November 16, 2017
Dear Parents,
As you are well aware, during the recent power outage we had the need to use all 5 of our “snow days”, which leaves us with no remaining emergency days as we enter the winter season. Even though the power outage was declared a state of emergency, the missed school days are not automatically forgiven, and we are still required to have 180 days of school, 175 days being student days. There are possibilities of applying for a waiver to have the days forgiven in the spring. However, the DOE will not consider waivers until the spring, after the threat of additional storm days has and only if the school department has made other real efforts to make the days up. The faculty has creatively brainstormed ways that we can make up time. This can be done by adding Saturdays or adding hours to the school day in one hour increments (5 hours makes up 1 school day), for example. Parents weighed in through an online survey to indicate ways that could support making up school time.
In short, we have recommended, and the School Board of Directors has approved, the following calendar changes:
- Tuesday, November 21st will be a full day of school, adding 3 additional hours.
- Thursday, December 21st will be extended by an hour (until 4 PM) to allow for the winter Celebration of Learning to take place.
- Please, note that once the spring Celebration of Learning is scheduled for June, that school day will be extended by one hour (until 4 PM) as well.
- January 2, 2018 will be a regular school day rather than a professional development day. The Professional Development Day day will be rescheduled for a Saturday to be determined.
These calendar changes will credit West Bath with two additional school days, giving us a little more wiggle room for potential snow storms as we begin the winter season. There are other ideas for adding time/days in the spring, if there is a need to do so.
I understand that some of these changes may pose a hardship for your family, particularly if you have made travel plans. Please know that as long as you inform the school that your child will be absent, the absences will be excused. Thank you all for your input and flexibility throughout this process. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.
With regards,
Mrs. Thompson