School closures/delays?

But hey, it’s not like they’re making kids go to school for just half a day anymore, so this is actually an improvement 🤷
Either way, the American education system is in pretty rough shape

Brian Barnes5 said:One way to flip the script would be to schedule the first two sessions in the morning and then move the third and fourth ones to the afternoon. Especially since those big groups from 5th to 8th grade only ever happen in the AM—it feels less like we're prioritizing what kids actually need and more like we're just catering to whatever is most convenient for the teachers.
It’s kind of like how some cities go all out on fancy water fountains, while our local landmark is that statue of Franjo Harmon.🙂 Sure, maybe it costs a bit less, but you still have to wonder... 🙄

🙄🙄🙄

I mean, where on earth did you get the idea that teachers are the ones calling the shots on how school schedules are organized?🤦
You really can read just about anything on these forums, I guess.☕

And I have one question: why is everyone so obsessed with exactly when and how you'll be sitting down to help your kid with their homework?😕
Homework has always been tied to what’s being taught in class and tailored to a child's age, so I don't really see why a parent would need to be hovering over every single assignment day and night. Kids eventually need to learn how to handle responsibilities, and that includes figuring out how to get their homework done on their own and on time.
Of course, a parent should be there to clarify things if something isn't clicking or maybe just double-check that everything was handled correctly.
But that really shouldn't take more than maybe 15 or 20 minutes a day.🤷

rowdypanther12 said:But hey, it’s not like they’re making kids go to school for just half a day anymore, so this is actually an improvement 🤷
Either way, the American education system is in pretty rough shape

Why wouldn't it be fair? It's like how every freshman today is eventually going to be a junior; it's just a cycle, and half the time they'd probably be better off with split schedules anyway. What I don't get is why all the parents in my neighborhood act like everything is fine when we're all venting at the local playground, yet suddenly everyone stays silent once they step foot inside the school building.☕
Regardless, there's nothing I can do about it right now, and I'm not planning to change my routine.

Honestly, I’d be the first one to lose it if they switched my kid to an afternoon school schedule, especially once they hit those older grades when the workload and the hours start piling up 🤷

urbantinker8 said:🙄🙄🙄

I mean, where on earth did you get the idea that teachers are the ones calling the shots on how school schedules are organized?🤦
You really can read just about anything on these forums, I guess.☕

And I have one question: why is everyone so obsessed with exactly when and how you'll be sitting down to help your kid with their homework?😕
Homework has always been tied to what’s being taught in class and tailored to a child's age, so I don't really see why a parent would need to be hovering over every single assignment day and night. Kids eventually need to learn how to handle responsibilities, and that includes figuring out how to get their homework done on their own and on time.
Of course, a parent should be there to clarify things if something isn't clicking or maybe just double-check that everything was handled correctly.
But that really shouldn't take more than maybe 15 or 20 minutes a day.🤷

I haven't heard of a single first grader being able to knock out their homework without a parent right there by their side, let alone doing it in just 15-20 minutes—and I know plenty of them.
It actually worries me that teacher nightfall is concerned, because she's seen firsthand how these things actually play out in the classroom... 😉

Teachers don't run the whole operation, but whoever is in charge definitely looks out for their comfort. They try to have everyone come in during the morning, but sometimes it's impossible because the building is just packed. And why is it that the little kids always seem to have afternoon sessions while the older ones are stuck in the morning? Is it just because it's easier for the staff? It doesn't make any sense to me... but it’s pretty much standard practice in most American schools.

So, why don't you guys have one session in the morning and another in the afternoon?

Brian Barnes5 said:I haven't heard of a single first grader being able to knock out their homework without a parent right there by their side, let alone doing it in just 15-20 minutes—and I know plenty of them.
It actually worries me that teacher nightfall is concerned, because she's seen firsthand how these things actually play out in the classroom... 😉

Teachers don't run the whole operation, but whoever is in charge definitely looks out for their comfort. They try to have everyone come in during the morning, but sometimes it's impossible because the building is just packed. And why is it that the little kids always seem to have afternoon sessions while the older ones are stuck in the morning? Is it just because it's easier for the staff? It doesn't make any sense to me... but it’s pretty much standard practice in most American schools.

Look, I’ve been working in the school system for thirteen years now—both elementary and high school—so I can tell you quite confidently, based on actual experience, that what you're saying doesn't really hold water.😉
Do you honestly believe that anyone—whether it's the Secretary of Education, the principal, or the district superintendent—teachers actually gets asked when they would prefer to work??🤣
For instance, if it were up to me, I'd love to work mid-day since I'm definitely not a morning person, and being stuck at a school until 8 PM is just too much. But who am I supposed to talk to about that?😳

It's all over the place.☕

Why shouldn't a first grader do their homework by themselves?😕
The whole idea behind homework is for the student to do the work, while the parent just stays close enough to double-check things or explain a concept if something seems confusing.
We shouldn't treat children like they're completely incapable.
Any kid with average intelligence should be able to handle their assignments solo, no matter the subject.
Your job is basically just to verify that everything was done correctly, and that's pretty much it.
Otherwise, you'll be stuck doing their homework with them until eighth grade, and after that, various tutors will just take over your role anyway.

rowdypanther12 said:So, why don't you guys have one session in the morning and another in the afternoon?

Oh man, tell me about it, the junior staff rotates through mornings and afternoons every other week while the senior crew stays strictly on the morning shift.
Anyway, I shouldn't even be bringing this up or the boss is gonna have my head.

rowdypanther12 said:Honestly, I’d be the first one to lose it if they switched my kid to an afternoon school schedule, especially once they hit those older grades when the workload and the hours start piling up 🤷

But honestly, my neighbors would probably be totally fine with it, because once you hit third grade, the kids are much more independent compared to those tiny first graders, so everyone would likely be pretty happy with that kind of schedule.

rowdypanther12 said:School doesn't really worry me at all 😂 I'm not sure why, but I just don't get the feeling it's going to be stressful for me 😂

I find myself gravitating toward that same line of reasoning—though I suppose it’s difficult to say for certain. Perhaps it stems from my own personal history; school was never something that loomed over me like some sort of looming specter or a source of genuine dread—it was always just... there. It lacked that sense of being an insurmountable obstacle, if you catch my drift.

My only real apprehension—if I can even call it that—is the financial aspect of all this. It’s a heavy weight to carry, really. I was thinking it might be wise if perhaps an experienced parent, someone who has navigated these turbulent economic waters before, could weigh in and share their perspective on the fiscal side of things. It would be quite helpful to hear some seasoned wisdom regarding the budget.

urbantinker8 said:Look, I’ve been working in the school system for thirteen years now—both elementary and high school—so I can tell you quite confidently, based on actual experience, that what you're saying doesn't really hold water.😉
Do you honestly believe that anyone—whether it's the Secretary of Education, the principal, or the district superintendent—teachers actually gets asked when they would prefer to work??🤣
For instance, if it were up to me, I'd love to work mid-day since I'm definitely not a morning person, and being stuck at a school until 8 PM is just too much. But who am I supposed to talk to about that?😳

It's all over the place.☕

Why shouldn't a first grader do their homework by themselves?😕
The whole idea behind homework is for the student to do the work, while the parent just stays close enough to double-check things or explain a concept if something seems confusing.
We shouldn't treat children like they're completely incapable.
Any kid with average intelligence should be able to handle their assignments solo, no matter the subject.
Your job is basically just to verify that everything was done correctly, and that's pretty much it.
Otherwise, you'll be stuck doing their homework with them until eighth grade, and after that, various tutors will just take over your role anyway.

👍 Well, I suppose "bravo" is the only fitting response—though, if we are being truly precise, one might argue that such a succinct exclamation lacks the necessary nuance to capture the full scope of the situation at hand. Still, I find myself nodding in agreement. It is much like when a conductor finally hits that perfect, soaring crescendo after a particularly turbulent movement in a Mahler symphony; there is a sense of relief, an acknowledgment of competence, and a quiet realization that, despite the chaos, everything has landed exactly where it was intended to. One must give credit where it is due, I suppose.

Finances aren't really a stressor for me right now, since my monthly daycare costs end up being about the same as what I spend on books and supplies once a year. 😂

urbantinker8 🙏.. Honestly, I’m crossing my fingers for a scenario where he actually grinds through his homework in maybe twenty minutes on his own. There's just no point in us stepping in and doing the work for him, right? That's basically just setting him up to fail later on by doing him a massive disservice.

As far as the money side of things goes, we’re already shelling out $233 for daycare, so we won't even blink at the school supplies and stuff.

Richard Morris43 said:urbantinker8 🙏.. Honestly, I’m crossing my fingers for a scenario where he actually grinds through his homework in maybe twenty minutes on his own. There's just no point in us stepping in and doing the work for him, right? That's basically just setting him up to fail later on by doing him a massive disservice.

As far as the money side of things goes, we’re already shelling out $233 for daycare, so we won't even blink at the school supplies and stuff.

I guess at the very beginning, while a kid is still getting used to the whole school thing and settling into a new routine, you definitely want to encourage them and offer help whenever you feel it's necessary.
That period might probably last a bit longer than just 15 or 20 minutes, too.
But I think a parent has to figure out when enough is enough, making sure that sitting down to do homework together doesn't turn into a habit for either the parent or the child, because kids often start to take advantage of that, or—which I think is actually much worse—they end up genuinely believing they can't actually get through an assignment without Mom or Dad helping out.

Homework shouldn't really be serving as this big, all-day "activity" for the entire family, though unfortunately, that seems to be how it often turns out.
And then this whole group effort approach starts feeling like a chore for everyone involved, both the kids and the parents.

urbantinker8 said:I guess at the very beginning, while a kid is still getting used to the whole school thing and settling into a new routine, you definitely want to encourage them and offer help whenever you feel it's necessary.
That period might probably last a bit longer than just 15 or 20 minutes, too.
But I think a parent has to figure out when enough is enough, making sure that sitting down to do homework together doesn't turn into a habit for either the parent or the child, because kids often start to take advantage of that, or—which I think is actually much worse—they end up genuinely believing they can't actually get through an assignment without Mom or Dad helping out.

Homework shouldn't really be serving as this big, all-day "activity" for the entire family, though unfortunately, that seems to be how it often turns out.
And then this whole group effort approach starts feeling like a chore for everyone involved, both the kids and the parents.

I couldn't agree more. If a first grader is being asked to buckle down for more than 20 or 30 minutes a day, the school has overstepped. In my local district, that's usually the case. The real time-sink isn't actually the physical act of writing things down—I'm with you there; a parent's job is just to check the work and offer a hand when needed. The culprit is the constant drilling, the reading practice, and those endless little projects (which seem to be everywhere in our schools lately). But listen, repetition and practice don't always require a formal desk setup. For kids in first or second grade, it's actually better to weave it into the flow of the day so they don't even realize they're learning. It’s like how you might quiz them on addition up to 10 while they're folding laundry, or run through subtraction up to 20 while the dishes are getting done 😁, or have them count the stairs to practice their multiples of seven.
The problem is that kids are absolutely wiped by the end of the day—especially those little first graders. There's rarely any juice left in the tank for either the kids or the parents to sit down for extra drills, which is why people are worried. They need to get through first grade just to build up some academic stamina. 😁

I find myself paying an absolutely exorbitant amount for preschool—we don't even live in New York City, mind you—but I am constantly being haunted by other parents who seem to be terrified by these kinds of tuition fees. It makes me wonder... is the situation in the school system truly any worse? If we set aside the various extracurricular activities—which, to be fair, I provide entirely out of my own good will—I am currently shelling out $367 for my two children, which climbs to $1,500 once those extra programs are factored in. Is the cost of schooling actually more daunting than this?

@frozenrider15
Of course they do.
I think I’m in complete agreement here.
And that’s probably why I feel like nobody should be playing the villain starting in first grade—not the parents, not the kids, and certainly not the teachers.
Everything just tends to settle into its natural rhythm over time, I suppose, provided that everyone just focuses on doing their own little part of the "job."🙂

frozenrider15 said:I couldn't agree more. If a first grader is being asked to buckle down for more than 20 or 30 minutes a day, the school has overstepped. In my local district, that's usually the case. The real time-sink isn't actually the physical act of writing things down—I'm with you there; a parent's job is just to check the work and offer a hand when needed. The culprit is the constant drilling, the reading practice, and those endless little projects (which seem to be everywhere in our schools lately). But listen, repetition and practice don't always require a formal desk setup. For kids in first or second grade, it's actually better to weave it into the flow of the day so they don't even realize they're learning. It’s like how you might quiz them on addition up to 10 while they're folding laundry, or run through subtraction up to 20 while the dishes are getting done 😁, or have them count the stairs to practice their multiples of seven.
The problem is that kids are absolutely wiped by the end of the day—especially those little first graders. There's rarely any juice left in the tank for either the kids or the parents to sit down for extra drills, which is why people are worried. They need to get through first grade just to build up some academic stamina. 😁

That’s all I was getting at. I haven't lived it myself, but from everything I see with people close to me, it’s pretty much always like this.
The burden falls on the parent to check the homework, but if a parent is working a standard 8-to-4 shift, that work has to be finished in the afternoon or evening for them to actually help. When a kid is stuck in school until 5:30 PM, they barely have a second to breathe or decompress before they’re expected to dive straight into writing, reading, reviewing, and drills...
urbantinker8, I wasn't suggesting that teachers are the ones setting their own schedules. I have no clue who pulls those strings, but it feels like whoever is making those calls isn't exactly putting the needs of the little ones first. But hey, let's not get sidetracked—we can circle back to that later or just leave it alone, regardless of how the shifts are set up.

Brian Barnes5 said:That’s all I was getting at. I haven't lived it myself, but from everything I see with people close to me, it’s pretty much always like this.
The burden falls on the parent to check the homework, but if a parent is working a standard 8-to-4 shift, that work has to be finished in the afternoon or evening for them to actually help. When a kid is stuck in school until 5:30 PM, they barely have a second to breathe or decompress before they’re expected to dive straight into writing, reading, reviewing, and drills...
urbantinker8, I wasn't suggesting that teachers are the ones setting their own schedules. I have no clue who pulls those strings, but it feels like whoever is making those calls isn't exactly putting the needs of the little ones first. But hey, let's not get sidetracked—we can circle back to that later or just leave it alone, regardless of how the shifts are set up.

It’s a nightmare, this whole "homework after school" thing. Honestly, the work should be finished the next morning (though, let's be real, who would actually grade it then?).

We still have after-school programs here—at least through third grade—so the kids can at least knock out some homework on campus. But truthfully? By second grade, they already need extra review at home, daily reading practice, and by third grade, the workload at home becomes a full-time job. Very few kids can just coast through the grades solely on what they pick up during school hours. Those kids are rare gems. Plus, the curriculum in third grade expands significantly—especially science—and if they fall behind on new concepts, parents end up pulling their hair out trying to catch them up.
And don't even get me started on when a kid gets sick and has to transcribe everything they missed...

I have no clue who designs the teacher schedules. All I know is that at my school, we try to look out for the students. The student schedules (not the staff shifts, since our physical space limits our flexibility) are built following strict guidelines to balance the load. We make sure they don't end up with three light classes on a Friday—like art, music, and PE😁—while being absolutely crushed by heavy subjects the rest of the week. But we don't control the shifts, and we certainly don't control the working hours. The timetables are generated by a computer program. 😁

Brian Barnes5 said:That’s all I was getting at. I haven't lived it myself, but from everything I see with people close to me, it’s pretty much always like this.
The burden falls on the parent to check the homework, but if a parent is working a standard 8-to-4 shift, that work has to be finished in the afternoon or evening for them to actually help. When a kid is stuck in school until 5:30 PM, they barely have a second to breathe or decompress before they’re expected to dive straight into writing, reading, reviewing, and drills...
urbantinker8, I wasn't suggesting that teachers are the ones setting their own schedules. I have no clue who pulls those strings, but it feels like whoever is making those calls isn't exactly putting the needs of the little ones first. But hey, let's not get sidetracked—we can circle back to that later or just leave it alone, regardless of how the shifts are set up.

It’s honestly a bit disheartening to see such a widespread sentiment that everything happening in our schools is being done at the expense of the kids just to make things easier for the staff.😢
And I guess that kind of mindset doesn't really help anyone, does it?

I don't know what to tell you. Some things just lack substance. It’s all fluff and no foundation. Like a cheap skyscraper built on quicksand—looks fine from the street, but one gust of wind and the whole thing collapses into nothingness. Purely superficial. kaže:
It’s honestly depressing. There’s this widespread, pervasive sentiment out there that everything happening in our schools is designed to serve the teachers rather than the students. It’s all backwards. We're supposed to be building the next generation, yet the system feels like it's just catering to the egos and convenience of the faculty. It’s a complete reversal of priority.😢
That kind of attitude doesn't help a single soul. Not one. It’s all just empty noise.

Look, I didn't get that impression from anything John Doe said. We aren't even on the same page here. 😁We simply execute the orders we're given. That’s my point. A schedule isn't some suggestion written in crayon by a teacher who decides everyone gets to head home early on a Friday just because she feels like it. There are specific rules for how these things are structured. It doesn't work that way. 😁

The scheduling process for the lower grades—if you can even call it that—is essentially left to the mercy of an algorithm. A computer handles the heavy lifting. It spits out a sequence: English first, then Religion, followed by PE—though that depends entirely on whether the gym is available. The older kids get priority for those slots, and then the younger ones get whatever is left over based on which shift they’re on. The system also forces a mandatory "gap" into the teacher's day. It’s a built-in void where she has no active classes. For instance, if her students are stuck in English, she isn't just heading home early. No, she’s stuck sitting in the faculty lounge or catching up on administrative updates. Only once that gap is accounted for does the software attempt to plug in the remaining subjects according to its own rigid, arbitrary rules. I won't bore you with the technicalities.
The upperclassmen have the computer handle the entire scheduling process based on a set of predetermined rules. I’ll admit, that specific technical side isn't exactly my area of expertise, so don't ask me to dive into the weeds on how the algorithm actually functions.