Some PW Parents Contemplate Extending Winter Break

Despite a public effort to extend the winter break of Prince William County students to include Jan. 2-3 coming up short, some parents are considering keeping their children out of school for the rest of the week anyway. This year students will return from their winter break on a Thursday. Some parents said they would consider keeping their students home for the remaining two days of the week. "Since we didn't go out of town, we kind of can't justify it. Mine are still in elementary school, so it's not such a big deal," Terri Hammersmith said. "I have other friends who are keeping their kids home, and they didn't go anywhere either." While most parents cite travel plans or visiting relatives as the reason behind their decision, some are concerned that classroom instruction on those days will not be essential, so kids can afford the time off. "My oldest in high school says it's a waste. Many are missing, so they will either be made to do busy work  or watch movies," Karen Andrews said. However, others don't want to burden their children with makeup work.

"Hadn't even considered it. Wouldn't want them to miss anything and then have to catch up later," Amy Falkofske said.

If a student is absent for a non-sanctioned reason PWCS will consider the absence unexcused,with no option for making up missed school work. PWCS Regulation 724-1 states,"A student who is absent for a reason that is determined to be "unexcused" (according to the guidelines outlined in this regulation) would receive a "0" for any graded work which occurred during the day of the unexcused absence. If evaluated work did not occur during that day, then the student would receive no grade penalty." According to the regulation, excused absences include:

• Personal illness
• Medical and dental appointments and/or treatment
• Death in the student’s family or household
• Observance of a religious holiday
• Emergency conditions in the student's home which require help from the student in caring for the sick or injured
• In the judgment of the parents, the roads or walkways in their neighborhoods are too hazardous for student use
• College admission visitations or to apply for post graduation jobs
• Required court appearance.
• Visiting with the parent or legal guardian who has been called to active duty, is on leave from this duty, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting
• Prearranged absences, in which principals are notified in writing within a reasonable amount of time prior to the absence
• Extenuating circumstances, approved by the building principal

Some parents wouldn't consider keeping their children home, as they feel attending school on Thursday and Friday would be helpful in reestablishing students' daily routines.

"I think sending them to school for two days is a good way to transition them back into their regular school routine, so I'm sending mine," Anne Mullins said. Ultimately, many students are ready to return to their friends and teachers. "We considered it, but after talking to the kids, they said they wanted to go to school," Veronica L. Cowan said.

Recently, the School Board has approved the 2013-2014 school calendar, which grants students a full two week winter break next year.