Kings Dominion law’ likely to live on, leaving first day of school after Labor Day. (hotel, college)

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

If kids are going to school 180 days, what difference does it make when they start? Is there something better about getting more of June off than August?

Some might say that the schools that start in August have more time in class before the spring SOL testing window. I don't know why they can't just shift the testing window. For example, if one county starts two weeks earlier than Fairfax, then why can't the testing window be two weeks later for Fairfax?

At least the pool water is usually warmer in August than it is in June.

[choff5]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Some might say that the schools that start in August have more time in class before the spring SOL testing window. I don't know why they can't just shift the testing window. For example, if one county starts two weeks earlier than Fairfax, then why can't the testing window be two weeks later for Fairfax?

At least the pool water is usually warmer in August than it is in June.

SOLs can be shifted but AP exams are national and can't. But no ones at the pools in August now, they're all on vacation!

[CaliTerp07]

For AP testing, it's a huge disadvantage. Nevermind that June is basically a wash at all levels--once testing is done, the brains shut down on pre-summer preparations.

My students are taking SOLs through the 8th of June this year (mine is the last one in the building), so there won't be that much down time at the end, but other classes are taking them mid-May...which gives them 4-5 weeks of trying to get the kids to care about anything.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by choff5

SOLs can be shifted but AP exams are national and can't. But no ones at the pools in August now, they're all on vacation!

True. I wasn't thinking about AP exams.

Hey, I'm at the pool in August!

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

For AP testing, it's a huge disadvantage. Nevermind that June is basically a wash at all levels--once testing is done, the brains shut down on pre-summer preparations.

My students are taking SOLs through the 8th of June this year (mine is the last one in the building), so there won't be that much down time at the end, but other classes are taking them mid-May...which gives them 4-5 weeks of trying to get the kids to care about anything.

Talk about early, the 5th and 8th grade writing SOL tests are in March.

[choff5]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

Talk about early, the 5th and 8th grade writing SOL tests are in March.

That's because someone or ones have to read all those thousands and thousands of short papers. Although next year, at least in Fairfax, the writing SOL will be online so at least the readers won't be dicyphering hand writing. I can't imagine that job.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

If kids are going to school 180 days, what difference does it make when they start? Is there something better about getting more of June off than August?

I was wondering the same thing. When I was a kid it was common in my district for school to start the day after Labor Day.

[tgbwc]

Update:

Virginia House Panel OKs Pre-Labor Day School Openings | NBC4 Washington

[researchqueen02]

I really hope they can get this bill passed. I know it is a long shot b/c $$$ is what they listen to.

It's just really late to start school Sept. 7th or 8th! If the Republicans are all for localized decision-making, then this SHOULD be a no-brainer to let local school boards decide when to start their school year. Of course, they are actually for the corporate interests more than they care about local decision making.

Why should Fairfax or Arlington be held up on starting school just b/c Va. Beach wants to keep their hotels filled up longer? Who can we contact to push for supporting this change?

[GMcCall]

The Republics are for anyone who can donate the most $$$, my fomrer rep basically gave them that spill after he left office.