No need for a half day
To the Editor,
I am a grandfather of two elementary age students in the Everett Public Schools and have a question for Superintendent Hart and the School Committee. What is the purpose of an 11:00 A.M. dismissal on Friday, December 20, the Friday before Christmas vacation? Who approved this ridiculous request? Many families are trying to work a little extra during this season to offset the additional expenses of the holidays and now parents have to leave work early to pick up their kids or make a special request to other relatives, (grandparents like myself) to pick up the children. My wife and I have our own preparations that need to get completed and now, my Friday plans need to be rearranged because of pick up. I was shocked when my daughter asked if I would mind picking up the children Friday. The actual holidays are not until Tuesday and Wednesday. It is not like they fall on Sunday and Monday where extra time could be needed. There is no need for a half day when there are three full days before the start of the holiday. Half days are not convenient for parents, other arrangements need to be made, often at the sacrifice of money that most of us in today’s age need as much as we can just to make ends meet. Half days do not benefit our students who need more classroom time than less. This is unacceptable.
Joe Mancini