Henrico should not do this unless they work with the surrounding counties in order to be consistent. There are many Henrico employees who live in surrounding counties. This would be a hardship on the employees because they would have a drastically different summer schedule than their children. In addition there are many daycares in the area that draw children from different counties. It would be difficult for them to staff their program if some children were there in early June, but not in late August and vice versa. The decision would also affect many recreational sports leagues that hold daily practices during the weeks of August. This would not be possible if children are back in school by August 20. Finally, the high school football players and band members would need to start their practices in July. This decision just doesn't make sense unless the entire Richmond metro area were to change to this schedule. All of the other Virginia school systems that start before Labor Day are clustered together geographically; it makes sense for them to all be on the same schedule.
Mary Kenyon - 12 years ago
When I listened to the pros and cons on the morning news, I think going back to school after Labor Day makes more sense. If having more time to study for the SOL's is a reason, why don't they just reschedule those to a later date. A lot of kids have summer jobs. This helps their families. Two weeks of pay taken away from them adds up to a lot. Also, a lot of families may have already signed up for vacations.. Those are prime weeks for our economy as well.
Henrico should not do this unless they work with the surrounding counties in order to be consistent. There are many Henrico employees who live in surrounding counties. This would be a hardship on the employees because they would have a drastically different summer schedule than their children. In addition there are many daycares in the area that draw children from different counties. It would be difficult for them to staff their program if some children were there in early June, but not in late August and vice versa. The decision would also affect many recreational sports leagues that hold daily practices during the weeks of August. This would not be possible if children are back in school by August 20. Finally, the high school football players and band members would need to start their practices in July. This decision just doesn't make sense unless the entire Richmond metro area were to change to this schedule. All of the other Virginia school systems that start before Labor Day are clustered together geographically; it makes sense for them to all be on the same schedule.
When I listened to the pros and cons on the morning news, I think going back to school after Labor Day makes more sense. If having more time to study for the SOL's is a reason, why don't they just reschedule those to a later date. A lot of kids have summer jobs. This helps their families. Two weeks of pay taken away from them adds up to a lot. Also, a lot of families may have already signed up for vacations.. Those are prime weeks for our economy as well.