Have you noticed that those who want numerous shut-downs
talk about me, myself, and I, constantly. Must work for Delta!
Why do you think the school board wants to penalize working Moms with these ridiculous numerous vacations, then start school in August and end it in June? It isn't for the students or the parents. Who else is left? Could it be the employees or teachers, or both? Why? Think.

What's a normal school calendar? The old traditional one based on the needs of farmers (hence having a long summer off)? I am glad the FCBOE looks at the what's best in educating it's students and not what makes life easier for Mom and Dad. Most teachers I know (and I know a lot of them) like the current calendar as they get frequent breaks, reducing the burnout of kids and teachers. As to boredom, you can be just as bored in the summer. If you aren't traveling (we didn't), you can hit the indoor pool at Kedron (cheap), play putt-putt, go to many attractions in Atlanta, or just have some down-time at home. Plus there were several day camps that week, and many of the local daycare's adapted their programs for the school aged children during winter break. Bored kids should not be a consideration in establishing the school calendar. Only what's best for educating our kids.

Mom to 3, plus a few strays

To the FCBOE: I'll trade you a week in February for a week in August, 10,000 frequent flyer miles and a ski trip to be named later. We just don't need OR WANT a week off in February!

It's not about what you need. It's about what's best for the students and teachers.

Mom to 3, plus a few strays

I'm still trying to figure out exactly why, taking a week of vacation after only being back at school for a little over a month, is best for students and teachers? Can someone explain that to me?

Oh I forgot, its all about not putting too much stress on the children and teachers. I mean all that studying and homework ...and then there are the tests, its probably more than they can take.

Newsflash...that's what children and teachers are supposed to do...go to school, study and Teach.

that having more breaks spread out in the school year is better for the students. They still go 180 days, just don't have off quite as much time in the Summer. I've been on this schedule with my Children for about 5 years now and find it works out well. They went to this about 5 years ago in Henry County when I lived there. I moved to Fayette (PTC) almost 2 years ago and was glad when the County here did the same thing. We have always planned something on the Winter break. Great time to go most anywhere, mountains, Florida parks etc. You won't believe how much fun the Florida Parks are when they are jammed packed. This year my Son spent the week in Florida with his Grandfather.

Obviously you aren't a working parent that has to arrange for daycare for your children during these excessive breaks. It can be quite expensive. Personally, I would prefer the longer summer and less breaks during the school. Of course, I suppose the big question would be does the child benefit more? My experience has been that it is more difficult to get the child back in the "school mode" after a week off during the school year and we go through that transition several times a year instead of the one time at the end of summer....and....at the end of summer after a nice, long break, my children are more willing to go back to school. Just my two cents. Lawdawga

And just who determined this is best for the children? The same people who determined that corporal punishment was detrimental to their well being? And the outcome of that is few children respect adults and they realize there are few if any repurcussions for their actions.

Our society was far better off before we let these child Psychologist's take over our systems. They want us to reason with the child. Newsflash, it's hard to reason with many adults let alone a child.

Our teachers have little control over the classroom, the principal has little control over the school, and many parents have little control over their children.

I am fortunate enough to have two children that are being brought up to respect people. I wish I could say the same about many others.

Dana Kinser

Take a close look at the whole school calendar. It is very unbalanced. In the fall there is just a few extended weekends. In the winter/spring you have two week-long breaks. This just doesn't make sense.
You hear various comments as to why this happens. One is that they want to make sure that the High School students can take exams before Christmas break. I've also heard that there isn't a week long break in the fall because it would affect football. I am sorry but neither of those is a justified reason. If you are going to have extended breaks, make them balanced throughout the whole school year.

PS. To those who think that the break in February is great, please consider those families where both parents work and don't have the time to take vacation and are unable to push off their kids on other relatives. It is not a wonderful time for them.

I have yet to see anyone in this forum make the connection as to why the school system should make their calendar work around a parents day care needs. So far it seems the only complaint about winter break is that it incovenient to parents. Too bad!! As parents we need to work around our kids education. That is supposed to be our priority. We moved to Fayette County to be part of a great school system, and in doing so, knew we would have to make choices. Those choices being older cars, smaller house, less toys. Whether a family has to work 10 or 15 jobs to survive is not the school systems problem.

I don't consider my Child spending quality time with his Family as pushing him off on anyone.

Re: the time off, I don't see the real difference in when the time off is. They still have 180 days of school, and in most years, 185 days out of school.

I think a three-week break after each quarter would be great.

Don't complain too much, folks, because in high-population areas of Florida, California, and other spots they not only have year-round schedules, but sometimes students are on staggered tracks so that the library, cafeteria, gym, etc. are not overimpacted. In other words, the school isn't big enough for them so they can't all be there at once. And often sibblings aren't on the same track, so when one kid is off for two weeks in April another is in.

How would you like that?

No?

Then stop taking your current schedule for granted. Your kids are in great schools and have a great schedule.

But if you insist on continuing to whine, go get some cheese.