Jan 13, 2009 9:07 pm US/Eastern
Schools To Make Up Ice Storm Days On Saturdays
HOLDEN (WBZ) ―
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A scene from the ice storm in Holden last month.
Bruce Harned/WBZ
It goes over like a lead snowball, the idea of school on two Saturdays, March 7 and 21, in Holden; but that's what the Wachusett Regional School Committee has approved, to make-up for days lost to the December
ice storm, along with canceling a couple of previously scheduled "no school" days, March 20 and April 10.
"I think it's ridiculous, asking the kids to go to school on Saturdays, because they're going to have a six-day week with one day off. I think they're going to be worn out, not interested. Most of their sports and activities go on on Saturdays," said parent Jeanne Gunning, who has a kindergartner, a 4th and 6th grader.
The state Education Commissioner met late on Monday with Superintendents of 15 school districts from north central Massachusetts facing similar problems fulfilling the state's requirement for a 180-day school year.
On Tuesday, the school districts asked the state for waivers to cover missed school days. Their request was denied.
"I've taken the position that we need to make up the time. Our 180 days is precious in terms of our students, critical for learning," said Commissioner Mitchell Chester.
What does Jeanne Gunning think a good resolution would be?
"Take a few days out of the vacations for February and April and then add a couple of minutes to the end of the school day," she explains.
Wendy Scott of Holden has a kindergartener, 4th and 7th graders. "I'm a substitute teacher," she says, "and I can see myself maybe working some Saturdays. I think there's going to be some teachers who have plans," she says but adds that many parents don't think the school district should ask for a waiver because the kids need to prepare for MCAS tests and they need an education.
The Commissioner has the authority to grant waivers of the 180 day regulation. "What I've said to our superintendents is 'it's too early to be talking about waivers,' said Chester.
Wendy Scott and Jeanne Gunning say they'll just have to tough it out because it's a continuing result of an emergency caused by nature; and there's a lot of winter left.
Some districts have already made a decision as to how they will make up the days:
- The Wachusett Regional District will do Saturdays in March. It's also cancelling a couple of previously scheduled "no school" days.
- North Middlesex Regional will hold class on Good Friday and school won't let out until June 30.
- Fitchburg's last day of school will now be June 26 instead of June 15.
- Gardner is holding a school committee meeting to discuss their options.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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