Just a reminder for those of us who need it. 8) JCS Academic Calendar Dates *March 12—Early Release Day/Staff Development *March 21—Good Friday Holiday *March 24-28—Spring Break
Urghh! Totally forgot. Thanks for the reminder. I still do not get the point of an early release day. This is something new that they started doing and just can't put my finger on it unless they are just copying the Wake system. Anyone know why this early release started by chance? Not trying to start anything, I'm just honestly curious as to why they do this. Thanks again for the reminder. Stephanie--mom to 7
Early release days are counted as full days toward the total of instruction days. Doing it this way means that they get to count it as a full instruction day, and also allow teachers to attend workshops, etc on the same day. This is necessary due to the changes put in place several years ago that mandated no early start dates, and no early end dates. These changes also had the impact of reducing the number of teacher workdays. Although the county had not been doing this in the most recent past, they used to do it back in the late 90's when my youngest was in elementary school.
Teachers are required to attend training in a variety of areas throughout the school year. For elementary schools, that training could not begin until after 4pm due to dismissal times. This meant that most training could last until 6pm after a long day at work. This could also interfere with day care since most close at 6, and the teachers would end of being late for picking up their children. It's also difficult to concentrate on learning after teaching for 8 hours. The state legislature took away 5 teacher workdays a few years ago, and several workdays are mandated by the state for teachers to work in classrooms (no required meetings/training) so they can grade papers, average grades, prepare report cards, etc. The early release days help to incorporate the mandatory training sessions teachers must attend. Years ago, when I taught elsewhere, we always had early release days for training (Lenoir Co., Pitt Co., Currituck Co.) In Pitt County, we also had 2 workdays from noon-8pm for parent-teacher conferences.
This is off topic completely, but it appears there might be some teachers from Joco on here, and I've got a question. I'm waiting for an email back from my son's teacher, but thought this might be quicker. My 2nd grader came home today with a form for me to fill out, it's titled "programs for exceptional children. permission to obtain & release information. privileged-confidential. The short paragraph says nothing in detail on what this is for, who it's supposed to go to, nothing. I'm just wondering what this is, does anyone on here know? He's not in any special classes, and no one has ever spoke to me about him going to any special classes, so I didnt' know what to think?
Has the teacher ever mentioned problems with reading, math, or writing? Or does your child seem to perform well above his peers? This could be for testing for AIG or for a learning disability. It could also be for something else. If you don't hear back from the teacher today, call tomorrow. There were issues all weekend and through part of today with the email servers for the schools.
Definitely not a problem learning, he's at or above his levels. His teacher has never mentioned any special programs, so I didn't know if this is something all kids got home today or just for him. I called Joco schools and West View, but they both told me to speak to the teacher, who was in meetings this afternoon. Thanks for the info.
Sounds like a release of information form... and the EC one was sent home. Would the teacher be seeking permission to talk to anyone about your child?
what's EC? And not that I know of. Like I said, there was no note or anything with it, and she hasn't spoken to me about anything.
Isn't EC "Exceptional Children" and wouldn't a child with ADD or ADHD be labeled EC? I don't know, I can't keep up with all the new jargon the schools keep coming out with. :neutral:
EC does mean exceptional children's program. I have 7 w/ IEP's. I got the lingo downpat--LOL. There definitely should have been better communication though on this. Someone dropped the ball on you a bit. YOu should have been informed whether it was for testing or not. An explanation was needed. Could it be possible a paper(explanation) that was w/ it was misplaced? My kids have things stapled or paperclipped together all the time and then it gets seperated in the bag. Happened just last week and almost called the teacher. Should have figured it was my son's fault in the first place--LOL. The form sounds like a testing form to me though. It could be for testing for learning disabilities or for AIG. All those programs fall under the EC dept. But, if the teacher has not mentioned any of htis before, it could be a simple mistake. Was your son's name on it? Sounds odd but should be straightened out quickly. Good luck w/ whatever it is. Thanks alot for the explanation of the ER days. Makes sense now. Take care, Stephanie---mom to 7
thanks everyone, I'm going to try to get ahold of the teacher tomorrow. His name was on it, and it was in an envelope unsealed, but there wasn't anything folded with it and I checked his bag. I'm learning so much on here though!
this was permission for us to "test" him for AIG, if you are planning to call West View tomorrow they will explain. It is def nothing to worry about!
Yep, been through AIG testing with 2 of mine in the past. Just expect a couple of meetings and a bunch of signing/initialing on a stack of paperwork.
Thanks everyone for the info, I appreciate it. I am going to send a note to have the teacher call me, since someone stated on here that their email system has been down, she may never get my message!
