March 28, 2024

School calendar has twist you can’t miss

I just found out the 2017-2018 school calendar is out. I remember seeing something about school getting out every Monday afternoon at 1:30 for Professional Development, and I was OK with that idea. Having an entire Monday off every month was sometimes difficult so this was a great way to let the teachers get their Professional Development time and not have to have a three day weekend once a month.

I was mistaken — and maybe you were too. The schools will dismiss at 1:30 on Mondays AND there will be no school on the last Monday of the month as it will also be a Professional Development day. This is about 11 hours of Professional Development time each month.

In my opinion, this is pretty excessive and puts way too much strain on working families. This strategy will require working families to try to find a way to have their children picked up at various times during the week, add to a family’s daycare costs (which they already can’t afford), and/or pray that their kids don’t get into trouble because they are alone longer during the week (because they can’t afford daycare costs).

When I went to work in an office, I understood my hours were 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I would have two weeks of paid vacation a year, and I would work for people who were not very nice. I know that teachers are working longer than the 3 p.m. dismissal bell, but I do not believe they work until 5 p.m. very often. If teachers need an extra 10 hours a week for Professional Development, they can add half an hour to their work day for three days a week. I love the teachers my kids have had. I know they work hard and have to deal with people and kids that can be unpleasant. I am thankful to the people on the school board. It is my fault I did not see this in the papers or pay closer attention to agendas, etc. It is my fault I did not speak up in time. But I am asking the school board to step up and fix this schedule to help these parents and families who are stressed enough these days.

Please find another way to get Professional Development time. Please write a letter to Superintendent Callaghan and also someone on the school board to let them know how this new schedule affects your family. Even if it is different than mine — I am OK if I am in the minority. I am a stay at home mom who can take care of things easier than many in this town. But if you agree with me, make sure you indicate how this schedule truly adds to your frustrations and hurts your pocketbook and your child’s education.

Dana Simbro

Newton