What on earth is the deal with the shortened school days in Wake county? (Durham: lawyers, home)

[ladybug07]

I know its not the Wake Co area, but on Ft. Bragg/ Pope AFB they do it. Not a big deal.

[bobbis]

Can't the teachers just stay an hour later that day...better yet, really start to communicate with each other and stay an hour later every day. I have to do this at my job all the time.

[adlnc07]

Originally Posted by bobbis

Can't the teachers just stay an hour later that day...better yet, really start to communicate with each other and stay an hour later every day. I have to do this at my job all the time.

My stepmother is an elementary school teacher (in NY, not here) and you would be amazed at the number of hours she works. I always thought teaching was a cushy job - all those holidays, summers off, short hours, what more could you want? Then she became a teacher and I saw just how hard it was. Nine times out of ten if I call up there at 8 or 9pm during the school year she's doing something school-related. I don't know if they have any early dismissal days up there, but in my opinion saying "just stay an hour later" isn't the answer to teachers needing more work time. As a matter of fact, I believe she stays until 4 or 5pm every day - and I know their school gets out a whole lot earlier than that!

[CalicoskiesNC]

I agree with Zoya, public school is not daycare. Work out your schedules and your childcare and stop complaining that your life has the occasional obstacle.

[StMichael929]

what are kids doing in school anyway? It is the middle of July!!!

[ladybug07]

Originally Posted by StMichael929

what are kids doing in school anyway? It is the middle of July!!!

Year round school

[CAKD]

Wake county isn't the only district doing this. i spoke to my sil out in CA last night and due to CA budgets they are having early release on Mondays out there.

[capt chill]

As a teacher this is one of the most idiotic ideas to come down the pike. Please the last thing most teachers want to do is have more meetings. I would much rather be in the classroom in front of my kids. If anyone really believes it will improve teaching and make a difference I have a bridge to sell you in NYC!! Have these meetings 4 times a year on a Saturday am and pay us a small amount of maybe some comp time if you really believe the BS that you administrators have been sold. PLCs these learning communities are a farce.

[PDXmom]

Originally Posted by capt chill

PLCs these learning communities are a farce.

I think it depends on the group of teachers. I've seen the PLCs work VERY well and not so well at our school here in Durham. Honestly, it just depends on the group of teachers.

Durham has been doing the early release for 2 years now. At first, I grumbled. But I like it now. It gives my kids a chance to catch up or get ahead on homework projects or spend some extra time in the Library reading and searching for books.

I know ALL the teachers that my kids have had here in Durham, work longer days than they are contracted to do.

While having kids at multiple schools and mulitple schedules might cause some inconvience for a few, I think the long term benefits of early release to the teachers and thus the students are necessary.

BTW, many Catholic Schools have done this for years and I've never heard of these parents complain even though they are writing a big fat check to go along w/ that education.

[cncsmomndad]

I just wish the early release was on Fridays.