Windsor Locks Public Schools And Reduced Academic Time on Mondays

Letter to Windsor Locks Parents:
 

There have been many conversations going on over the past few weeks on blogs, Facebook, and e-mails (some positive and some negative) regarding the one hour early release every Monday for all students so teachers can participate in PLC (Professional Learning Communities) during the 2011-2012 school year. 

With this change students will be losing 33 hours of classroom time for the school year and parents will need to rearrange their work schedule or find alternate childcare due to the early dismissal. 

My personal stance is the PLC should be provided for the teachers as it is a proven strategy to increase student achievement by creating a collaborative school culture focused on learning.

However, I do not think this change should cut into our children's classroom time. 

I believe the decision to take away student learning time will delay student achievement.  There has to be a compromise that can be made so everyone benefits: the students, teachers and parents. The education of our children should be of the utmost importance and our children should be gaining education, not losing it.
 
Regardless of your personal stance it is apparent we all want what is best for our children’s education.  

That being said, I would like to encourage everyone to attend the next Board of Education meeting on Thursday, July 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Windsor Locks High School Library Media Center.
 
We all talk great behind a computer, but the only way for our voices to be heard by the Board of Education and Superintendent Sweeney is to attend the meeting and voice our questions, comments and/or concerns.
 

The Board of Education stated at their last meeting that they will be putting the issue of PLC hours on the agenda for this upcoming meeting, so now is the time for us all to attend the meeting and have our voices be heard. I hope to see everyone there.

Thank you for your attention!
 

Amy Mackey
Concerned WL Parent