I have observed that my school district, and several others, have reduced school hours on Fridays to half days. The reason given is that this gives teachers professional preparation time. I would like consideration given to the idea of spreading student hours from half days on Fridays equally to the first four days of the student week. This would give students three-day weekends. I would like to offer teachers every other Friday for their student preparation days and every other week a three-day weekend.
In times when money is short, transportation expenses would be drastically cut. The savings for transportation by students and parents would also be changed. I think this would conserve fuel and be more protective of the environment. Parents could independently pay for day care if needed on Fridays.
Since our state is looking for savings in education, this idea deserves consideration. Districts tell us that the shortened week has not caused learning to suffer. The state would have to rethink their stance on 180 days of school. This savings for transportation costs could be passed on to the taxpayer. This would invite a new saving concept to government at a time when their creativity seems to be at a standstill.
Denny Perrigoue
Snohomish
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