“Michigan has a state law which forbids schools from opening before Labor Day.”-That law should be nationwide.- Why?? Most kids go to school the same number of days, so why is it so important that they start in September and not August? I think you live in the Atlanta area and it makes no sense for kids to be sitting at home in the A/C when they could be in an air-conditioned school, AND be outside in May and June when it’s cooler. Plus, it never made sense that I had to study for mid-terms during Christmas break (with an after Labor day start), while GA schools have their mid-terms done before the break. I have read through this argument for years and the only reasoning that people give for the after Labor Day start is “that’s the way it was when I was a kid”. (The summer break length is the same no matter when you start and end, so that argument is irrelevant)
Years ago- the first day of school was the day after Labor Day and the last day was the day before Memorial Day (called Decoration Day, when we took flowers to the graves.) Swimming pool opened Memorial day and last day was Labor Day. We didn’t have all those days off during the school year, only major holidays.
In NC we had the option for year round school. We loved it because you could take vacations at different times of the year and not worry about taking your kids out of class. Believe me Disney in early May is a whole lot better than July or even mid June. Plus you could take the kids skiing during the extended Christmas break. The teachers who worked in this system loved it just as much!
Texas requires 180 days of class. That is the same number I recall from High School in the late 70’s. Last year 30 states required 180 days. I hated the do midterm exams in January after Christmas break. I much prefer the finish the semester in December approach. Hmm the local district’s "6 week grading periods are: 24, 25, 30, 34, 34 & 33 days. The short fall gets them done in December….after a full week for Thanksgiving (wow i would have loved that as a kid in place of ridding 400 miles to Grandma’s house Wednesday afternoon/night.
Catfeet Premium Member over 10 years ago
Don’t rub it in, Rover!
LeoAutodidact over 10 years ago
Yes, but when Red goes Back-to-School Rover loses what made the Summer Day so much Fun!
Lyons Group, Inc. over 10 years ago
“Michigan has a state law which forbids schools from opening before Labor Day.”-That law should be nationwide.
Lyons Group, Inc. over 10 years ago
Also there should be a law passed by Congress that all schools in the U.S. end on the 4th Friday in May (MemorialDay Weekend).
RickMK over 10 years ago
Schools start earlier and earlier so parents can get their free babysitters earlier and earlier.
puddlesplatt over 10 years ago
Hear Hear! my tax dollars are being wasted.
lightenup Premium Member over 10 years ago
“Michigan has a state law which forbids schools from opening before Labor Day.”-That law should be nationwide.- Why?? Most kids go to school the same number of days, so why is it so important that they start in September and not August? I think you live in the Atlanta area and it makes no sense for kids to be sitting at home in the A/C when they could be in an air-conditioned school, AND be outside in May and June when it’s cooler. Plus, it never made sense that I had to study for mid-terms during Christmas break (with an after Labor day start), while GA schools have their mid-terms done before the break. I have read through this argument for years and the only reasoning that people give for the after Labor Day start is “that’s the way it was when I was a kid”. (The summer break length is the same no matter when you start and end, so that argument is irrelevant)
lightenup Premium Member over 10 years ago
I also agree.
KSfarmgirl over 10 years ago
Years ago- the first day of school was the day after Labor Day and the last day was the day before Memorial Day (called Decoration Day, when we took flowers to the graves.) Swimming pool opened Memorial day and last day was Labor Day. We didn’t have all those days off during the school year, only major holidays.
CYGNUS X1 over 10 years ago
In NC we had the option for year round school. We loved it because you could take vacations at different times of the year and not worry about taking your kids out of class. Believe me Disney in early May is a whole lot better than July or even mid June. Plus you could take the kids skiing during the extended Christmas break. The teachers who worked in this system loved it just as much!
Dry and Dusty Premium Member over 10 years ago
Our school started here in PA on August 22. A Thursday, no less.
TexMichael over 10 years ago
Texas requires 180 days of class. That is the same number I recall from High School in the late 70’s. Last year 30 states required 180 days. I hated the do midterm exams in January after Christmas break. I much prefer the finish the semester in December approach. Hmm the local district’s "6 week grading periods are: 24, 25, 30, 34, 34 & 33 days. The short fall gets them done in December….after a full week for Thanksgiving (wow i would have loved that as a kid in place of ridding 400 miles to Grandma’s house Wednesday afternoon/night.
TexMichael over 10 years ago
Watch out for those school buses, MomTaxis and kids coming & going.
hamcg over 10 years ago
Our kids started today. Last day of school is June 12. During the year, school is closed 24 days. Total in-shool days: 185.