I don't think extended day adds as much instruction for the students...15 more minutes per day cannot give the instruction needed like adding days could. I completely agree with taking the Feb break! It's like we got it this week.... I understand peoples' complaints about vacations and stuff, but I definitely don't want to be going to school in July. We're bound to get lots more snow this year, may as well start making them up as soon as possible, seeing that we'll probably have more make up days.

How are we getting 6 days they will only be out 5 days! Make the kids go back to school Monday.

I think all the 1/2 day conference days should be turned into full days so we can keep our Feb. break. A lot of people have already made plans for this break.

As a student at East Paulding, I am disappointed in our county leadership. Taking the day in March is fine; its not needed. Cancelling a week (a month away mind you..) that was a promised school break is foolish and shows the lack of competence in our Paulding County Board of Education.

All I can say is they better get ready to not meet AYP (again) and to be frowned upon by the state for lack of attendance.

SP
I had heard on the news when they interviewed another school system official from another county that since the state was declared under a state of emergency much like the flood last year that 4 days do not have to be made up. I think that the board should ask members in the community their suggestions. I know a lot of families and teachers that have already made plans and paid for vacations for that week.

I am glad to have a job but I have also put out a lot of money for a trip in February. If you don't have kids in school or this doesn't effect you then you really don't need to worry about it do you?

Morale in this county is about as low as it can get. Thanks for hitting us again. We did not get any input into this, thus sending out the message that "stakeholders" aren't important. Also, what about AYP? They are kidding themselves if they think parents who already have paid for plans will not still be taking their trips, etc.

Jim
I am very dissappointed. We had already planned to take our daughter to Disney World during the February break. She is three years old and I can not imagine how I am going to tell her since daddy has to work now. It just isn't fair. Disney World is ALL we have been talking about. We have already started counting down the days until our trip. I think Mr. Cole should have to tell my daughter that we can't go on our trip.

I can't believe that this was not surveyed before a decision was made. If I had a vacation planned that week my kids or myself would be missing school. We found out last year that it isn't the whole day that needs to be made up, but "instructional" time. What about the early release days? Those could be used to make up those hours, as well as conference week. Just seems like they really did not consider the effects this decision was going to make on all those involved.

I love it that John is having to pay my salary while I sit on my tush at home. It sounds like John has a little teacher envy. John I will be thinking of you when I roll over in the morning at 9.
P.S. I am not complaining just sleeping in.

John-That is just a ridiculous statement to make. If you had paid over $1000 to take your family on a trip and your boss called and said "Oh, I'm sorry. You've got to work even though we told you A YEAR AGO you had this week off." You'd be a little upset too. No one is complaining about having time off. They are upset that no consideration was given to the fact parents and teachers have spent a lot of money on non-refundable vacations. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes before you run your mouth.

Luckily, my vacation plans didn't work out b/c my husband has to work. But if they had worked out we'd be going on vacation and I'd take UNPAID days off. I'm not going to disappoint my family b/c Paulding County can't make a good decision to save their lives!

The website says nothing about a board meeting on Tuesday. There was a called board meeting on Thursday today the 13th. There is nothing on the school website about a meeting on Tuesday. Plus how did they know on Tuesday we would be out all week? I find this to not be too reliable. Also Nathan Deal announced that school can miss 4 days until they have to make them up. We don't have to make up every single day.

There is still time to change the minds of the school board. Let them know you are unhappy. They are elected officials and can be swayed to change their mind. Once the new governor realizes that people are not happy about having to go extra days into the summer or extended days he will make the 4 day waiver idea his idea. Our wonderful democracy at work.

Don't you get the Summers off? Why don't you plan your vacations in the Summer?

I realize they have missed 6 days of school due to weather but have we come to a point that we no longer have any time built in the calendar for this? How can we have a calendar that has not considered any bad weather days after the floods from last year? Is there not also any consideration for the fact that we had a state of emergency that allows for any waivers? Poor planning on the county if this is the case. I also realize many people have scheduled vacations during this time and it is only a month away not allowing for the ability to reschedule plans. Parents and teachers should have a say in a revised schedule and what works for the majority.

This county is run by monkeys. I am embarassed to live in Paulding County.

This was a really dumb decision. Students, Teachers, Faculty ALL need this break. It gives us a chance to relax and escape the stress of school. Families have spent hundreds to thousands on these trips. Seniors are choosing to take their senior trips during this break. Me, being one of them, I'm going to just take my finals instead of exempting them and go on my senior trip. Take away the early release days. We had 4 inclement weather days? well then we only need to make up two days really... why make us go the whole week when we get 4 free? That right there is common sense. ALSO, the board needs to start involving the teachers and letting them help with decisions when THEY do ALL the HARD WORK. They teach us every day, and YES they do need a break from us students!!!

I am not a teacher and have no plans that week but have owned my home for 12 years in paulding county and I am definitely tired of not getting to have any input in deciding what happens to my children. Wake up paulding county schools and get a clue.

Hannah
this whole thing is crap. Paulding county has the WORSE school board known to man. It is ridiculous to take a break away that is next month cause of some dag gum snow. They shouldve put snow days into our calender...that wouldve been a smart decission. If they really think that people will show up to school when they have a vacation planned then they are highly mistaken. Cause I sure as heck won't be there! People wonder why we don't make ayp?? Maybe cause there is nothin but a bunch of dummies workin at the school!

Well, I think that week in Feb is RIDICULOUS anyway... Kids in GA get way too many early release days, teacher work days and conference weeks anyway. And then we wonder why test scores suck so badly...
Quit your complaining.. You can never please anyone all the time... Take your vacations in teh SUMMER like we used to do when We WERE KIDS!

Let's see you either work (teacher) or go to school (student) for approx 180 days a year and you're complaining about this?? Reality check people

Listen here snow white it's not complaining when you just voicing your opinion. We use our breaks to relax from our hectic school lives. Cause the material we learn now is way more advanced then what yall learned back in the day. But you can go bak to your fairy tail land now :)

What do you think this will do to AYP when those kids whose parents have plans are out? How much do you think this will cost the county for subs @ $65.00 a day. Do they have enough subs to cover that whole week? Those on the board are idiots and should all be voted out!

Yeah Snow White, they only get off 2 weeks at Christmas and have to go to school for 19 days in January , of course they need a week off in February !!!! Jeez

paulding county is a joke!

Umm Craig your sarcasm is not needed what year did you go to school? You don't understand the crap we learn now. So yes a week break is needed thank you.

Dear monkies,
I would to say that you have made a very poor decision. I'm already embarrassed to live in PC. this does not help matters. I'm changing schools.

*I'm very disappointed in my fellow rednecks.

Love,
Cha cha

I absolutely do not agree with this decision. The students are already in school seven hours per day for five days each week. One unintentional week without school should not result in punishing the students by taking away their well-deserved winter break. Planned vacations for winter break are ruined due to lack of planning from the Paulding County School District. This is completely unprofessional, unappreciated, and unfair to all involved.

It is an excellent idea! They don't need a winter break. They just had 2 weeks in december and get a week for spring break. The Febuary break should be done away with.

The boards don't send out a survey for anything else,so why on this occasion.Plan your vacations in the summer like the rest of the country.Working parents have a hard enough time figuring out what to do on all the early release days ,as well as, teacher work days.Extending the day is worthless because all the teachers do is give the kids worksheets or show them some movie they have already seen a hundred times.Do your jobs and be happy you have one.Congrats to the school board on making a difficult decision that is really in the best interest of the students,which is what there primary focus should be on,and not on teachers and parents "planned" vacations.GET OVER IT!

parapro

I am at a loss as to what to say. Take our planned break away, what do I tell my husband and my kids that they can't visit their grandparents that week?

Oh my they are in class 7 hours a day for 5 days a week?? My my how horrible. Glad we never had to do that as kids that would have been awful, I can't even imagine that? How will they ever cope with having to work 8 hours a day for 5 days a week?? At least Hannah is studying things we never studied before , she will be all set .

hey snow white from fairy land. Why dont you come to north and teach me and the rest of my senior classmates some government and econ. or some british literature sence our "test" scores suck so badly our teachers go through enough crap as it is and us students dont need your fantasy sarcasm.

I think they should just add a week on to the end of the year. So what if we get out a week later. This is going to be a "hot mess" due to the fact that so many people have planned vacations. The board should have given us the opportunity to vote on this instead of making such a hasty decision. This is the kind of thing that really upsets people and will truly lower morale. We get plenty of breaks, much needed breaks, so what would be so hard about just adding a week to the end of the year.

I must say, as a student at North Paulding High, im very disappointed in our county! Paulding County really needs to understand how this is affecting others not just the people running the board. So many plans and vacations have been planned for that week. As i understand we are allowed to miss up to 4 days; this means we should only have to make up 2 days. Use march 11th, and conference week, or an early release day to make up these 2 days. It doesn't make since to lose a whole week to make up 2 days. I dont see how the board could be ok taking away a pomised break from so many. Teachers alike deserve this break and so does everyone else! I would like for the board to allow for your county to vote this to the end instead of not considering anyone elses opinions. BTW Paulding County, you do realize know one, and i mean know one is going to show up that week! Realize that if plans have been made know one is going to cancel them. Just think about how this will make you look! I think that it would be a foolish idea to take away 5 days to make up 2!!! Grow up and learn to consider others. Ask yourself, If you were promised one week off over a year ago, and then a month before told that you can't have that break? Imagine what you would feel like? Just because you didnt have plans set doesnt mean that others didn't!!!! Learn to accept there are other ways around this.........

With all due respect Craig maybe you should rethink you lil comment. I'm sorry that I bust my butt in school trying to pass cause these teachers can't teach worth a crap maybe they learned from our stupid school board? How bout you walk a day in my shoes then you make smart remarks.

Ummm Yea not a smart decision Paulding County!!! First of all I think that the parents....You know of the children you are "teaching" should get some say in this!!!! We aren't the ones in the first place that started all the "breaks". I remember when we went from Christmas break to MLK day and then Spring Break, however You all decided to put the breaks in there and now you want to take it away cause of some snow and ice!!! Come on give me a break!!!! Families have vacations planned and paid for!!!! Hey, here's an idea....consider this week furlough days!! LOL

For those of us who do work outside the school system and have a planned vacation around the school break which was purchased for a b/d gift last year against the sschool schedule. The parents did the homework and reality check after the floods last year would have smart educators building in emergency days such as snow days or flood days or whatever other catastrophe that comes along to cancel school throughout the year. Then yes, us parents who did the smart checking the school calendar before purchasing vacation packages went in good faith with school calendar. we even waited until Dec. to purchase airline tickets. So please don't tell me we should not get that week off and the school board should not take away the break 5 weeks prior to that break. That is totally unresponsible of the school board to their students and families who will lose the financial money they have put out. Paulding Couny is being irresponsible in this case. There needs to be a way where everyone can be a winner not just giving up the break that everyone has already planned 5 weeks out and it is too late to cancel and get money back!

That's just wonderful....NOT! We have a week long NON-REFUNDABLE trip to Whistler already planned for our family the week of Winter Break. We are not changing our plans so now we'll be taking along school work to make up. My oldest daughter just missed a bunch of school due to illness. Seems like the School Board just took the easy way out instead of considering other options such as extending the school day or adding days at the end of the year. I have to assume A LOT of people planned vacations and family events for the week in February we were told we had off.....

i agree with cha cha!!!!!!!!!!!! (((:
this is not fair it's not our fair that this happened, people already have plans for their winter break with plane tickets already paid LIKE ME.

Not fair to the families that have already put hefty deposits on vacation plans for their families during that week. They will wind up with half empty schools because most people will go on vacation anyhow. Great decision Paulding County. You have managed to tick every parent in the county off.

It's not the fact that people are losing a break that is upsetting everyone. It's the fact that people were told we could have this break and families planned vacations around this. This is ricioulus that we can't have this break because of the snow days. Add 15 minutes to our days or extend our half days. Taking away a full week is just stupid when the families who will be on vacation won't be at school anyways.

Well I have 2 kids that will be missing en entire week of school. (Thanks board of education)
We have a trip planned for 21 people, 10 of which happen to be Paulding County students. This trip is paid for and no turning back now. I really hope that you can come up with an alternative to this, I imagine there are several people with simiar circumstances.

I can't believe all the stupid comments on this board. Sometimes life is unfair, isn't it? Get over it

Scott you try gettin over it when your trip to Aspen gets cancled....Kay?

Sympathize with vacationers. I am not personally impacted but that was my first thought. At this late notice, they probably should have tried to strike a balance and grab a day here and there including Spring break and maybe tack a day on end of year. Don't like skipping days as that comes at expense of education.

Don't like extended days as learning diminishes greatly as day goes on so it's not effective. I have heard many teachers say that they spend the first few days or even longer after breaks depending on length just getting kids caught back up and focused on learning so you can basically throw away last week from an educational standpoint. I do see the continuity as at least one positive in all of this.

NO ONE WILL BE AT SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY BREAK.. (:

Unreal how many people planned vacations , the airport is going to be busy that week. So much for the economy being bad , must be nice to be all worried that you might miss a week of school or not be able to go on a vacation while millions of other people are worried about finding a job or paying their mortgage. This is really a small blip on the radar of life , don't you think??

Well in my opinion I think that over the winter holiday which was not long ago and the time off due to weather the students seem to forget the stuff learned over the year and like my child struggles in reading and is behind so I think the break being used for lost time is helpful to both students and teachers. But as I said just my opinion no offense to n e one.

Thank you rednecks make me sick. Take me with you to where ever your going ???? ((:

And hey guys what is this AYP thing we speak of anyways?? Not that it really matters. Paulding county has never and will never win anything . Why ? Because they're dumb rednecks. End of story.

Once again love,
Your bud cha cha
(if anyone needs any counseling I, here for for ya cowboys. This is a tragic event)

uhmm scott shut up ;)

Totally confused about how the BOE could make this kind of decision so quickly. I pity those school employees who had vacations already paid for and now have to decide whether to take them or not. As to people saying to take your vacations in the summer, it is true that it costs less to take them in February as the vacation spots are not as expensive as they are at spring break or in the summer. Also, teachers get paid by the DAY we work. That amount times the number of days we work equals our pay. That is then divided into 12 equal installments so that we receive pay in the summer that we have already worked for. Oh, yes, and let's not forget about the $400 a month my husband and I are losing due to furloughs. For families where both spouses are teachers, their hits from furloughs may be even larger. Take away that $5000 we will lose this year and then take away a break we were promised. What will happen to the already low morale then? If you think teachers' jobs are so easy and the breaks are unnecessary, I invite you to go into any school and take over any teacher's job for a week. A day will probably convince you it's not for you, but a week certainly will do so. Any parent I've ever had in my classroom is always of the opinion that they wouldn't do our job for love or money. We do it for love and very little money.

Has this already been voted on? It seems to me that the BOARD would have put the option out today and most likely vote on it on Jan. 25th. Maybe everyone should sit back and type a nice email to their local board member before everyone gets so upset.
But please make sure you proof read your emails, since some of these post are poorly written.

Ohh Scott I'll be thinking about your sorry self while I'm hittin the slopes over MY FEBUARY BREAK :)

lmao hannah !!!!

Ya know who won't be at school that week????? Cha cha won't (((;

ohhh either will I, i'll be soaking up in the sun (;

Scott:
I am assuming you're talking about your comment as being one of the stupid ones. This isn't about "unfair." We all learn to accept that sometimes things aren't fair. However, this county has a precedence of seeking and listening to parent and teacher and even student input on issues dealing with calendar and schedule. This decision, made in haste, seems to mark a departure from that open policy, and for no good reason. In similar situation last year, minutes were added to the days of the balance of the year...and that was a decision made by putting the issue out in front of the parents and teachers on the website and requesting input.
In contrast, this was a decision made practically in secret - as it was not published that the issue would be handled today - and was made on a day that many people couldn't get out to attend even if they knew it would be handled today.
It's not that things aren't "fair," Scott. You've taken a complex issue and tried to make it something it's not. Perhaps there are a lot of things about this issue you just don't know about or understand.
The Paulding County School District has until recently worked to foster a culture of honoring the wishes and needs of all "Stakeholders" in the county. Now, with a new Superintendent, it just may be that those days are over. That is at the heart of this issue and is a way bigger thing to deal with than your "life is unfair" comment.

I do not even live there but had vacation plans with someone that does. It is really stupid of Paulding to do this...forget that kids may not NEED the break or whatever some of the very rude people are saying on here. You told these children and parents and teachers for over a year they had this week off. People had plans made and you seem to be the most inconsiderate people I have ever seen. I always had the fondest memories of Ga from living and going to school there all my life. This really one dumb decision makes me glad I did not live in Paulding apparently. And I thought the North people acted stupid over "snow" days!

Oh My Gosh! Really? I can't believe that people is really whinning about making up days that was suppose to be a "week holiday". Really people. Stuff like this happens in everyday life and its not like the school district planned for it to snow and the roads to be icy. Maybe they need to do it where kids go to school year round like it was when I grew up and we didn't have spring break and summer breaks and winter breaks. Kids are too spoiled nowadays. This is about your childrens education and nothing else. Give it a rest.

Awful!! I know families that have already spent thousands on a vacation a month away that they will probably still take! What about teachers who also have counted on those days. I guess it's ok to furlough them and take away vacation (probably non refundable) with little notice. They have no choice but to be at school. I guess that is more money taken from them by the county.

The actual vote to modify the calendar is going to be January 25th. Today's vote was merely a vote to propose the change. It will never pass.

If this had been on the published agenda Today on the website when they decided to close schools for tomorrow, you bet I would have braved the icy roads to voice my opinion. We have a once-in-a-lifetime memory making experience planned for our 4 students as well as 6 other family that are students. It was planned & paid for well over 6 mo ago. As the mom of a child with special medical needs, adding 5 to her record is unfair and unnecessary.

I'm a senior at south paulding and I've been in the paulding county system since kindergarten. And of all the stupid and idiotic things I've seen this school system do, this is by far the worst. You just can't take away a break that was already voted on and approved. A good amount of us aren't gonna be at school because we've already had plans. And the rest are just gonna protest and not come. Good job guys. Another screw up.

I agree with taking half days and other single day holidays. It seems every two weeks I have to pick my son up early because he has a half day. Kids these days have way too many days off. It makes it hard on parents to find people to watch them. At least with the february break we can plan for a whole week of daycare instead of this sparatic days here and there. I do think the fall and winter break is a little much but it does shorter summer break and less time in off in the summer helps kids to remember what they learn the year before. I just hope we arent on the way to year around school. I had that when i was a kid and that sucked big time.

Well, if nobody goes to school that week...meaning teachers and students sort of "strike"...I think the BOE would get the point, there is strength in numbers...they cant fire everybody! The idea that someone had about extending 1/2 days is brilliant...too bad the board doesnt think this logical. I understand that they are trying to make up time...but it appears that NO consideration was made for the ones that they are affecting.

I find this to be very inconsiderate. Why do we not have any weather days built in? I know many people that have planned and paid for vacations that week. I can see making up a week or so. The days at the beginning of the year were furlow days. No one can help what the weather does. I don't understand after the crazy weather we had last year why the board did not put weather days in the calendar.

To all who are responsible for making this decision.Consider all the people who will be affected. Learn from this experience ,and when you are making the next school calender you will be ready to accommodate any natural disasters that mother nature dishes out .

I don't think the "time off" is why everyone is so upset. Yes, teachers can take vacations during the summer. However, the issue for me is the fact that it was never mentioned that this may be a possibility at the beginning of the year. Other counties who are also doing the same for make up time, were notified that this may be a possibility at the beginning of the school year. Therefore, they knew ahead of time to no make plans for that week in February. This was never mentioned to Paulding teachers, students, and parents.

This also needs to be looked at from a teachers point of view...if parents have planned vacations that are non-refundable or have already made plans to visit family during this time, then that means that their children will be missing school. If students miss school, that means it is now the teachers responsibility to catch that student up. Yes it is an unexcused absence...but that is not taken into consideration when CRCT scores come back. Teachers are responsible for helping that students no matter the type of absence. Let's say that 5 out of 25 students (20%) are absent that week. That is a good deal of students for teachers to try and catch up. Therefore, what is going to happen, is those classes where there are great amounts of absences, those teachers are not going to teach anything new. That means that this time is just wasted time because nothing new can be taught due to the absences.

This is not an easy fix, but there has to be a better way.

ok children, calm down. As a former East Paulding student, I too was very dedicated to my time off. BUT, as you will all learn, Life does not revolve around " 1 week". Welcome to the real world. I find that these children do indeed get WAY to much time off. Keep in mind it is still in the early winter season. Last year we had snow days as late as March. If you continue to roll over these days to the end of the year, there is a possibility you could tack on an additional 2 weeks of school! Plus, Seeing February Break last year involved bad weather, delayed flights, and another mess in metro atlanta, would you be more bummed sitting at home during your week off in february because atlanta has shut down and knowing you have to go to school an additional week after everyone else? Being a cobb county teacher I look for them to follow in this situation. I would much rather make up my days in february than in June.

If anyone had a planned vacation(with nonrefundable deposits) the school board is to reimburse those deposits due to the unexpected cancallation of the Feb. break...The board had save enough fuel costs this week to cover these deposits/unrefunded monies from these preplanned vacations...

I do not agree with taking the Feb break away , we've made plans as a family to go out of town. Why can't the school do what they did last year and add on extra time each day to make it up? The kids hearts will not be into learning that week of Febuary cause they will be thinking of how they could and should have it out.

All we heard about at the beginning of the year was how we can save money. If we made up as much of the time we could using early release/conference days, it would have to be more cost effective. The buses are already running, and the school is already heated. To come in on planned closed days has to be more expensive!!

What they should do it make some of the half days full days and only make us make up TWO days because we have four weather days as it is. They should have seen this coming. Paulding is a joke and I can standbit here. I know that when my teachers get too stressed it effects our learning because they aren't in a good mood. I mean get real. I'm not even kidding.

I understand that we have to go to school a certian amount of days . But I'm really upset at the fact that i as a student am having to go to school on a break that was promised. This week we have been out would have been covers if they board wouldn't have taken them out of the first 4 days of the year. They are called snow days for a reason. Last year should have been the prime example for this . We had the flood and snow last year. I think that it's kinda obvious that georgia does get snow now . So why should we be punished for a descion that wasn't cleary thought through . And another problem I have with this is the fact that we don't have a break between now and the graduation test . As a junior that is probably the biggest test I will take in high school and that is very stressful . And having our winter break would break up the time of regular school work and the studying for the graduation test . So now I'm going to have to stess about the regular school work, have no break , and have to stress about passing a test that desides whether or not I graduation. Honestly I would think the board would be worried about their schools makin AYP this year. But guess not . I'm just saying this , I don't think this decsion is going to go over well at all

All I got to say is that some of us already have plans to go somewhere during this break. I have not seen some of my family in 2 years and my families plan was to go visit them on our winter break that we were supposed to get but the school board has taken away from us. We did not plan on the snow and i am sure that we can make up this past week in school. I think we need to get our break back. It is not fair to us because we could not stop the snow

alright people alright i get what you are all saying b/c read every single freaking one of these comments so here might be an awnser to your problem instead of gripping about it to (John) who oviousley isnt really reading all of these notifications bc really think about it u really think john gives a care in the world if u cant take ur kid to there first trip in the world ? NO ! you think he cares if your missin ur church / ur senior trip No !! he dosent all john probably cares about is making sure he dose his job . and johns job right now is telling all you people were having school instead of winter break dose it suck ? absolutely ! but u know what all of you gripping to john isnt doin a dang thing its just stirin all u up so u know what everyone if u payed hundreds and thousands of dollars on a vacation dont be an idoit go on the vacation !! whats john gonna do go cancel ur vacation or tell you that u cant take ur kid on vacation ? NO all thats gonna happen is your kids gonna miss a week off school ! && so what if ur kid had the flu or somethin you'de let them stay home right ? well now that u just payed thousands of dollars on a vacation

To the people saying get over it:
Because of this break cancellation, I will have to stay home alone for a few days because my family will be going to Florida to see my cousin turn 3. Now I would love to go, but I feel I shouldn't miss school. I am a hard working student. I understand that those without kids don't realize how much education has changed, but I can tell you, on the rare occasion I ask my parents, or grandparents for help with homework. They can't help me because they never learned it. They weren't high-school dropouts, they just never attended college. What I'm trying to say is classes have become harder, and with more kids, not only do the student's stress about getting enough of the teachers time to make sure they know the material, but the teachers also have to worry about losing their jobs because they can't answer the questions students throw at them at once. I'm sorry if you feel this break isn't appropriate, but you shouldn't act so rude to others who know the school system and experience its hardships each day. If you feel like 'bashing' me that is fine, but just remember, you will just be yelling at a 16 year old girl on the internet. Who will look like the fool then?

ur gonna say ohhh no u have to go to school ?? no thats redickulas !!!!

brittany just saying but you are absolutely right !!!

My boss doesn't care or take any excuse as to why a student doesn't pass the CRCT. It will be my fault. It stinks but that is the reality for teachers. We don't get paid enough for the work and time we have put into our profession and we get no respect. I love the February breK because it is the only time I can afford to take my family anywhere. Oh and my husband tea he's also. So we get it coming and going when it is time to screw the teachers. Do not comment on teachers if you have not spent at least a full day in a classroom or attended a single board meeting. You just don't understand. If I leave over the break. I will be written up and it will be used against me when our county doesn't have enough money again this next year and have to let go more teachers Get off your rears and go to a board meeting and voice your opinion

This "unannounced to the public" vote to use the February Break as a replacement for the days we missed is not only insensitive but absolutely ignorant. Common Sense would tell you that many families take vacation during that time off, and many things cant be refunded or changed. Why not add some time on to the end of the day and then space the classes out? Does the school board even think logically?

To be completely honest with the people who are bashing the students, take your immaturity and ignorance somewhere else. We the students of the PCSD are very well knowledgeable in matters concerning our education and have the absolute right to speak out. Education is important to many of us, but a break to keep us fresh and mentally ready is VERY important. This gives us the ability to perform better on our tests and give the county the ability to make AYP.

As a Senior at NPHS, I take the meddling with my schedule very serious because I have set times and things that have been planned in advance and will not be missed because the school board is ignorant. Ill take my finals just like everyone else, but I wont miss out on opportunities that might not come around again.

I have to say that just so happen to add this vote in that was not on the agenda was a poor judgment call on behalf of the board. When you know good and well how all of this works and not waiting until the next meeting where poeple feel they can give their opinion and at least be heard was not very smart. I realize that no answer will make everyone happy, but this answer and the way you came about it is probably making the majority angry. As for using our built in four inclement weather days because of the budget defecit at the beginning of the school year is not the students responsibility to give up their break that they have worked hard for. Some highschool students families will have no choice but to loose their deposits or all of it because this will go against their perfect attendance or their exemptions:0( So sad for your poor, quick and hasty decision!

I think its very bad on the School Board to make this choice at a time. They need to think who have made plans out of state with tickets and hotels. I think if they don't want so many snow days maybe they need to go out and buy some snow equip. Maybe ask ADKINS to help them out with clearing the routs for the buses...

I'm pretty sure the officials in the Board of Education aren't going to read these, and even if they do, they won't take us seriously if we hastily post comments without making them legible. Seriously, there are teachers posting on here that have grammer worse than a fifth grader's. It wouldn't kill you guys to at least read over your post before you tell the world you have graduated school and still have the spelling of a child. Sorry to be the grammer nazi, but this seemed important as some of you haven't made an attempt to write a full sentence without getting distracted in the process and forgetting what you've said.

I liked last year when they added minutes to the day. I am a sub and it really wasn't so bad.
My ex and I split vacations. This year was/is mine to have winter break and his to have spring break.
I now loose out on my time with my kids.
My daughter was actually supposed to go on a Jekyll island trip with science club. I've paid out $150 so far for it. I wonder if it will be canceled as well.
My 11th grader is pissed. I've paid for him to go skiing with our church youth group. The church is not in Paulding. The trip will still be in effect.
I personally like the year round school. Getting breaks in the school year instead of a longer summer seems very smart to me. The summer just seems to stretch out forever and they forget half of what they learned.
It gives the teachers and students time to rejuvenate themselves in between semesters.
Don't knock our childrens teachers till you fill their shoes for a day!!!!!

I agree that using early release days and conference days could make up for the lost "instructional time". As a teacher in a very large neighboring county (and parent of a child in Paulding) I was happy to see that our calendar had only two early release days (down from four or five in years past) and only one conference week in October. In the classroom, these days are so rushed that it is almost a waste of time for both teachers and students and little instruction takes place. By the time the child arrives at school (speaking of an elementary school), restroom breaks, goes to specials (music, PE, art - yes, these still take place on these short days), lunch, more restroom breaks, and pack up and dismissal time, it is time to go home. Very little instructional time has taken place. One conference week is beneficial to parents to let them know how their child is adjusting to the new school year and teacher, but a second week seems like too much and will not make up for apathetic parents. They will remain useless to their child no matter how many conference weeks the county schedules! The board is elected by the parents and should have had a public forum instead of an emergency meeting to make such a huge decision.

These teachers have it harder than you think so please cut them slack they are teaching your children. Please be nice

I agree with the decision! I do not see the need for the fall or winter break in the first place. It makes more sense to use the winter break for make up days rather than adding 15 minutes to the end of the day like last year!

I became a teacher, despite the pay, because I wanted to make a difference. When I was growing up, teachers were well respected by the community. Additionally teachers taught what children needed to learn and didn't preach about the next standardized test to come down the pike constantly. Needless to say, it's not like that now. I'm sure the board's decision was based solely on CRCT scores. I do not have a vacation planned for that week...my husband's having an outpatient procedure done, we all 4 had dentist appts., and one child has an orthodontist appt. I scheduled these appts. during the Feb. break so that I would not have to take the days off. I teach middle school and the school has a hard time securing subs. As a spec. ed teacher I've often been asked to act as a sub (which is another story altogether). Parents will probably choose to go on their vacations and teachers will have to spend extra time "catching up" these children...attendance will suffer that week. Oh well, we don't have a choice. Did I mention having to beg for copies on the copier machine in order to do my job?

Its not about whether or not these breaks should be in place, its about telling people (students, teachers, parents) that they will have a week off during this time and then taking it away from them. If the school board had not put this calander in to place, families would not have planned vacations, doctor's appts., etc. during this time. I think it speaks highly of those who chose to plan these activities during this time so as not to have to take their children out of school or take days off. Especially in this rough economy, it should be taken into consideration that families have saved for these vacations and most will not be able to get their money back. That means, if plans are cancelled, their money will go down the drain. This, I promise you, will not happen. Instead, people will keep their plans and take their children out of school...I hardly feel that this will do anyone any good.

I think teachers/staff need to remember one thing, you are LUCKY to have make-up days for the work you missed this week in which you WILL get paid. Many of us lost this whole week of work with NO pay, and NO option of making it up. If you choose to miss work and go on your vacation, at least your week without pay is having fun and not stuck in a house not being able to go anywhere like we endured. It stinks for all of us, not just teachers. You have a CHOICE.

Alyssa
I think for the people that have a vacation planned and can prove it that the students should be counted absent but it not count against there Lisense or Finals because if im right I personaly am sopose to go to Italy so I can see my Dad who has been in Afaganastan! I really think there is a better way to make up the days us students rather have time added and belive it or not the teachers did make us do more in that extra time! It stinks that we didnt get a chance to get sick of school! I guess my band teacher is going to be happy that we have more time to pratice for Festivial! But I been sitting at home bored out of my mind and wishing I could be at school! The Board should have taken more then a "few" minutes to make the desision and consider everyone being effected! Even the teachers that put their hearts and souls into teaching us are upset and somtimes I think they matter more then us the students because unhappy teachers leads to miserable students!

Has anyone called the county office? That's where your voice will be heard.

It is unfair to undo a planned vacation with so little time left to change plans. I'm sure many families have plans for that time period, many of which are unrefundable. There are other ways to make up 'instructional time', i.e, eliminate the teacher conference during the day, cut out half-days, etc. We should have been allowed to express our views about this befour it was decided.
A concerned Pauldinger

The mid winter break in February was started in the 70's up North during the gas shortages.They closed down schools for a week to conserve the oil.I feel that it should've ended after that.We have not experienced anything like that since(except a couple days in the summer of Katrina). I think our childrens education is a lot more important than a vacation in February so,for all of you who are disappointed TOO BAD wait till Spring Break. I commend the Board of Education on their decision, for once they put our kids first.No matter what the decision there will always be someone bitching...So I say get over it.

It all comes down to the "TEST" (CRCT). Yep... teachers now get one more week to shove more information in those little brains. That's ALL it's about. Don't be fooled. Not in the best interest of the students... in the best interest of the SCHOOL BOARD. period

They have this great thing called trip insurance. It's quite affordable. Frim reading the posts on here, it sounds like the majority of PC residents have a vacation planned during February break that involves airfare and resort accommodations. I'm surprised that none of them thought to purchase trip insurance. Afterall, the students are learning such "advanced" material in schools now, I can't believe they didn't insist that their "dumb" parents (who were not able to receive all the higher learning that today's generation is-according to the posts on here) but trip insurance to cover the costs. Puzzling.

I totally agree with the Boards decision to cancel Winter Break to make up the lost days.

Mr. Cole and the school board, I guarantee the schools the will not support or approve any prepaid vacations as excused absence. All students/teachers who take that week off will still get unexcused absence if they tell the truth of where they were this week. They will be forced to lie because they cannot afford the zeros for work missed that week. Which puts parents in a bad situation becuase I do not teach my children to lie but the school forces me to be placed in this situation becuase of the rules that play with by taking away a break the board has placed on a calendar. People talk about trip insurance I have been going on trips for 28 years and never once needed this and I do not plan to waste the money on trip insurance, besides this has been a planned vacation for b/d present since last September after the school calendar was set. We in good faith went by the school board decision to abide by the school calendar.
I personally think Cliff Cole should make a policy for those students/teachers who have prepaid plans and can prove it via tickets etc to allow for those folks to have an excused absence with the understanding the student make up the work. Maybe even have the student write a history essay on the event/family function they are attending this could add to the writing skills of the students. This way it could be a win win situation for all invovled. But allow for excused absences for all students who can prove they had prepaid plans before the storm

David Martinez

Between Mother Nature and the Economy we can not catch a break! The School Board has had to make a tough choice, and no matter what they do they are going to tick someone off. As far as asking for our input, they already did, when they asked for your vote. If you do not like how they do things, vote them out. However, you may want to check their records first; you may find they are not doing that bad. I challenge each of you with a strong opinion to run for the School Board! Until you are willing to have stones cast at you, stop cast stones!

I have said for years, if you expect your kids to learn everything in school, you are failing at home. Nothing against the teachers, they do a great job, but there is a reason kids have HOMEWORK. We need to teach and help our kids. If you take them on vacation durning the "break," bring a book! If you are in the car, let them read. If you have an aircard, first in math. 6 hours in a car, I can cover me some multiplication, spelling, etc! Or if you are flying, two hours in the airport and a couple of hours to Colorado or where ever. We have all had the kids driving us nutz. Make a game out of reading or light studying. Reward them with cash! You are going to be giving it to them when you get where ever anyway, make them earn it!

just sayin

Not all bad things have to be bad...lemons...lemonaid thing...remember?

There is no evidence that if you are out that week that the student will be given an excused absence. The problem with that is vacation is unexcused and that will mean zeros on all homework adn test. Students cannot afford that in any class for one day or one week. That is wherein the problem lies with students who want to continue with their plans who have put money out for the week off in February that has now been taken away if they do not show up for school. Can Cliff Cole guarantee that these students will be given an excused absence. That is the point here!

I agree with the board's decision. At the beginning of the school year it was stated that, due to budget cuts, the year would be shortened to the minimum number of days. Bottom line, I do not want my child missing out on a week's worth of education.

We missed more day's than we did this year and they just added on time. No student at PC had a problem with that because we had our break. I think it's stupid that they take away our break when half the students have plan's. The February break does not mean we will be missing out on a week of education. They planned the Break and then just take It away. I think the board needs to get there head's on straight and give us students our break back and just add on time to the end of the day's.

If y'all send email's to the board about this maybe they'll stop being selfish and give us students the break we deserve. We didn't know we'd be out of school for a week there for us student's should not be punished. Parents have paid money and can't get the money back for the break that was taken away. I do believe paulding county is just dumb and don't care about anything but theirselfs . Us students and teachers work our butt's off and look forward to the breaks we have to relax and spend time with family.

People making comments about how people type need to get lost. This is about parent's, students, and the teacher's. I apologize for the rude people but students teachers and parents need this break. Parents have made plans teacher's have too and students relax. We NEED and DESERVE this break. I hope student's do boycott school's that week maybe the board won't have their head's up their butt's .

If you want to help the situation do not call names and put people down. I do think the board is trying to make decisions for sake of the county and the education system but on the other hand, I think there are alternatives that can be made that can make students, teachers and everyone happy so that they can still go on their planned vacations without getting unexcused absences if they can prove they had plans prior to the snow storm plus they write an essay and turn it in about their trip as to add education to their absence.
Don't just complain about the sitaution come up with alternatives to help wtih a solution that will give the board a reason to listen to people and help them see why it important that the students and teachers be given the time off for February break. I think if everyone can do this nicely the board will listen. If everyone just whines and moans you are sounding like little kids who no one wants to read or listen to and nothing will be changed. I think everyone wants the same thing is for the folks who have plans that cannot be change to be given time off and for our students to still be educated and learn so come up with solutions that will be a win for everyone in this bad situation. No one asked for the snow storm and no one is responsible but whining is not going to help the situation so become a part of the solution.

Nothing's going to help the situation. The call has already been made but oh well I'm not going to school thy week. I've made plans to visit my dad since he goes to war zone in April.

They didn't take anyones break, the break just happened at a different time due to adverse weather conditions. You still got the time off. Would you prefer that they extended the school year? People have vacation plans then, too.

Not that my opinion matters much but....here goes. I am not a teacher. I do have a child in high school. I do work out of the home 40+ hours a week. I do make plans during the breaks. BUT....I really think the kids get more breaks now than they need. Yes it is great to have a break every few months..down time for the kids and teachers...but as difficult as the state has made it for these kids in what they need to study, etc...I think they need all the class time they can get. I see my child struggle with subjects and he is a pretty smart kid. Winter breaks...fall breaks...should be class time not vacation time or play time. I have no problem with the school board taking way the Winter Break. I told my husband that week that I bet this would be the decision so I was not surprised at all. I'm sorry for all those that have taken the time off for vacations. Believe me...we take our vacations in the summer and when they talk of extending the school year...I get nervous about OUR vacation but in the over all picture...the most important thing is not our vacations but our childrens education. And as much as I can not stand our school board I do feel they have the childrens best interest in mind when making these kind of calls.
k1smith....you said it very well!

I stated this before and have not changed my mind after reading what others think. School is hard enough on teachers and students. Stress kills. I know from experience. People have made plans for the spring break, but hey, who cares? People need to just suck it up, right?

WRONG! Life is not forever and taking time off to smell the flowers IS important. You only have ONE life. You only have ONE childhood. The world is not going to stop turning because you take a planned vacation and there's nothing wrong with adding school days at the end of the school year so people may plan vacations during the school year. I do not agree with the plan as it is, but we do not have plans for the spring break so my grand-daughter will be attending school at this time.

I believe in education... all kinds of education! My children missed out on extended family gatherings and many other outings you all take for granted, all while growing up in a military family.

Contrary to what many believe, people do not live forever and people are MOST important. School is an everyday affair. Life is one long school. One never stops learning. Vacations are a learning experience! You cannot go back and relive.

To the people out there that have made plans already, I do not blame you for continuing with your plans. I commend you for having the courage to stand up for what you believe.