Start of a New School Year
School in our area is set to kick off on August 14, and I think that is just crazy. But times are changing, and since I no longer have school-aged children, this early start doesn’t impact me at all.
I’ve come across some of the reasons for these changes. For starters, teachers benefit from more preparation time ahead of the statewide assessment tests scheduled for the spring, which allows them to refine their lesson plans and focus on student outcomes. Additionally, this new schedule enables students to wrap up their first semester before Christmas break. There is the added bonus of a fall break.
Those who make the rules say that in the past, the final month leading up to summer, the students don't want to learn, so by Memorial Day, many students have already adopted the mindset that school is effectively over, leading to a decline in focus and engagement. However, the implementation of this new schedule counters that trend, successfully keeping both students and teachers more engaged and attentive.
Interestingly, despite the increased reliance on air conditioning during those warmer months, reports indicate that overall costs have not risen much.
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We always began school after Labor Day, with some districts not starting until after California Admission Day on September 9. My boys would return to school the Tuesday after Labor Day and then have September 9 off.
Though those days have passed, I find myself still shaping my life around the rhythm of the school year rather than the calendar's new year. There’s something about this habit that fills me with a desire to organize. It’s also a signal that my favorite season is just around the corner, ready to unfold.
Right now, I am embracing this precious free time I have left between now and Sept 10, savoring each moment before I return to my familiar routine - a rhythm that, though exhausting, serves as my lifeline. I have realized that without this particular structure, I tend to feel restless. I am beginning to feel the excitement as I look forward to the fresh start that the new season of BSF brings and a chance to dive back into that invigorating whirlwind of activity. Leaders go back on August 27.
BUT what dampens my enthusiasm are the never-ending administrative tasks that seem to drive me up the wall.
There I said it!
Okay, I get that these duties are part of the process, especially during the initial 3 to 4 weeks, but I feel overwhelmed. I've always been too laid back for my own good, and it’s evident that this part of it isn’t my forte!
I can’t help but feel a bit frustrated with myself, knowing there are so many things still left on my to-do list. But hey, there’s always tomorrow, right?
Okay, that is it for me - I have laundry going, and rugs to shake and floors to sweep.
Thanks for dropping by.
Debby
I hate that school starts so early. It was always after Labor Day here too and I feel like people lose 2 weeks of precious summer because of it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of administrative duties either. :) But good for you - you'll get it done and be a blessing to all those BSF people!
I feel for the kids
DeleteI think the big advantage of finishing the first semester before the Christmas holidays and the second semester before Memorial Day is that there are no finals hanging over the student's head.
ReplyDeleteTrue and that makes sense.
DeleteMy daughter went back to work last Monday, and the kids started yesterday here in Georgia.
ReplyDeleteSo, is your bible study for your church? You must have a huge church or a super dooper study - I have never seen anyone prepare like this.
I've always been agenda-driven and enjoy organizing ... but at the same time, a dyed-in-the-wool procrastinator. You need an excuse, I'm your gal!
ReplyDeleteTomorrow's a wonderful idea!
🤣 Gee are we related?
DeleteVery few of our schools have air conditioning and starting now would be unbearable. Even in June when the temperature can sky rocket teachers have been known to take the students out into the shade and have classes outside.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Ugh that’s awful. Come to think about it, we didn’t have AC when I lived on the coast and my sons didn’t either at their schools. It was always hot during Sept/ Oct in the Bay Area. Best time to visit, weather wise.
DeleteSchool still starts here the day after Labor Day.
ReplyDeleteThat’s nice.
DeleteThe kids go back to school here next Monday, August 11. Quite a few years ago there was a push here to start earlier and earlier, but they do get out around Memorial Day for the summer. I am excited for you to be preparing for your new BSF classes. Looks like it will be another interesting year for you. I know it has its challenges, but also so many rewards. Thank you for being committed to doing that. I know it is a blessing for so many.
ReplyDeleteIt has way more blessings but right now I’m in the throes of administrative challenges. Ugh!
DeleteHi Debby..... I have always loved Annie!! Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I love you Tomorrow. I liked it when school did not start until after labor day...those were the good ol' days. Our great grandkids started school yesterday...so sad for them.
ReplyDeleteHaha did you hum that tune today? 🎶
DeleteYep we really did live in the good old days.
Yes, when I was growing up, school never started till September! and I always wondered WHY the big change. And now I know, thanks to your research!
ReplyDeleteI still like a Sept start better. I’m stuck in my ways I guess.
DeleteUK schools break up towards the end of July and go back in the first week of September, with Scottish schools a little earlier. We're not driven by the weather as you are.
ReplyDeleteWe start school here in Michigan after Labor Day. My nephew is a teacher out in Phoenix and he already started. My other nephew in North Carolina is also a teacher. He starts in a few weeks. I like you....HATE paperwork. Janice
ReplyDeleteI used to start after Labor Day but eventually it did change to end of August. My kids are going back on August 18th, which I believe is the earliest for them so far. Then they'll have a four day weekend for Labor Day. I don't understand it but it is great that they get out at the end of May. We certainly feel rushed right now. I love your school picture and thanks for sharing your high school experience. Those days, though not good at the time, are part of your testimony and made you who you are today. I don't tell my kids this but I hated high school too.
ReplyDeleteWe've had what is known here as year-round school for quite a while, Debby. It does give kids and teachers more breaks throughout the year and shortens the chance for learning loss during what were long summer months. I loved it, especially when I was teaching. Blessings and hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI know that James starts 1st grade next week. I like when we went back after Labor Day. However, I do understand what you shared about it and how it affects the kids and teachers by staring earlier. You take care.
ReplyDeleteIm glad I went to school back when you clould count on going back to school Tuesday after Labor Day. School here now starts mid August but still goes to June. They now have a full week off for Thanksgiving and I believe 2 weeks for Spring break which we can no longer call Easter break. Even the high schoolers have a short day every Wednesday. When I was still working I would try to remember to avoid driving by the high school on my way back to work on Wednesday. It is just 2 blocks from my house and trying to get through there with all the kids leaving was a mess.
ReplyDeleteIt seems strange to this Aussie that school starts in August
ReplyDelete