I favor new school calendar
I would like to share my family experience with the alternate, more balanced, 45-15 school calendar. My son has attended Bobby Ray for the past two years. Initially, I had reservations concerning a non-traditional school calendar. I had some of the same concerns some of the citizens in our community are expressing now as we try to reach a decision about which type of calendar best facilitates learning.
Before enrolling my child at Bobby Ray, I researched the issue and discovered there is strong evidence to support a non-traditional calendar. I searched the Web and talked with teachers and other parents and decided to try the 45-15 schedule. After being on the 45-15 schedule for the past two years, I strongly support a non-traditional calendar.
I don’t feel my child or our family has missed out on anything. My son has been able to play sports in the summer and fall without conflicting with school. Most ball games are on weekends and practices are after school hours when most of the coaches are off work.
The students get a six-week summer break, which allows time for family vacations and provides children the opportunity to experience the joy of summer. They also have several hours of daylight after school to get outside and enjoy all nature has to offer. They have three-week breaks in the spring, fall and winter, which is a great time for family vacations. It also gives students an opportunity to learn about the differences in each season.
I frequently spend time at school for various activities and have seen the enthusiasm in the children when they return from breaks. After three weeks off, they are ready to come back, and after nine weeks in school, they are ready for a break. The teachers also seem more relaxed and energized on the more balanced schedule.
Many people do not realize the school offers a day care for children during breaks for parents who need one. Another great thing Bobby Ray has done is to offer enrichment classes during intersession for students. These classes are completely voluntary and they do not impact a child’s grade.
It is easy to find documentation to support either side of an issue but the true indicator is talking to people who have actually had experience with the issue. The parents and teachers I’ve talked with are in favor of a non-traditional schedule. The only problem I have heard parents complain of is that not all schools are on the same schedule. Several have stated they would like for all of their children to be on a non-traditional schedule since the middle and high schools are on traditional schedules.
I encourage parents and concerned citizens of Warren County to talk with their friends and neighbors whose children attend Bobby Ray and have tried the non-traditional calendar.
Angie Driver
Higginbotham Road
McMinnville