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Reconsider school calendar

Feb. 26, 2020 |

The East Longmeadow Education Association (ELEA) recently learned of the school committee’s decision to dismiss the school year calendar that has been in place since 2007.   Although we acknowledge the committee’s authority to set the school calendar, we are extremely disappointed in the process that led to their decision. We believe changes in policy should be supported with compelling reasons, and when possible, research and data collection. A survey was released to staff and families regarding this issue and an overwhelming percentage of staff (87.6%) and over half of East Longmeadow families who responded (50.6%) favored that no changes be made to the existing start to school routine.  Despite the data indicating a change was not necessary, the East Longmeadow School Committee chose to ignore the voice of the school community.  It is certainly the committee’s prerogative to disregard the preferences of the public and faculty, but we believe such actions devalue family and staff input and could have a detrimental effect on future input from the community and cause mistrust.  

The current past practice always featured a first week of school that began on Monday for teachers and Tuesday for students. The week ended on Thursday resulting in a four-day weekend before Labor Day. First and foremost, the existing schedule eases students into the school year with a three day week, followed by a four day week. With childhood anxiety on the rise and social emotional learning at the forefront of education, this schedule has worked well to decrease such issues.  We reject the notion that missing that Friday significantly impacts student achievement.

We respectfully request that the East Longmeadow School Committee reconsider the school year calendar for 2020-2021 and revert to the Monday through Thursday schedule that has worked so well for over a decade.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the 350 members of the East Longmeadow Education Association,

Eliel Gonzalez, President
Jill Rogalski, Vice-President
Lynne Kerber, Secretary
Wendy Lee, Treasurer
Abby Steiner, Member At Large
Marianne McCauley, MS Building Rep
Sara Scibelli, MV Building Rep
Mark Bail, HS Building Rep
Kris Nordin, HS Building Rep
Julie Elkhay, MB Building Rep
Deb Romano, MB Building Rep
Kim Kehoe, BP Building Rep
Donna Phelps, BP Building Rep
Judith Rosso, Para Rep
Frances Mercieri, Para Rep

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