Imperfect Decision

"Why is our Christmas break shorter than usual this year?"

Fair question. Here is a less than perfect response about why the leadership team made an imperfect decision.

Every year, as head of school, I have to sign an accreditation form for each of our three accrediting agencies - state, regional and national. One of the quality assurances I must confirm for the Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association is 178 days of school per year.

[ANSAA accreditation is required for our participation in the Arkansas Activities Association (AAA). The other two accrediting bodies - ACSI and North Central - require conformity to the ANSAA standard.]

Five years ago, the LRCA school board approved a resolution making Memorial Day weekend the traditional marker for summer vacation. In order to conclude our school year by the 2012 Memorial Day weekend and satisfy the requirement of 178 days, we encroached on the full week before Christmas by two days.

There is another factor that shaped our unusual decision to abbreviate Christmas break. After last year's five snow days, the leadership team and I decided to build in a small buffer to protect Good Friday and other calendar breaks from likely snow day make-up.

This accounts for resuming school on Monday, January 2.  

Like you, we love time with your sons and daughters and there is much more to learn this year. On that bright note, we are providing over 18 additional hours of learning to the students.  

Here's my mea culpa. I approved the proposed calendar and I am sorry it shortened your family's holiday time together. Next year we will plan to protect a full two weeks for your family at Christmas - probably Thursday, December 20 through Wednesday, January 2.  

Thank you for your grace and the respect you have displayed in your communication with us. 

Peace.

Gary B Arnold

 

Comments

[UGG UK cheap]

There is another factor that shaped our unusual decision to abbreviate Christmas break. After last year's five snow days, the leadership team and I decided to build in a small buffer to protect Good Friday and other calendar breaks from likely snow day make-up.

This accounts for resuming school on

[Georgia Johnston]

As we would expect there is wisdom and knowledge behind each decision regarding our precious children. Thank you for your explanation and Merry Christmas!!!