Tell Us: How Will Modified School Calendars Affect You?

After Hurricane Sandy wiped a good week from the calendar, schools are now struggling with the difficult decision of how to make up instructional days. Unfortunately, there seems to be no way around cutting into vacation time to the dismay of many who already made travel plans.

Northport-East Northport School District will make up lost days by sacrificing the entire February break, Monday through Friday, to reach the minimum 180 instructional days required by State law. Any snow days and they'll have to cut into March.

Trustees at the Northport BOE meeting Monday conceded that it isn't an ideal scenario, though they are left with no other choice because they are required to cut into vacation days first. Many said they realize it is a great inconvenience to parents, students, and staff, but nevertheless that education is a priority. Trustee Joe Sabia reminded everyone that missing one of the make-up days will count as an illegal absence.

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Elwood School District has not yet decided how they will make up the lost days. Both Northport and Elwood School districts are pursuing petitions with the State Education Department for exemptions to the 180 day rule.

How will losing the February break affect you? Have you already made vacation plans? Tell us in the comment section below.

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