Mixed reviews for year-round school calendar
Posted January 30, 2013 12:11 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LANGLEY (NEWS1130) – Students in Langley soon could be hitting the books in the summer now that the school district is considering year-round classes along with two other scheduling options.
For the most part, parents are not keen on the idea.
Nothing would change with the first option of the proposed new plan, and the second possibility includes an extended Christmas and Spring break.
The third option includes the year-round school calendar.
Most parents, like this mom say they like the status quo. “I would prefer to have the extra weeks in the summer versus in the time we have terrible weather. So that’s what it comes down to for me, I don’t think I would take advantage of the intercession programs that they are advertising.”
Many say changes would impact childcare, extracurricular activities and even vacation time from work.
“Concerns would be daycare, summer, not having the kids able to go out and play, they’re stuck inside during the rainy months…and sports. If they’re playing other districts, now they’re not able to do that while they’re stuck in school. Let’s say Surrey is in a different session than us, it’s not going to be all across the board,” says Jen.
“It’s not just about summer holiday playtime, it’s about spending time with family. It’s not just because the kids aren’t in school doesn’t mean they aren’t learning valuable lessons,” adds another parent.
But keeping the kids in the classroom in the summer does benefit some families.
“In my case, my daycare provider sometimes takes some time off in July. (If) they’re going to be in school, so maybe it doesn’t matter as much,” argues Andrew.
The school board will continue consultations, and could make their decision as to which schedule they will implement as early as March. If a new schedule is chosen, it will be introduced in the 2014/2015 school year.
A few other schools in the province have ditched the traditional calendar.
Click here for information provided by the Langley School District about the different options on the table.
