don't know how old your child is, but if they are old enough for big projects and big tests, did you find that large assignments were given so that they were due right after break?
This is a concern of mine. that a break won't really be a break.
As a teacher, I have often said that school is not babysitting. It is not meant as a sign of disrespect. My point is that decisions cannot be made based on child care issues. If Dekalb had a year-round schedule, camps and daycare centers (and probably some teachers) would meet the needs of parents by offering services during times off.
ReplyDeleteSome children don't attend school on those two days before Thanksgiving. My experience with daycare was that if the schools were out and it wasn't a holiday, they would offer care or supervision for school-age students who attended their after school program.
ReplyDeleteI agree that schools should not be in the business of providing childcare.
@11:44 "I definitely want to start as late as possible in August." I hope you haven't voted yet, because for 2011-12 the proposed Option 1 start date is August 8th, while the Option 2 start date is August 15th.
ReplyDeleteMore than 80% of the households in DeKalb do not have children at a DCSS school. If taxpayers knew how much DCSS pay in air conditioning (electricity, labor, equipment, maintenance, outside contracts, etc.), they would demand that school starts later in August rather than earlier. It's in the millions.
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous 2:40PM:
ReplyDelete"In the millions"???
Really, I mean does A/C cost more in August than it does in June? Our kids would be in school deep into June if those of you who want (are obsessed with) a Labor Day start get your way.
I mean ... Lewis was in over his head and maybe a criminal. Yes, much (not all but most) of the central office is in over their head.
But "millions"...If those of us on here just start posting trash (unsubstantiated) information, then we're not much better.
Come on people - we've moved mountains thus far with far to go still. Post facts please - not stuff that makes no sense or is clearly bogus or just skewed to your own personal fixation. Jeez.
@ Anonymous 9:55 pm
ReplyDelete"Really, I mean does A/C cost more in August than it does in June? Our kids would be in school deep into June if those of you who want (are obsessed with) a Labor Day start get your way......Post facts please - not stuff that makes no sense or is clearly bogus or just skewed to your own personal fixation. Jeez. "
Here are the facts:
The average temperature in June in Atlanta is 2 degrees less than in August, and this is using the average of the entire month of June. The first 2 weeks of June are cooler than the last two weeks. so this would make the differential even wider:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxclimatology/monthly/graph/30326?from=month_bottomnav_vacation
Taking the more conservative estimate of 2 degrees cooler temperatures from June to August:
http://progress-energy.com/custservice/carres/energytips/ac.asp
"For each degree you raise your thermostat setting, you reduce seasonal cooling costs by 3 percent to 5 percent. "
This would equate to a cost savings of 6% to 10% in air conditioning.
I'd say DCSS would spend a considerable amount on air conditioning if we stared two weeks later and ended two weeks later..
Correction to my last post .."I'd say DCSS would spend a considerable amount on air conditioning if we stared two weeks later and ended two weeks later.. "
ReplyDelete"Based on the average temperatures and the cost of cooling for each degree, DCSS would spend a considerable amount LESS on air conditioning if we stared two weeks later at the end of August and ended two weeks later in mid June "
And don't forget that August is the most polluted month because it is the second hottest month of the year. As soon as the buses hit the road, we immediately get more code orange days. With the asthma epidemic in Atlanta, this is terrible for our children.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why we bother "voting". They obviously do what they want, regardless.
ReplyDelete