MARYSVILLE — Classes will be in session in the Marysville School District today but no one knows how many students will show up.
Today is one of two Saturday school days woven into the district’s calendar after a state record 49-day teachers’ strike last fall. The last day of school is set for July 19.
The district hopes most students will be in school but doesn’t know what to expect, said Judy Parker, a school district spokeswoman.
"It is a regular instructional day for students and staff," Parker said. "Parents always have the right to have their students out of school. There is an attendance policy if they have a valid reason. We, of course, believe they should be in school."
Some parents, whose families are Jewish or Seventh-Day Adventists, will keep their children out of school for religious reasons.
Others simply believe the decision to hold school on Saturday encroaches on family time.
Lori Moran has two children who attend Cedarcrest School, a middle school campus.
"It’s not my children’s fault that the administration and the teachers couldn’t get their act together," Moran said. "Saturday is family time and they are not going to be responsible for the work come Monday."
Moran said it was against her better judgment but she sent her children to school during the weeks that have traditionally been Christmas and New Year’s vacations.
Greg Aff, who has three children in junior high and high school, said his children will not be in school either. Two of his children take pre-paid ski lessons and the other bowls.
Some schools have tried to find motivators to encourage students to attend.
At Shoultes Elementary, for instance, pajamas are optional wear for students and faculty.
"We thought it would be an incentive for kids who may have been on the fence whether they would attend," said John Waldrop, the school’s principal.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com.
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