More breaks for a less stressful year for all. When we had that year of a Balanced Calendar, you could see the difference in stress levels, attitudes, happiness, and more. Returning to the traditional last and this year has made this even more evident.

What does the other calendar look like? What exactly are they voting on if they have reached an agreement? Sorry, but I'm confused.

Monique,

The calendar committee has chosen a calendar to submit to the school board. The board will vote whether or not to adopt it.

I hope this clears it up for you!

-Justin

I would like the Balanced Calendar back, please. Those of us with custody of our children would like some vacation time to spend with them also.

August 1st sure is early to go back to school!

Balance, balance, balance...it's a proven fact that people learn more effectively with lots of short breaks instead of few long ones!

I know many people want this schedule for the extra vacation time, but it is so very disruptive to the school routine. Just when the kids get in a routine and used to being back at school, they are out for a week. I want to take my kids to Disney in the fall too, but its not in their best interest to have all the disruption. What happens to the middle school bunch who have working parents? Some will find babysitters, but most will just leave them at home. That spells trouble to me. I have many friends who are home and love the new calendar, but I really hope they leave it alone!

And what about dual income families? It is really difficult to manage so many breaks when BOTH parents work full time... It means having to use up a lot of vacation days or find and pay for alternate child care arrangements.

I can only speak for my kids. My 5th grader has a really tough time with the breaks. He completely loses focus and we have a tough time getting it back. As for those who work, the summer is a much easier time. You can more easily find babysitters and kids tend to go spend time with grandparents, etc. These one week breaks are tough. Then we have this group of kids who get left alone at home. I am fortunate to work from home, but those who do not may be forced to leave theirs. A 12 year old at home all day is not smart in my book.

I see arguments for both sides, however, what about families where one child is in Cobb County and the other is in private? That my friends is whole new ball of wax! Plus, it is trying to dual income families. In the summer there are camps, college kids home that can help etc.

Thrilled to see this calendar! Married to a teacher. The calendar with more breaks improved most of the students', teachers' and parents' lives. Yes, there will always be exceptions and whinners but this calendar makes the most sense for the majority. Thank goodness this committee saw the light and listened to the majority.

Hello everyone,

Here are the draft calendars. https://www.dropbox.com/s/lthtdkhcf1pvw4a/CCSD%202013-2014%20%28draft%29.pdf?m

Thanks!
Justin

I'd like to suggest the board consider taking 3 days away from Thanksgiving break. Instead of having the full week off, only have Thursday (Thanksgiving day) and Friday as the school holiday. Then apply those 3 days to delay the start of school.

You can't change the calendar for the following school year!!!! Summer camps already have their scheduled planned out that far and deposits are paid. Changes need to be made two years out!!! As an active volunteer with a local scout troop, these calendar changes are going to be the death of me. I don't care what the schedules are, just leave them alone!!!! Pick something and stick with it, please!!!!!!!!!

Just remember, the ELECTED school board approves the calendar not an APPOINTED committee (made up of PTA officers and teachers) and, there is nothing written that says the board has to approve any calendar presented.