Indiana school year under scrutiny
Indiana school year under scrutiny Save Email Print
Michigan has post Labor Day start
Posted: 6:18 PM Aug 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 1:10 AM Aug 24, 2008
 Reporter: Mark Peterson
Email Address: mpeterson@wndu.com
80 comments
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Just when Indiana and Michigan have synchronized their clocks, the start of their respective school years is out of whack.

In Indiana, most public school students have already returned to class. In Michigan, the law there now prevents the school year from starting before Labor Day.

At least three bills calling for a later start to the school year in Indiana were filed this year in the state legislature. However, all were ignored during a session that focused on property tax reform.

At least one local lawmaker (Rep. William Ruppel, (R) North Manchester) said he would file his school year bill again in 2009.

Today at the K.O.A. Campgrounds in Granger, members of the McGovern family had the pool all to themselves.

“We’re from New York,” said Roger McGovern, “they (the children) don’t go back to school until after Labor Day.”

In fact, the McGovern’s were among a mere handful of campers staying on the grounds.

“We have the place to ourselves, it’s very nice,” said Roger.

It may be nice for the McGoverns, but is it good for business?

“We had a bad, bad spring. Spring was bad and cold, nobody really came out here,” said campground manager Patricia Schenk. “Now we have decent weather, now everybody has to go back to school. If that could be delayed a week or two, that would be awesome.”

While the McGoverns were busy stealing some quality time in Granger, some of the locals were saying that they felt robbed.

“I feel like the school is robbing us of our family time,” said Jennifer Casetti, a PHM district parent. “The last two weeks of August are traditionally the warmest weeks. Baseball games, the kids should be riding their bikes, and going swimming and enjoying the summer and enjoying valuable family time.”

Melissa DeFerbrache has children enrolled in the Elkhart Schools. “They started last Wednesday,” Deferbrache said, “and I think it’s way too early, I think it stinks, I think we should wait until after Labor Day like Michigan does.”

Lori Sellers of Granger has grandchildren who went back to school last week. “I can see where it’s an advantage to some people, and a disadvantage to others so, for me, it doesn’t matter any more,” said Sellers.

Meantime, at least one local parent is in the mood to stand up and demand change.

“I think it’s time to do something about it,” said Jennifer Casetti. “We considered putting our kids in private school, we considered moving to Edwardsburg, you know all different sorts of things, but we’d really rather work within our school system.”

Casetti has already set up a meeting with the P-H-M Superintendent on the matter.

She is contemplating a petition drive to gauge community support.

Last year, a nationwide organization set up a website in Indiana at www.saveindianasummers.org.
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Posted by: Shelby on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:38 PM
Anon - and what will 9 weeks on, 3 weeks off accomplish? Have you ever been in the classroom? They do not retain information even with just 3 weeks off. imo people who want year round school actually want year round baby sitters. Be a parent and also educate your children at home.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:37 AM
Year-round school, 9 weeks on, 3 weeks off.
Posted by: Jim Location: Mish on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Amen for shutting them down in the summer. We can't afford these country club schools. The administrations are running amuk with our tax dollars.
Posted by: John Location: Mishawaka on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:41 PM
I whole heartedly agree with Shelby and Bill from Nile. It is nice to see some common sense this day in age.
Posted by: Bill Location: Niles on Aug 25, 2008 at 02:50 PM
I agree with Shelby 100%. And let me add, kids still need to be kids to learn. I Beleive that to many days is a deturant to education, everyone needs a break. That is why we in Michigan can vote on these issues. Our school boards do not tell us what to do, we guide them. Shorten your school year, cut out all the days off during the year, and get back to educating our future. And shut the schools down in the summer, to save those tax dollars!
Posted by: Shelby on Aug 25, 2008 at 12:01 AM
I honestly do not think schools have the budget to stay open longer than they do now and thier budgets are even more strained. Also, kids need to be kids. They are unbelievably stressed from pressure by parents to be the next Einstein or Trump. Most of us are adults. Remember your summers? You went to the fair, hung out with friends at the pool, the family vacations, camp, the summer job. And by September you were excited to go back to school. Also, there are still family farms that need family assistance, kids still need summer jobs. But only when we abolish daylight savings and move back to standard time can this miracle be achieved. Then the moon will be in the Seventh House, Jupiter will align with Mars and Chaz will agree with everyone. Peace.
Posted by: MS on Aug 24, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Does anyone remember just being a kid in the summer? Swimming, ball games, camping, vacationing with family, etc. Ahhhh, those wonderful summer days. I think our kids should be able to have their memories of long happy summers too. Let them have their summers. Also many older kids have jobs that they depend on for money for their school clothes, college, buying a car, and whatever else. When summers are cut short, or taken away altogether it effects everyone. I'm not worried about what other countries do. WE are in the great USA and we have always done things our own way in this world, and so far I think we've done a darn good job of it.
Posted by: mike Location: Roseland on Aug 24, 2008 at 11:55 AM
well, when you actually look at the classes taken in school, it's very obvious that much of the day is taken up in unneeded classes (the basics of reading writing and math have taken a distant 3rd place in class time) I think if we had the schools accountable for the education of the kids and not just given a blank check, the school after re prioritizing would have a much shorter year. Maybe even having graduates that can read and balance a checkbook.
Posted by: T on Aug 24, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Another non-issue for the increasing number of homeschoolers in the state.
Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Aug 24, 2008 at 08:59 AM
How many years has South Bend been going back early???? Has it helped the ISTEP scores? NO It is pretty plain to see and you don't need a PhD. to figure out that coming to school in the middle of August-traditionally the hottest and vacation month-is not working. However, there are those with supposed high degrees and all kinds of theories that says it does. If it hasn't worked yet-it won't until some other factor changes. It is not the teachers that are not doing their jobs-we bust our butts and never get a thanks for trying.
Posted by: Margaret Location: South Bend on Aug 23, 2008 at 07:39 PM
I am a teacher in the SBCSC and I think that school should begin after Labor Day. Teachers need that long break just as much or even more than the kids.
Posted by: Farmer Frank Location: Rural Marshall County on Aug 22, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Lets all do what Mitch Daniels wants us to do. After all, we really have no say , only he does............
Posted by: Kathleen Location: South Bend on Aug 22, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I am all for school starting after Labor Day. Why don't the parents get a say in this?? Our kids, our schools. Put it to a vote. Get parent input. That's what they did before deciding whether or not to mandate uniforms.
Posted by: Rina on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:34 PM
It amazes me at the number of people who think school should be year round to accomadate "working parents". Schools are NOT for babysitting, they are to assist you in ecucating your child. The parent is utimately responsible for educating their child. AND for people who think the first two weeks in June are hotter than August, you need to check the average daily temperatures for each month. The first two weeks of June are still in the SPRING. The middle of August is SMACK DAB in the middle of SUMMER!!! Believe it or not, starting school early affects our economy! Kids that work at amusement parks, state parks etc can't because they will be at school during the day! Our own "State Fair" is in August. The only way most people who don't live in Indy can attend is by going on the weekends. That is 2 weeks of revenue lost!
Posted by: Monica on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:33 AM
All schools should be all year long, with breaks every couple months. also the time of schools should change to 9:00 to 5:00 just like the working parents, so then we wouldn't have children hanging out after school getting into trouble. It's time the whole school systems caught up with the modern days of both parents working and no one to watch the kids. Why do kids have to be at the bus stop at 6:30 AM??? really this doesn;t make sense.
Posted by: a teacher Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:50 PM
I would love to see Indiana schools starting after Labor Day like Michigan. I would agree though, that in order for it to work, we need to also change the 180 days to counting hours as Michigan does. They start after Labor Day and go typically until the end of May. I'd love this. Or, I'd love to just get back to our old calendar start at the end of August and end the first week or so into June.
Posted by: becky Location: south bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:19 PM
I agree with the later start. It doesnt even feel like they have a summer break. When i went to school Memorial day through Labor day was our summer break. Give the kids their summer back!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Kyle, if you read some of the other posts you will see that people would like to change the amount of thes chool year to hours not days like Michigan did. If we would add a few extra minutes per day we would probably get more time in the classroom than they do now. I have to say that my kids spent the last few weeks of the last school year watching movies anyway. So our schools are complaining they don't have enough money for things but they pay teachers to sit around and babysit our kids because they have run out of material for the year. And then they are paying to have the air running in August instead of having school in early June when the ac is probably not really necessary. And lastly the cost of gas, we could save a lot of money if we could cut out 2 or 3 weeks of school.
Posted by: Kyle Location: Warsaw on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Futhermore, I only wish WNDU would report the facts I highlighted below rather than create angry individuals which support an after day labor day start. These individuals do NOT realize starting after labor day will only keep students in school later in June.
Posted by: Kyle Location: Warsaw on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Wouldn't it be great if you had all the facts. Indiana schools are required to in session for 180 days. If we don't start back until after labor day, schools will be in session until the middle of June after all the weather problems in January and February. It doesn't make summer the least bit longer for the students... It doesn't help high schoolers with summer employement... It doesn't allow families the better oppurtunity for vacation. Michigan requires students to be in school for a certain number of hours per year. This allows the schools to extend their school day slightly to make up enough time to start schools after labor day. Indiana does not currently do this. I would not support an after labor day start until this type of system is adopted.
Posted by: SHARON Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:18 PM
START TIME @ 5:39 ON 8/20 NEEDS TO SHUT THEIR MOUTH. MY SON WHO IS A 7TH GRADER @ LASALLE ACADEMY HAS GREAT ISTEP SCORES. I THINK OUR CHILDREN SHOULD GO TO SCHOOL ALL YEAR. KIDS PLAY SPORTS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR & KEEP THEIR GRADES UP. PARENTS CAN PLAN VACATIONS AROUND THE SCHOOL CALENDAR. SUMMER BREAK IS TO LONG. CHILDREN FORGET WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN TAUGHT, THEY GET BORED. SOME KIDS TEND TO GET IN MORE TROUBLE. I AM ALL FOR SCHOOL YEAR ROUND.

Please do not post in all capital letters. Thanks - WNDU.com
Posted by: Michelle Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:13 PM
To start time @ 4:39,, You are something else!! You must be one of those that think they are better than every body else. My children go to SBCSC and they are Honor Roll students with excellent test scores, also in the top 20 of their classes. I am totally in favor of school starting after Labor day.
Posted by: Angie Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:34 PM
I could NOT agree more that we should NOT go back until labor day...What about high school kids saving money for college at summer jobs...the summer went so fast and with bad weather early, and a few minor problems for us personally, we did not get to do half of what we would have liked. It is just wrong. You spend your entire adult life living by the clock...kids should get a real summer. Period. I am going to find out how I can get on this bandwagon and make our lawmakers hear us!!! And those who think there should not be months off don't remember being a kid!
Posted by: judy on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:25 PM
I believe the school year should be Labor day to Memorial day. If children are in baseball there season ends just in time for fall practice for school. We no longer have anytime for family vacations any relaxing bonding time. The drop out rate is higher than ever. Students are not performing any better with a longer school year. Children should be allowed to enjoy summer. My kids are grown, but I will pay for private schooling or help my children move there families to Michigan for a better quality of life.
Posted by: james on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:21 PM
i live in michigan. we want the tourist dollar. the indiana legislature has no clue and never will.
Posted by: Kathleen Location: Granger (Clay) on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:00 PM
I too feel summer ended too soon. I still support the long summer break, my daughter did a physics internship and a marine biology class (at the the ocean) this summer which were incredibly rich experiences that could not have happened with shorter, scattered breaks. When they were younger we took long driving vacation and saw all the states (except Hawaii - cannot drive there). We picked a theme and explored like Lewis and Clark, the Civil Rights Movement and Civil War, The Revolutionary War,Native Amercians, global warming and the glaciers... All very educational and hands on. My daughter also worked part time this summer. Many kids work all summer to save money for college, employers will not bother with them for 2 weeks at a time scattered through the year. Also, in a county where several of the largest employers are universities keeping the schedule closer to their schedules would be best for child care concerns.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Indiana on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:36 PM
I myself think we should go to a school system more like Europe or even Asia where they don't get months off in the summer. I think this is horrible, kids are out so many weeks they get out of study habits. I went to school after labor day and got out the middle of June. That was like 10 weeks off when 6 would be more than enough. Especially in high school when you must start getting ready for the real world where we only get 4 weeks off a year if you are lucky. All year round sounds great to me, maybe 2 weeks in Winter, 2 weeks in Spring and 6 in Summer.
Posted by: Theresa Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:32 PM
I like the school calendar the way it is. Try getting a high schooler to study for finals over Christmas Break. Finals before break is the best way to go.
Posted by: Kim Location: Middlebury on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Middlebury is starting their 2008-2009 school year after Labor Day. The decision was made to accommodate the construction of the High School. This decision seems to be very popular among students. Besides extending our summer vacation, starting school after Labor has a lot of other benefits for students. Traditionally, Labor Day weekend is the last “summer” weekend. It is a weekend of family gatherings and fun for students before the school year really gets started. We will still have the same amount of school days however it seems the weather is so much better now then the end of May.
Posted by: a mom Location: south bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I think instead of counting the number of days the students attend it should be the number of hours. Extending the school day 20-30 min/day would give them more than enough, probably more than they actually get now. That way they could go after Labor Day and end the year by Memorial Day. Making the summer seem like summer, not a short vacation.
Posted by: Willie Location: Niles on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Quality, not quantity. Quality, not quantity. Quality, not quantity. Get it yet?
Posted by: M Location: sb on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I believe we should start after labor day,stop all the frivolous days off,end in June. Put all kids in uniform, have small assigments that need to be ready to start the next grade{Like reading the newspaper and a books over the summer. But really moving to Edwardsburg for 2 more weeks of summer Ms Cassetti? What would you do if they started going year round move to the moon? Its not really a matter of time off that helps kids ,its what they do with the time off.Just a thought.
Posted by: HSowers Location: south bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:30 PM
As a mom of a 5 year, who started kindergarten this year, I think that is start way too early! As a child I never started school until after labor day and out the first week of June. Cut out the president holidays and the other ones that don't need to have kids off for. As for all year school, I am TOTALLY against that. I want to raise my child and spend time with them, not a few weeks here and there. For those who want all year school do you have kids and are you wanting it so you don't have your kids at home at a long length of time. Just like the snow days last year-send out kids to school so they can be fed and not worry about their safetly. When do the PARENTS get a chose about the school and when they start and end.
Posted by: Kaye Location: LaPorte on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:25 PM
I would rather not pay book rental like the Michigan schools. 2 kids @ $130.00 each, gets pretty expensive.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Just a little reminder to these parents that want the kids to go to school after labor day. They are required to go to school a certain number of days. If they did not start school until after labor day, then they would be in school until sometime in June, maybe even the second week, because of snow days being made up. It is at one end or the other. Also, when I was in school, we did not go as many days, and we had less days off. We also did not have to make up snow days. The only time we got off, was two days the end of October for teachers insitute. Two days at Thanksgiving. Two weeks at Christmas and spring Break. We started the Tuesday after labor day, a full day. We were out of School the first week of June. They have too many days off for nothing.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Bite Me "Start Time" for your post 8/20 @ 4:39 AM. My 3 kids are in 3 SB schools and all 3 have EXCELLENT test scores in school and for ISTEP. Go put down someone else since you cannot comment on something worth our time, you're ignorant!
Posted by: Penn Parent Location: Osceola on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:18 AM
I totally agree with the start of school being after labor day and it should also get out at Memorial day. Our school calendar has way too many days off during the school year that we could cancel to make up the days. When I went to school we didn't take every rink a dink holiday off and neither should our kids. All they do is sit and play video games those days when they could be in school. Alot of those holidays fall when the weather is nasty anyway. Let's do something to get things change. It seems like they no sooner get out of school and they are right back in. Might just as well go all year long at this point.
Posted by: Jeff Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Year round school, Labor day to Memorial day, whatever. Pretty much anything's better than starting the second week of August. That's just insane.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:15 AM
OUT at Memorial Day and IN after Labor Day--GIVE US BACK OUR FAMILY TIME!!--
Posted by: Tracy Location: Granger on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:12 AM
I agree that we should start after Labor Day - and if need be - still have them go until first week of June - the weather isn't that great in May anyway - sometimes, it's not that great the beginning of June either, but i think get out a little later - like we used to and have all of August for their summer.
Posted by: Miranda Location: Middlebury on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Due to construction, Middlebury schools are going back after Labor Day this year, and I think that's the way it should be every year. Perhaps they could look at making the school day a little longer or not take so many PBA days to avoid going into mid-June?? It's not how long the kids are in school that makes them successful, it's what they do for the time they are there.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:54 AM
As I read over everybody's comments, I sat here and laughed. My kids go to school where there is no air conditioning system and it is hot as it can be in there. My one child has asthma and has to deal with this in August, what is usually the hottest month. As far as what people on here are stating about year-around school. You all are crazy. It's not about the quantity of time that they are in school, it's about the quality of education our kids get from the schools and from us as parents. Also, the kids not remembering everything because of having such a long summer break, well in all honesty, we as parents should make sure our children read during the summer and have some kind of learning activities, so our children don't back track during their break. I know it is not as fun as playing in the sun all day, but if you make it fun it would not be so bad. We all should want what's best for our children.
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:27 AM
What are you blathering about EH? I'm saying that 50 years ago, 1 in 5 people lived on a farm. Now it's 1 in 100. There are far fewer people farming because it's so much more efficient. It's not like kids need to go help on the farm like they used to.
Posted by: Laurie Location: Mishawaka on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:11 AM
It is time to let go of the old way of thinking that school has to revolve around the harvesting time-clock. Students do not need to be home during the summer to help with the family farm any longer. School should be year-round. Giving kids ten to twelve weeks off, especially at the elementary level, creates the need for lots of reteaching as their skills fade over the extended break. The perfect schedule, in my opinion, is nine weeks on and three weeks off. Look at a calendar--it works out perfectly with spring and winter break. After teaching for nearly two decades, I know this won't make the teachers' union happy, but it is the best for the kids. Also, Indiana schools, in general, needed additional time in the fall to prepare for I-step in September, hence the earlier start to school. Now that the test has been moved to the spring, the need isn't so great. The earlier start does allow the semester to end at winter break, not two weeks afterward. This is better for finals.
Posted by: Myrt on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I agree with start after Labor Day and get out around Memorial Day. The Indiana State Fair just ended this past Sunday and school had already started for some the same week. That just doesn't seem right.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Anonymous: why don't you raise your own kids, instead of foisting them off on the state? It's easy to pop them out when you know the state is going to raise them for you. More people every year don't even go to school. In 50 years it will be a sizable amount of the population and you won't be able to pretend that school is anything more than a day care center.
Posted by: J Location: Granger on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:06 AM
Seriously, I can understand why she thought of moving to Edwardsburg! I have other friends that have done so because of this. It is ridiculous that they go in the middle of August! Most of the people are correct about this...it is still cold in the beginning of June sometimes! I will be the first to sign a petition! I ALSO THINK WE NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THE ELEMENTRY KIDS GOING TO SCHOOL SO DAMN EARLY! MY KIDS HAVE TO BE ON THE BUS BY 7AM! MEANING THEY GET UP AT 6:30, THIS IS WAY TOO EARLY FOR A 7 YEAR OLD!!!! THAT WHOLE MESSED UP SITUATION NEEDS TO BE TURNED AROUND, HIGH SCHOOL KIDS SHOULD GO EARLY AND GET OUT EARLY INSTEAD, SO THEY CAN GET PART TIME JOBS! THEY CAN'T GET JOBS BECAUSE THEY SLEEP IN AND GET HOME AT 4:30 OR 5!! THIS IS NONSENSE AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SAYS IT IT BECAUSE THEY NEED MORES SLEEP??? I THINK IT IS MORE LIKELY THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT MAKES MORE MONEY THIS WAY SOMEHOW...PLUS THE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS COULD BABYSIT LITTLE KIDS FOR PARENTS THAT WORK!
Posted by: S Location: plymouth on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:57 AM
I work as a teachers aide and the children just are NOT focused and ready to return to school in mid august!you are only young once and it goes so fast -let them have the additional 2 weeks of nice weather to enjoy and go from labor day tuesday til memorial day.come on Indiana schools wake up! in the best interest of the child... or the big wigs pocket book???
Posted by: Katrina Location: kosc. on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:34 AM
what about the early hours our pre-schoolers are expected to be in class awake dressed and ready to learn by 8 am this is crazzy! i was so dissapointed to find afternoon preschool no longer offerd in our town, way to much to expect from a child who just turned 5 ...
Posted by: John Location: New Carlisle on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:21 AM
Define synchronized clocks?
Posted by: Marsha Location: Elkhart on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:51 AM
We live in Elkhart and my daughter started school last week, it ticks me off they start so early, and yet they still don't get out of school at the end of the year any earlier than the Michigan schools because they have way too many days off and half days thru out the year. They need to cut those out!
Posted by: DeVon Hoffman Location: Goshen on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:32 AM
This time Indiana has it right! The first 2 weeks of June are usually warm weather and great family time as well. Do you want to give these up? If you're a high school student do you want to come back to take 1st semester exams AFTER Christmas break? If you go back after Labor Day, you have to make up the two weeks sometime. Do you want no Christmas break? How about no spring break/ and go until 2nd week of June? Maybe school on 10 Saturdays? As a high school educator, it works far better to start early and complete exams before Christmas. If students have to give up warm weather to attend class, they are much more easily engaged at the beginning of the school year than at the end. This is one area we have been able to improve our Indana students' education without costing taxpayers extra money. Let the individual school boards decide what schedule works best educationally, rather than putting yet another decision in the hands of state government.
Posted by: Lisa Location: Elkhart on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:20 AM
If the schools wouldn't give the kids days off for teacher in service and development meetings we could have them go from Labor Day til Memorial Day. Even as a kid I couldn't figure why we got all of those days off. My grandmother said 30-40 years ago she did not get that luxury meetings were after school and papers were graded after school or at home. I think teachers are the one getting it easy. Check your calendars and start questioning on these days that the kids get off.
Posted by: Start Time on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:39 AM
I believe that start time should be based on test scores. Of course then Penn would start late and get off early and every school in the South Bend School Corporation would be going year round because they have some of the worst test scores in the STATE!
Posted by: EH Location: MI on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:32 AM
chaz and kim: are both of you complete IDIOTS??? back in the "farm days" we were more prosperious,rich,powerful,relied upon from ALL other nations a lot more than we are now. we had less debt and people could afford things much easier than now. since you don't seem to care much about the "farm days", i hope you are going on a strict diet, because without the "farm days", NOBODY will be able to eat. the farmers and truckers are who make everything happen in this country, everything in your daily life started there from these days. don't forget that!!!!!!
Posted by: Isha Location: Elkhart on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:31 AM
I think that school should start in september/ many times we have to cut our vacations short because the children has to go back to school or miss the 1st week because of we're visiting family/Indiana already has long winters let the children enjoy more of the warm summer days, what little is left.
Posted by: Rina Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:27 AM
It is ridiculous to start school in the beginning of August. It is still hot. We live in North, we only have a few warm months for our kids to enjoy. Heck, Little League is still having their playoffs in August! Let the kids have their summers back, they are only kids once.
Posted by: Melissa Location: South Bend on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:01 AM
I am a teacher and agree with Chad we need to get our students in the game! However, with the weather so nice, I can't get the students to focus now anyways, so I don't feel like I am teaching despite my best efforts. A lot of my counterparts are on auto-pilot waiting for their buy-outs and don't care as they just worry about what the union is doing for them, I wouldn't mind being able to get rid of some dead weight at my school. There is nothing worse than burned out teachers. I am not all about the money and have no problem with what I make with summers off and no complaints about my benefits I just don't want to have to parent so much in my classes I want to educate. Parents need to teach their kids about the value of education and I am more than happy to provide it. But I do like the after Labor Day thing, I think kids would be so much more focused and I would like the Memorial Day think metioned too, but I don't see that happening. Students get pretty burned out in late May
Posted by: Mark Location: Elkhart on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:18 PM
I like having school a little early this year. You can finally meet up with some friends that you possibly couldn't visit during the summer. Having school after labor day would induce many problems. One of which is that the first semester would be cut very short.
Posted by: me too! on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I would love it if there was more time in Aug. to spend time with my kids. I grew up in Chicago and summer always ended on labor day weekend! Bring the petition here I will sign it too!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Anyone have an opinion about the amount of teacher/staff in-services? Could those be cut back to where the kids would get the allotted amount of classroom time in between Labor Day and Memorial Day?? Just a thought...
Posted by: Jayne Location: Leesville,Louisiana on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:38 PM
We are from Indiana and I believe the school year should not start til after Labor Day. Our school started here on August 8th, not only early but on a Friday at that. Where has summer vacation gone for our kids? Plus here in Louisiana, August is one of the hottest, most miserable months. BRING BACK SUMMER VACATION!
Posted by: Parent of 2 Location: Indiana on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:08 PM
IF this takes place by next school year, Labor Day is late next year which will mean a start date of Sept 7. That is 4 weeks later than my kids started this year! If we have no snow days (this past year we had 7), our kids will get out June 18 at the earliest! If we have to make up 5 snow days, it will be June 24th! You will STILL have a short summer no matter how you look at it. You are just borrowing time from June to get more time off in Aug. Kind of like that so called "extra" hour of day light (but I won't go there). I have worked in the school. Most kids are ready to be done with school once the weather gets nice. Can you imagine how well the kids will concentrate when it is the 10th of June and they could be outside enjoying the summer? John, I love your idea. That's the best idea I have heard in a long time. My kids wouldn't mind a longer day either if it meant more time off in the summer.
Posted by: NP mom Location: Indiana on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I agree with Chaz...I think year-round school would be a great solution. Nine weeks in school, three weeks off, continously. Families can take advantage of ALL the seasons together, and it would probably make a serious dent in the number of bad weather days used. And the academics-the kids wouldn't have to spend the first two or three weeks reviewing what they last learned. They can pick up right where they left off three weeks earlier. There definitely needs to be some reform in the education system, and I think people need to open their minds to more possibilities.
Posted by: parent Location: Plymouth on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:51 PM
I agree that the school year should be moved back to after Labor Day. If we got rid of some of the in-service days there would be more room for education. When I was a kid we started after Labor Day and got out at the end of May. We had five built in snow days and only two teacher in services, one in the fall and one in the spring. We don't need year round school to keep up with other countries we just need to get rid of some of the in-services.
Posted by: Hugh Location: Granger on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:44 PM
I absolutely support moving the start of school back to September. Currently, our school districts are complaining about not having enough money to run their educational programs. Think of the money they could save by NOT air conditioning all of those schools between August 10 and September 5! We rarely use the AC in late May and early June here. Why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on AC in August when that money could be better used supporting educational programming.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I agree with the fact that we started school too soon. I too have children in PHM and would love to sign a petition to change the school year. I do not understand if the private school and Michigan schools can complete a school year between Labor Day and Memorioal Day why can't the public schools in Indiana? It would certainly save the school districts a ton of money. And quit giving all of these extra days off and all of these pba days, I just don't get it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:20 PM
I support year round school and school uniforms! I think children should have a 10 day fall break, 2 weeks at Christmas 2 week spring break 3 weeks in the summer. School weeks should be 4.5 days.
Posted by: Julie on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I would sure LOVE to see our children start after Labor Day and be finished by Memorial Day like Michigan! There is so little time for family time once they get back to school, that it would be nice to at least enjoy a little more summer with my children!
Posted by: To Chaz... on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:38 PM
For once, I agree with you.
Posted by: Mark Location: Mishawaka on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I totally agree. The school year starts entirely too early. Start them after Labor Day, give them fewer days off during the school year (I certainly don't remember having all of these "teacher days" when I was in school), and you can still get them out of school around Memorial Day. The way it is now is ridiculous.
Posted by: nynana Location: jamestown ny on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:02 PM
remember every one when the school starts later the school yr will end later. or you have to give up many of the short breaks like fort monday holidays you dont get a extra day and the inservice tdays would have to be curt and starting after laborday meand going til near the forth there is a set amount of days that,the kids have to go. personally it think the two months school and a month off is a good plan.
Posted by: Kim Location: Rochester on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Wow - you would really throw a fit if you lived in the Rochester school district. We started August 8 and don't get out until June. We are on a balanced calendar here for the second year and in another year or so are considering "year round" school. (9 weeks on - 3 weeks off) Chaz is right - getting summers off is a leftover from back in the day when families needed thier kids home in the summer to help with work around the farm. Times change...roll with it.
Posted by: Sue Location: Mishawaka on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Personally, I think all states should start at the same time. People are vacationing not to mention moving from one state to another. I agree with the quality of education. I am old school and countries such as India, Japan, China start teaching self-control, respect and discipline at a very early age. Something that is lacking these days, to say the least. I think we have been so concerned about our childrens right to be heard, their right to wear skirts up to their waists and pants three sizes to big, their right to rebell against just about everything, especially authority figures. A shorter school year won't cure our ills, but some schools adopting uniforms is a step in the right direction. Dress codes sure hasn't worked. It would be nice to see parents all get on the same page. Then it wouldn't be as easy for our kids to rule the roost. Thanks.
Posted by: Ben Location: South Bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:23 PM
As a recent High School graduate I have a lot to say about this matter. I must say that I like when Indiana starts school. As a student in college now w/friends that are still in high school, we all complain when we go back to school or classes. But that happens no matter what time a student starts school. But if you want this from a students perspective, and not a parents perspective. I say keep it the way it is, along w/most of my friends. The later you start, the later you get out. And most kids don't want to be in school till mid-June. Not to mention we live in Northern Indiana people. We can't forget about cancellations due to snow, power, fog, etc. If you start later and your school cancels classes the kids won't be getting out till late June or early July. I think Indiana should keep their law.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: granger parent on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:56 PM
I am a mother of 4 children in the phm school system and i agree we should not go back to school until after labor day like michigan and other midwestern states!!! I too feel robbed of time with my children!!! I would have rather them go longer into june then have to start back so soon in aug. august seems like it is more hot than in june, it is always sooo rainy. we always have to cram everything into july and it gets stressful trying to cram instead of enjoing it and being relaxed!!!! i know soo many people would sign a petition if it came around and i hope one does!!!!
Posted by: Chaz Location: South Bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:47 PM
You know, I get what these people are saying and everything, but look around. We are getting our rear ends kicked by countries around the world when it come to educating our students. India has more honors students than we have total students. We'd better start worrying more about the quantity and quality of the education. That may include going to a year round school year with several longer breaks rather than summer off. That's a holdover from farming days. Just because we've done it forever doesn't mean it's the best way to do it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Seriously- Jennifer Casetti thought about moving to Edwardsburg, just for two exra weeks of summer?? WOW....
Posted by: John Location: South Bend on Aug 19, 2008 at 06:32 PM
I am so refreshed to be hearing this. I think it would be great if we could coordinate the school schedule to just after Labor Day and out right before Memorial Day. Take the guess work out of all the calendars. Instead of looking at the number of school days, look at contact hours. My kids wouldn't mind 20 more minutes a day for a better summer break schedule. Build the snow days into it too. Let's get parents together and rally! The teachers union may be a huge stumbling block from what I hear. But my kids aren't focused to learn now anyways, so it is almost like wasted time especially when we are leaving for the Labor Day Holiday because that is when I have vacation time.

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