Three-week break may disappear | Napa Valley Register

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Three-week break may disappear

Monday, February 12, 2007

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By CRISTINA DE LEON-MENJIVAR
Register Staff Writer

A three-week winter break for Napa school district students may go away — at least for the 2008-2009 school year.

In a discussion during the school board’s last meeting, trustees noted the way the holidays fall during the week may not allow for a three-week break—Christmas and New Year’s Eve both fall on Wednesdays.

Calendar options for the 2008-09 school year could also push the start date up to Aug. 11, something the board wants to stay away from. Other options include going to a two-week or two and a half week break.

“The beginning of the school year would be too early in August,” said Jose Hurtado, school board president. “We’re not necessarily backing away from the three-week break, because the time serves a significant portion of the population.”

Cindy Horton, a parent of two children in the district, was unhappy with the presented options so she submitted her own calendar to the board. She said her calendar shows a “compromise” because it keeps the three-week break but avoids an early start date.

“The calendar options presented ignored two hot button issues, the early start date and the three-week break,” Horton said. “My calendar was a compromise.”

Horton, who has experience being on the calendar committee for the district, said she knows how the semester would need to be balanced.

“My huge concern was, ‘wait a minute, we’re pushing (the start date) further and further back,’” Horton said. “Their calendars didn’t address any issues.”

On Thursday, the board will approve the calendar for both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school year. According to district officials, there has been a reconfiguring of the previous calendars to reflect the community’s concerns. Should anyone have thoughts on the calendars the board will allow time for comment during the meeting.

The district calendars were based on a survey of staff and negotiated between the union and district administration.

Meeting Thursday

The Napa school district board meets Thursday night to approve the student calendars for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years. The meeting is at 7 p.m. in the board room at the district office, 2425 Jefferson St., Napa. Info, 253-3511.

78 comment(s)

Send a petition wrote on Feb 12, 2007 8:10 AM:

" to the pope and simply move Christmas this year? If that approach is a no-go, give students two weeks this year and a 4 week break next year. Maybe the new school year could start before the old one has finished - sure, students would be busy, but it might keep them out of trouble. "

linda wrote on Feb 12, 2007 8:41 AM:

" starting school earlier is great and a good idea! the smaller of a summer they get, the less the kids are bored and get into trouble. but the 3week xmas break has gotta go!!!!!!!! the kids are so bored. "

Shawna wrote on Feb 12, 2007 8:44 AM:

" I hope this works and we get back to normal. It is not easy going to work and keeping your kids busy and out of trouble for 3 weeks. Thanks to Cindy Horton for all of your hard work. I have known Cindy since the 5th grade. It is so nice to have life long locals involved in this. Keep up the good work. Napa High Class of 87. "

M3 wrote on Feb 12, 2007 9:09 AM:

" A perfect example of "The tail wagging the dog". If we keep trying to accommodate the desires of every foreign ethnic group only chaos will ensue. "

US Citizen wrote on Feb 12, 2007 9:34 AM:

" The tail is wagging the dog in Napa. When is the city council going to make Spanish the official language here? This is not diversification, it is the re-patriating our country by Mexico. We are just giving our country away. We seem not to have a clue...Did they put something in our water...??? What is wrong with you people? "

To M3 wrote on Feb 12, 2007 9:37 AM:

" SO then only your ethnic group should be the only one considered. Foreign you say, then you must be Native American right! The are the only non foreigners to this valley. I laugh every day at the closed minded people who have time to post comments on the stories. So I take precious time from my day to let other readers know that we are not all thinking alike. "

3 Week Break Made Things Worse wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:04 AM:

" The purpose of the three week break was to allow more time for those parents who leave the country over the hollidays to get their kids back to school on time. This is important because State funding is determined by student attendance. But the extra week did not improve attendance, rather, many of those parents leaving the country for the hollidays now leave at the start of Thanksgiving break, and still return late. On the other hand, those parents who keep their kids in school when they are supposed to be are forced to scramble for an extra week of childcare at a time of year when availablity of child care is scarce, and family budgets are thin. Switching back to a 2 week break should be a permanent move. It boils down to a very simply question - Who should the government be catering to? Those who are legal residents who follow the laws and rules of our society, or those who do not follow the laws and rules of our society? "

Opiniagirl wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Here's a thought - Parents keep your kids out of trouble and entertained! I know it's crazy!!! What was I thinking! "

Send a petition wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:26 AM:

" Say, "to M3," how come you're wasting your precious time reading these silly posts? "

Joe wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:28 AM:

" Oh the kids are just so bored! Why is that such an issue? Why is it such a difficulty to keeps kids busy during a three day break which is only one more day than that of a normal weekend? It's really not that hard to entertain ones self, kids especially! "

Also to M3 wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:29 AM:

" I think you are on to something. We should have a school schedule for the elementary kids, one for middle school, and one for high school. Oh, and the charter schools, they should have there own as well. Then, at each of these levels, we should also have variations for the Hispanic community, the 4-H kids, the August vacationers, the Post Labor Day Start group and the Year Round School group. A small but vocal group ( the "we want to vacation in the off-season") group may also need their own schedule. Can't forget the...... "

Opiniagirl wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:43 AM:

" When I was a teen - if I complained of being bored - my parents put my butt to work. I learned real fast to occupy myself and was perfectly capable of finding things to do that did not get me into trouble - even with both parents working! "

Just a Thought wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:44 AM:

" Why don't we consider what is best educationally for the students? If we use the business model, they are our clients and their success is our product. Our students come from many cultures, many levels of income, and many levels of parent education. Let's use the students themselves as the basis for decisions. "

RuthAnn wrote on Feb 12, 2007 11:25 AM:

" I do not approve of the 3 week vacation at Christmas/New Year. Two weeks should include Christmas & New Years regardless of the calendar. Two days should be enough for 'spring break' also. The parents who take their children to Mexico are going to go whether you give them 2 weeks or 6 weeks. They are not really concerned about their childrens education. They want their culture and all the benefits American system can give them free. If they want to live here, then they need to go by our rules. We don't need to change the calendar because of their culture. "

The Real Issue-Testing wrote on Feb 12, 2007 11:55 AM:

" Many of you think that the only reason the school district pushed for a three week break is for a certain population to visit family in other countries, this is not the only issue. I'm sure many of you have heard of the, "No Child Left Behind" legislation that has tighten the belts on education around the country. Our students are being tested for a large portion of April and into May. If we start school earlier, we can get to more material that needs to be covered before April. For the High Schools, finals come before break (a wonderful idea, who wants to study over x-mas break) which allows for teachers to move onto proper test preparations for the spring semester. Open your minds people, think beyond what is convenient for you, what is education all about? We want everyone to be properly prepared; a three week break in the middle of the year is nice for the students, because the spring semester is very hard on many of our kids due to all the testing. So, if you really want to address the real issue, look into the restraints that the "No Child Left Behind Act" put on education. Stop pointing the finger at certain populations, I get so tired of people not doing any research and believing rumors. I have found that many of the parents that complain about a three week break can easily afford to take some extra time off work; they just don't want to spend that time with their children because spending time with your children is really hard work. I know of several parents like this, hopefully none of you complaining are any of them and you have real financial issue when it comes to childcare. Ask the right questions, don't point the finger. "

To M3 and all who responded to M3 wrote on Feb 12, 2007 12:44 PM:

" I think its time that the citizens, and those living here who are not citizens form a culture all our own. I'm tired of people trying too hard to accomodate everyone and never understanding why they can't succeed. You disapprove of only considering one culture in this decistion, well I think it's about time we considered only one culture, the AMERICAN culture. We need to make decisions based on the WHOLE population, not individual groups. Putting one "culture" out for the benefit of another will never get you anywhere. Just put the differences aside and find whats best for ALL not the MAJORITY. "

A day without a Mexican wrote on Feb 12, 2007 1:07 PM:

" Well Ruth ann... I dont believe Americans are too concerned about their childrens education either. One point in case, when we allow for immigrants to speak their native tounge in the classroom what then becomes of the education system. Who is learning what? "

An Elementary Teacher/Parent wrote on Feb 12, 2007 1:21 PM:

" I remember a teacher friend at a conference making the comment, "No intellegent person can ever be truly bored." Saying a child, or an adult is bored is an excuse for there lack of effort. The clientel here are the students and tax paying parents, yet the board weighs the teachers' union leaders input far above all other input. The board needs to listen to parent concerns and use that input in their decisions. "

To: "Real Issue..." wrote on Feb 12, 2007 1:22 PM:

" You are completely wrong. Testing was not the reason Napa shifted to the 3 week break. Nice try attempting to shift people's attention to a completely different subject, but the only reason Napa Unified shifted to the 3 week break was in attempt to protect it's funding. When kids are absent even a day the schools loses out on that day's worth of funding for that child. Ask any teacher or administrator, the vast majority of kids who are missing time over the holidays are the ones whos parents leave the country over the holidays. The school district thought giving the extra week would ensure those kids would be back to school on time. But that's not how those parents chose to manage their child's education. The 3 week break just made it all that much easier for them to leave at Thanksgiving and still return late. The 3 week winter break is a failure, and it harms those families who do make sure their child is in school when s/he shoul be. "

To 3 week break made things worse wrote on Feb 12, 2007 1:28 PM:

" Where did you get that information? It is my understanding that with the addition of the extra week, the district received tens of thousands of dollars that it normally lost from lack of attendance. Personally, I don't like the 3 week break, but I can live with it if that's what's best for the students. And allowing them to take their finals before winter break is best for all involved. "

2muchtime2think wrote on Feb 12, 2007 1:35 PM:

" "Those who are legal residents who follow the laws and rules of our society, or those who do not follow the laws and rules of our society? " I personally know of MANY families who are "Legal Residents" who choose to ignore the rules of our society. Why would you make such a generalization? "

Two weeks too long... wrote on Feb 12, 2007 2:33 PM:

" When I was in school...the two week vacation seemed long. Of course I wasn't going to complain...3 weeks? What is the need for a 3 week vacation? Is the holiday season that tiring? "

Uncle Buck wrote on Feb 12, 2007 3:25 PM:

" Well, I can tell all of you as a employee of the NVUSD that it comes down to dollars and cents, that is why we have a 3 week winter recess (in the real world Christmas break). When the District sends out a survey and two of three union groups results show that their is no interest in it but it still passes you have to ask why. Bottom line the School District will do what it wants. Get over it most of the employees have. "

Scores equal money wrote on Feb 12, 2007 3:57 PM:

" If you think that scores are not related to money, YOU ARE TOTALLY WRONG. Where did I get this information that testing is an issue too? I teach and understand the true impact of having finals prior to break and being able to get through WWII prior to the test. An example, 50% of one of the test is on material that was not covered until May on the old calendar, now we get to it and guess what, the students are scoring better. Like I said, the real issue is much deeper than arrogant, know it all parents would like to believe. Stop using hearsay and check into it. Ask the high school teachers what they think about the schedule change, the elementary schools don't decide everything.Volunteer in a classroom once a week and see what is needed. "

vince wrote on Feb 12, 2007 4:25 PM:

" When I went through school in the 70's in Napa, we did not have three weeks at Christmas nor Spring break and all of the individual days off teachers and administartion get today. I am now rethinking on how much teachers should be paid. I was always on the side of teachers. I am not willing to pay more for less. "

THE GOOD OLD DAYS wrote on Feb 12, 2007 4:26 PM:

" Whatever happened to starting school after Labor day..and 2 weeks off for Christmas break....etc?? Thats what I remember doing and it hasn't been that long since I was in school... class of 91...Oh and by the way who said that finals were taken before Christmas break??? My daughter took her finals after break....come on people if we are going to report things let's get the facts straight!!! "

Susan wrote on Feb 12, 2007 4:30 PM:

" I wonder if we could ever go back to the time when school started after labor day. Or atleast close to. "

surprised? wrote on Feb 12, 2007 4:58 PM:

" This is quickly becoming Mexico North. Is anyone surprised? Just go to the bank, shop at WalMart, walk downtown, go by Napa High at lunch break....what do you see? The projected population breakdown in 20 years is thus: whites, 33%, "Lations" (Mexicans) 33%...is anyone surprised? It is a bonafide invasion with the consent of our so called "leaders," and the business population...cheap labor. What a shame. We are seeing the end of America as we know it, folks. Are you ready? "

Finals are bvefore x-mas wrote on Feb 12, 2007 5:47 PM:

" I don't know why you're daughter took finals after x-mas, but the last week of the first semester is reserved for finals. Your duaghter had three half days that last week before break if she was at Napa or Vintage. Did you question why she was only going to school for half the day, or did you care to know? "

aside to Scores Equal Money, wrote on Feb 12, 2007 6:03 PM:

" Do you honestly believe ANY parent will step forward to volunteer in your classroom? You obviously have a smug and total disregard for us arrogant, know it all dummies who are paying your salary as well as for your wildly over the top benefit package. I'll volunteer to help you do your work the day you step into my office and volunteer to help me do mine. And by the way, of course you should reach WWII by April.The post-war years deserve more than a quickie look during the last two weeks of school! "

student wrote on Feb 12, 2007 6:44 PM:

" As a senior in high school, i disagre with taking the 3 week in winter away. I think it was the best thing that could have happen. who cares if we start school earlier in the summer, its much better we start on our eduction faster. Most parents complain, but hey u guys are not the ones in school. You guys dont know whats better to take finals before or after christmas. i think that should let the students have an opinion. The 3 week are awesome. gives teens the ability to work alittle more. This way the can start saving money for college. People are just so ignorant and hispanics do care about their children education, more than any other race because they know that by gettin an education is their only hope for the future. "

I.T.O.C wrote on Feb 12, 2007 7:03 PM:

" It doesn't matter what parents or students think or need. The teachers union is in command. "

I.C. wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:02 PM:

" What happened to school starting after Laor Day, two weeks Winter break. Also when I was a kid there were no half days once a week. Can't we have a normal school year!!! "

J.K wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:04 PM:

" As parents we have no say on anything when the board makes these changes. It is all about$$$$$$$$$$$ "

Isn't this the US? wrote on Feb 12, 2007 10:42 PM:

" “We’re not necessarily backing away from the three-week break, because the time serves a significant portion of the population.” ...and what about the rest of the population? to heck with us? People outside of Napa think we are very racist but they need to walk a mile in our shoes before they judge us.Believe me, it's getting scary. "

To Student: wrote on Feb 13, 2007 5:53 AM:

" By the looks of your post, you need to go to school a little longer! "

Shawna wrote on Feb 13, 2007 6:54 AM:

" I did not want to be rude by saying that we don't go anywhere for 3 weeks so the 3 week break is to long. When you don't have the option to tell your boss that you will be going to mexico for christmas and will be gone for a month, then the 3 week break does not matter it is more of a pain in the butt than anything. Not to metion I don't think it is fair to the kids to have so long without an education, they forget you know. Why don't we just move Christmas to summer and then there will be no worries. Oh that is because the mexicans will not be able to leave there jobs in the summer. That is when we usually go on vacation, but not for 3 weeks. "

To Isn't this the US? wrote on Feb 13, 2007 8:20 AM:

" As a born and raised Napan, I am embarrassed by the majority of these comments. Of course people outside of Napa think you are racist. People inside do too. We are talking about a school calendar, for God's sake, and it only took 4 comments before it turned into a race issue. Cities change. Populations evolve. Do you want the school district to pretend it's 1970? That's nice in theory (I guess) but it's not realistic. The school district has to deal with what it's got, which happens to be a teacher's union that wants three weeks off, an Hispanic population that leaves in droves in December (not everyone, however), and a survey of parents that says almost 60% like the three week break. What else do you expect them to do? "

Sandy wrote on Feb 13, 2007 8:21 AM:

" I wouold really love to know how all the families that go back to Mexico can afford to leave for 3 weeks? I certainly cannot afford 3 weeks off from work. How do they pay their bills, where does the money come from? Oh I'm sorry I forgot. Free healthcare, subsidized housing, welfare etc... And we change our school year to accomodate their travel schedule. What a sweet deal, what's next? Will we start having no school days for Mexican holidays too? "

old school wrote on Feb 13, 2007 8:54 AM:

" i think the 3 weeks break is stupid and i agree with i.c. i used to love going to the fair then having 3 more weeks of being a kid till school started and 3 weeks of nothing to do in dec doesnt sound like fun "

Concerned Parent wrote on Feb 13, 2007 10:55 AM:

" It sounds like a lot of people have strong feelings towards this issue. It is one thing to voice it here, and another to go before the Board on Thursday night. I strongly urge people to attend that meeting. Alot of people can point fingers, play the blame game on N.C.L.B., and say that the people that do not like the 3 week break just don't want to spend time with there children because it is hard work. The truth of the matter is some parents that don't want the break is because they can't get the time off work. In most company's they do not let everyone off at one time. I have asked different teachers & staff at the district, "how can 3-weeks off in the middle of the school year help a child that struggles", and not one can tell me it does !One extended break(Summer)during the year is ok, but not in the middle of the school year. See you Thursday night ! "

TO "TO STUDENT" wrote on Feb 13, 2007 11:11 AM:

" How sad that you have to respond to a student the way that you did. You should be ashamed. "

To "To Student" wrote on Feb 13, 2007 2:31 PM:

" You should be ashamed of being honest? What is wrong with people? Bad grammar should be addressed when someone is talking about education. I’m also tired of the comments that refer to “how it was when I was in school". Hello, wake up, things have changed; populations, needs, requirements, federal laws, funding... I could go on. One of the reasons why the field of education is so hard to deal with is because things are forever changing and the needs are so vast. To think that we live in a world that should only address the needs of one certain population is way out of whack. Why does this always go back to the race card? Are people that narrow minded that they need to point "that" finger. Sandra, many of these families work three or four jobs so they can afford to visit family. How nice would it be if the average family saved up to visit family instead of buying a new car. Where are your values, you should respect that they wish to save and spend time with their families, since you write as though you are a conservative. Don't conservatives push "family values" or is that an issue when it is only convenient to them. Bottom line, get more involved on a daily basis in your child's classroom and you will become aware of what all the populations that we educate in this valley need and deserve. "

Parents have Rights ! wrote on Feb 13, 2007 5:24 PM:

" I thought it would be a good idea to see what the revised calendars look like before thursday at the board meeting. I called the school district to ask if I could see a copy of the revisions & I was told that because it was a negotiated item in closed session we were not able to preview it till thursday night. This seems interesting to me since the last calendars at the board meeting were in the materials packet along with the agenda. However, they are not in the materials packet for this next board meeting. Were the first calendars submitted not negotiated in closed session ? This is coming from a district that said they had learned a lesson 2 years ago when they approved the 3 week break. What are they trying to hide now ? Parents have the right to know any information that may impact there childrens education, whats to hide? If you are concerned please attend the Board meeting this thursday night, I believe the board is willing to listen, but the district & Teachers Union need to be held accountable. "

student wrote on Feb 13, 2007 5:49 PM:

" This goes to the Person that responded to student. Thank you finally someone that understands what is going on. People we are in the 21st century not the 70's. Just how u get old and change education changes to. We are not going back to the old days "

stella wrote on Feb 13, 2007 6:41 PM:

" I understand it's a $$$ issue, so why don't we start charging a small fee for public schools, maybe people wouldn't abuse it. We have 3wk winter break and still the kids are coming back late to school. What as parents are you teaching your child? It's ok to miss school b/c we are with family. I see daily the abuse in schools, healthcare, etc. It is very sad. Charge parents when they miss school for vacation, start charging medical patients for emergency room visits for non emergencies. We need to do something now we are losing our country and going futher in debt. "

Parent/Teacher wrote on Feb 13, 2007 7:38 PM:

" With all this cyber discussion...I hope people are willing to show up at at the School Board meeting on Thursday and let them hear your thoughts face to face. "

an ole guy wrote on Feb 13, 2007 9:09 PM:

" There is nothing wrong with a 3 week Christmas vacation but plenty wrong with a three month summer vacation. School should be year around. We certainly are not living in the “old days” when children worked on farms and their labor was needed in the field or on the farm to help with the harvest. Children don’t need these excessive vacations they need to either learn or work. If you truly want to make a modern school system that educates humans for this millennium then the first thing that must be done is seize the time and use it well. .The old world is gone we can not afford to cling to an unimaginative and culturally corrupt idea of school being a part time pastime. "

To Parents Have Rights wrote on Feb 13, 2007 10:05 PM:

" I don't think anyone on the board is trying to hide anything. It's just that the last board meeting was an informational meeting, and this one is up for a vote, so the rules are different. It's really too bad that the calendars can't be available to everyone beforehand, but parliamentary procedure dictates it. Obviously the board doesn't want to keep it a secret if they showed the parents at the first meeting. I think your beef may be more with the teachers unions than the board, as they are really the ones pushing the 3 week break. The lack of access is something that's a bummer but not a conspiracy. As you said, show up on Thursday and make your voice heard! "

GoMommyGo wrote on Feb 14, 2007 11:15 AM:

" I support the longer winter break b/c it means a shorter summer break. Sure, it can be an opportunity for unique learning experiences o/s the classroom including more time for family, friends, treks, trips, classes at the rec, etc. But for most kids, it's too long a stretch away from school. They forget. If I had my druthers, the school year would be longer than 180 days, but more flexible. With the additional time, we'd offer more variety and "fun" stuff like music, PE, crafts & nature. Indications are test scores in the standards areas of math, science, English and social studies would improve. As a local example, when NVLA went to full-day kinder (more time for dress-up and fingerpainting), scores were noticeably higher. "

Puh-lease wrote on Feb 14, 2007 1:06 PM:

" It's hot, brown, and miserable in August. In winter, it's cool, green and lovely. We don't live in Alaska, we live in Napa. Invest in some raingear. Then go outside, jump in puddles, get muddy and wet. THen come in and have hot cocoa by the fire. Use your imagination and discover nature. Besides, fewer flu bugs will get passed around if we have a recovery break in winter. Mom of two. "

To:To "To Student" wrote on Feb 14, 2007 1:21 PM:

" Family Values? I'm getting really tired of hearing about how Hispanic/Latino families have higher moral standards and family values than the rest of us. Let's look at the graduation rates, the crime rates and the teen and out of wedlock births of Hispanics compared to the rest of us. Why are they consistantly help up as the standard of what we should be living up to? "

napa wrote on Feb 14, 2007 8:19 PM:

" To "To student" yes hispanics have better family values than anyone. The comment that you said look at the crime rates, did u look at them closely i mean am sure that their is more white people the hispanics. and also the comment you said about teens having babys is cause the white people get abortions that is why the u dont here that much about them having children. Obviously u dont have any family values if you are teaching ur daugther to kill a human being. Am tired of people pointing there fingers at mexicans without having a slight idea what they are talking about. Ignorance play a big role in this country. Get the facts right then talk smack!! "

To Napa wrote on Feb 15, 2007 8:03 AM:

" The truth hurts doesnt it? "

Anne Frank wrote on Feb 15, 2007 9:59 AM:

" could have been alive, 77, and living in the USA if, at the time, we had a sensible (i.e., not xenophobic) immigration policy that showed a sense of compassion and understanding for peoples conditions in the world. I can see from these comments that many Napans still wouldn't have seen past her 'differences' to let her in the country. Some of us can't even make the smallest of changes in the school calendar without looking for a scapegoat. Luckily, the racists are in the minority. I hope that immigration will continue to flood your dated ideas out of existence. "

Teacher/Parent wrote on Feb 15, 2007 10:16 AM:

" I think students get burned out if they go to school year round without adequate breaks. School should start right after Labor Day and finish at Memorial Day. Winter break could be 2 or 3 weeks. I'm not so invested in that because the holidays have turned into a shopping vacation. School should definately not begin any earlier in August for Pete's sake. What happened to summer break? Summer - June, July, August. There are plenty of activities for students in the summer: camps, jobs, B&G Clubs, hanging out. "

to "Anne Frank" wrote on Feb 15, 2007 11:03 AM:

" What the hell does Anne Frank have to do with the current illegal alien invasion? What a ridiculous comment. They're not living in camps down there in Mexico. They come here to exploit the system: free schooling, medical care, welfare, etc. My ancestors had to wait for years in the old country to immigrate here legally, and they waited in some pretty rough conditions. "

To Anne Frank wrote on Feb 15, 2007 12:15 PM:

" Since when does wanting a 2 week break make you a racist ? It is people like you that have made it a race issue. Maybe you should attend a board meeting. Learn about the issue before you make comments like that. I have gone to the meetings & been involved, and I can tell you my driving force behind this issue has been my daughters education. The bottom line here is that all students regardless of race, or income should beable to have a quality education. My concern is for my daughter that struggles, & I think 3 weeks is to long of a break right in the middle of the year. I know the 3 weeks certainly does not benefit her. She has difficulty retaining information & it takes at least a month after she goes back to get her caught back up to where she was when the break started. So if it makes you feel better, call me anything you want, but I will do anything to help my daughter get the education she deserves. "

Anne Frank wrote on Feb 15, 2007 2:40 PM:

" Look at some of the comments, below. Clearly, some of the rancor about the new schedule is fueled by racism. If you aren't a racist, please be secure enough to know that I am not talking about you. There are other motivations, clearly, for being against the changes. The fact is that our demographics are changing, and like it or not, we need to take care of the needs of all the children. As a mother of an elementary schooler, I support the changes and enjoyed very much the three-week vacation. I'd really like to see kids in school year-round, with more breaks. "

A teacher wrote on Feb 15, 2007 2:41 PM:

" Calling each other names names over this is counter productive and keeps the real issue from being discussed. Namely: a) This is basically a funding issue. School districts are so strapped for cash that even a savings of a few hundred thousand dollars(out of a what, $150 million) makes a difference. b) No Child Left Behind has forced schools to look for stratagies to maximize test scores. The reason for starting school so early is so that first semester can end before winter break. That way spring testing will be less disruptive to the second semester. c) Citizens have little say in the day to day running of schools. Ask any parent. So rather than pointing fingers and calling names, maybe you all should be asking the following. Why are California schools so underfunded? Is testing important enough to affect the schedule so much? Is it time to change the overall way we schedule school? After all, our current schedule is based on farming schedules. How many of us are farmers? What do parents and citizens need to do to get a school system that is more responsive to their needs? Remember, that means that if you want a response, you need to get active. "

People inside of Napa wrote on Feb 15, 2007 2:50 PM:

" think you're racist too: ""“We’re not necessarily backing away from the three-week break, because the time serves a significant portion of the population.” ...and what about the rest of the population? to heck with us? People outside of Napa think we are very racist but they need to walk a mile in our shoes before they judge us.Believe me, it's getting scary. "" What is getting scary exactly? That Napa is no longer as white? That we have to concern ourselves with non-whites? People are people, and there are good ones and bad ones in all races. Perhaps it's a good thing for whites to have our turn in the minority for a change. We might learn something. Demographics change, and we should favor policies that reflect those changes. "

Another NH class of 87 wrote on Feb 15, 2007 3:02 PM:

" grad, here. Cindy Horton does not speak for me. I wholeheartedly disagree with her on this. The calendar needs updating, not backdating. "

YEAR AROUND SCHOOL wrote on Feb 15, 2007 4:38 PM:

" 190 mandatory days. 46 days makes 2 and 1/2 months plus two days. 4 semesters a year (semester= 2 1/2 mo.+2days)shoe horn in the extra 2 days where you need them. have a 3 to 4 day break between some semesters and 15 TO 20 for others. theree is plenty of time for everyone it is more efficient time wise, more cost effective, promotes maximum facility use and imensely improves the standard of education and expands the oppurtunity to learn. THIS IS WAHT WE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT! "

Solution wrote on Feb 15, 2007 5:03 PM:

" I am sure glad I no longer have children in the school system. There are plenty of other states that do not have these problems and have excellent school sytems. I think it is time for all of us to consider those states! Its not going to get any better here. Why isn't there any money for schools here? Demographics! "

to Anne Frank wrote on Feb 15, 2007 6:24 PM:

" You are, of course, familiar with China? You know that the Chinese recently extended their one child per family policy (two for rural families if the first child's a girl)? Do you understand why this was done? The Chinese understand that all resources have limits and theirs are stretched thin right now. They see that allowing the formerly uncontrolled population growth to continue will hurt and then destroy their nation, so they applied controls. (It's appropriate to mention that the majority of Chinese were not educated in California's schizophrenic system; maybe this difference has enabled them to see more clearly.) Is this really the scenario you want for the United States? It will finally occur with unlimited population growth, and you must know that currently the main contributor to California's population growth is immigration, both legal and illegal, as well as the first generation offspring of immigrants. As to school breaks, some honest to god research comparing academic achievement results of districts using 2 week vs 3 week winter breaks seems like a no-brainer. Calendar tinkering is just another frantic and untested attempt to fix this insane system. Would you allow your doctor to try an untested drug on your child just in case it might work? "

to People Inside Napa wrote on Feb 15, 2007 6:52 PM:

" Get a clue, you are talking about the hispanics as though they are a majority. They are not (not yet, anyway), not by a long shot, and we should not cater to them simply because they are a favored minority in the eyes of people like you. America has never been about catering to immigrants, if people want to live here they need to adjust, instead of us bending over backward for them. This situation is insane and intolerable. "

a teacher wrote on Feb 15, 2007 7:24 PM:

" The reason there is no money for schools is that free public education means that no one has to pay for it. Sorry, but there really is no such thing as a free lunch. A quality education costs serious bucks. The problem is that now everyone thinks it's up to someone else to pay. "

I'm No Babysitter wrote on Feb 16, 2007 9:10 AM:

" The reason parents don't want longer breaks and/or more breaks during the school year is because they would have to arrange for and pay for childcare. Keeping kids in school as much as possible takes care of that problem for them. The school district wants the Average Daily Attendance numbers to receive more funds from the state. The Hispanic population is just a scapegoat for this issue as they are with so many others. The real issue is MONEY. "

Surprised wrote on Feb 16, 2007 1:53 PM:

" In reply to "Isn't this the U.S." You say that wer are in a state of evolution and no one, particularly the school district, should want things to be as they were in the '70's. Why not? People were much more decent then, there was less aggressive crime, less "in your face" disregard for the laws of the nation and local laws and, those who did break the laws knew they were doing so and appeared, at least, to have a sense of right and wrong, even when breaking the laws. What's wrong with that? Now, you suggest we're "in a state of evolution." My friend, we are in a heightened state of DEVOLUTION. Think not? Open your eyes and look around; read newspapers, police reports and listen to your neighbors. Reality is just that; reality. You can place your head in the sand for only so long before someone comes up from behind and kicks y you in the butt...which is what is happening; we're being kicked in our proverbial behinds by those who take advantage of each and every one of our social programs which were designed to aide those in need who had paid into the system in case of such circumstances. Turn back to the 70's? Definitely!!! "

no wonder you are Surprised wrote on Feb 16, 2007 2:26 PM:

" Dreams of a rosy past aredreams. Keep on sleepin. "

3-week break next two years wrote on Feb 16, 2007 4:06 PM:

" Last night the board approved the calendars for the next two years. They both have mid august start dates & 3 week winter breaks. Unfortunately, none of the calendars submitted by the parents were ever considered. In order for them to be considered they have to be approved by NVEA, which is the teachers union. There were calendars submitted by the parents that did meet all criteria, but were never seriously considered by the union. A student that sat in on the board last night brought up several concerns & even said he had polled the students to see what they liked. His results were 2/3 liked a later august start & 2/3 did not like the 3 week winter break. He urged the board not to take action on the calendars that were presented to them last night. Unfortunately, he was disregarded also. What I have learned through this process is, yes maybe it doesn't matter what I do I will never beable to change the way the administration, board & teachers union ignore the ideas & thoughts of the parents & do everything in there power to ignore the parental rights, but what I will continue to do is be an advocate for any school issue that affects my childs education. I know many people think this was a trivial issue, & time wasted, how can one say that when this calendar does nothing to help the children that struggles daily & has a hard time retaining information. I am sorry if that offends anyone, but someone has to be an advocate for those children as well. "

To Surprised wrote on Feb 16, 2007 5:53 PM:

" Loved your post! It is so unbelievable how many people have their heads in the sand. I just can't understand why they don't see it. That is why we are in the process of getting out of this state. I feel so sad about this--I feel like I am being pushed out--but I just can't stand what is going on here anymore. There are better places to live! "

The Asian Solution wrote on Feb 18, 2007 11:13 PM:

" With over a 55% drop out rate for Hispanic Students in California, I think the Board of Education is trying ANYTHING to alleviate this inequity. We will just continue to throw more money time and effort at this conundrum until everyone realizes that this predicament starts in the home, not in our public schools. Why is it that all the Asians, many of them first generation Americans (and legally obtained citizenship, I may ad) that I went to school with, then to college (who make up the majority now in our UC system, yet they are the smallest minority group in Calif.) seem not only to be doing very well, but excelling in our great country? Why? Home life. They are driven to achieve at an early age, academically and socially. Dropping out of school, getting pregnant at 14 or joining the North-Side Vatos was not an option their parents would put up with, let along coming home with a "B" on their report card! Social acceptance aside, sometimes the simplest solutions start in the home and within oneself. I don’t hear any Asians complaining about modifying our system for their benefit. Being by and large immigrants themselves, they make their own opportunities here and I have nothing but respect for that mindset. "

To Asian Solution: wrote on Feb 19, 2007 9:36 AM:

" I am so happy you brought this up! I have never seen anyone bring this up in a post. I have thought this for a long time. All the Asians I know speak English and as you said they do not ask to modify our system for them. "

To Asian Solution wrote on Feb 19, 2007 1:59 PM:

" Most Asians come here legally. Those who do things the right way are usually those who want to become Americans, have loyalty to this country and assimilate. Those who come illegaly could careless about the law, learning our languange and have no desire to become Americans, they just want the endless supply of freebies that they think they are entitled to. "

Lets be fair wrote on Feb 19, 2007 2:26 PM:

" maybe we can get three weeks off at spring break so we can go to ft. lauderdale. "

To : To Suprised wrote on Feb 19, 2007 10:18 PM:

" If you read, with any comprehension, what I wrote, you would see that I was stating a fact. The reality of Napa today is not the Napa of the 70s. You say I have my head in the sand? You are the one who says I need to look at what's around, but thinks we should pretend that we live in another decade? Come on. I am sorry that you aren't happy with the way our city's population is, but our elected officials can't pretend it's 30+ years ago. They have to deal with what they've got. "

Buzzy wrote on Feb 20, 2007 9:52 AM:

" I was trying to read with comprehension but my head lice are bugging me. "

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