Going back to school on Aug 5.....WHY? (Atlanta: homes, school districts)

[atlantagreg30127]

Looking at the weather channel's calenders, it's going to be in the 90s for more than a week, and most likely will be far beyond that into early September, too. So at this point of the "heat wave/climate change/whatever" we're going through, temp wise I doubt a couple of weeks would make any difference.

Another way to look at it - if the kids are in school, they're not inviting their girlfriends to your house while you're at work to make some grandchildren for you, or robbing homes because they say they're "bored". Keeps them out of trouble. Year-round would be better.

[Iconographer]

Perhaps, too, it's an accommodation to working parents who have to bear the cost of child care during summer vacation. For some, that's a struggle.

[Neemy]

Originally Posted by matt8325

The end of August is still summer too, and that's when kids used to go back to school in GA.

Sorry, I was half asleep when I wrote that. I was being facetious, because when I was going to school, the beginning of August was still "summer", as in "summer break".

Haha, I just realized that you posted directly above me that "summer" starts in mid-May, going by temps. So, we've all got our own definitions.

[kaday]

One case of heat stroke and some bad press and the calendar will be changed. I do find it funny that Cobb adopted this calendar and now is so concerned about the student welfare in the heat. Surprise! It's very hot in August every August every year. One board member was quoted as saying it's not that different in August as it is in September......well you can ride for 8 weeks in the heat or 4. So there is difference. Some kids have a very long ride, some as long as an hour. Kids are people too. How many people drive around in this heat with the air conditioning off?.....not many if any. And if you think kids should tough it out...why don't you practice what you preach and turn your ac off.

[atlantagreg30127]

Originally Posted by kaday

One board member was quoted as saying it's not that different in August as it is in September......well you can ride for 8 weeks in the heat or 4. So there is difference. Some kids have a very long ride, some as long as an hour. Kids are people too. How many people drive around in this heat with the air conditioning off?.....not many if any. And if you think kids should tough it out...why don't you practice what you preach and turn your ac off.

Another way to look at it is that if the parents are that concerned about the buses, they can drive their kids to school in a car with A/C. They're public school buses that are FREE to ride (via taxpayer money) that pretty much stop almost door-to-door in many areas to pick kids up/drop them off.

[kaday]

Originally Posted by atlantagreg30127

Another way to look at it is that if the parents are that concerned about the buses, they can drive their kids to school in a car with A/C. They're public school buses that are FREE to ride (via taxpayer money) that pretty much stop almost door-to-door in many areas to pick kids up/drop them off.

Uh Gregg not really sure what your situation is but I pay taxes so the buses for my family are not FREE. I really don't think parents driving their kids to school is a feasable option for most people, for traffic situations or for the environment...but that is another post.

[billl]

Originally Posted by LovinDecatur

Perhaps, too, it's an accommodation to working parents who have to bear the cost of child care during summer vacation. For some, that's a struggle.

They still have to pay for child care during the fall and winter breaks. The school year is still 180 days (fewer in Fulton) regardless of ow early it starts. The early start only means they have week-long breaks during the year (e.g.: September and February). This spreads out the cost of child care but doesn't reduce it.

[yankeegirl73]

And it's harder to arrange child care for short spurts. Whatever the reason for the early start, it is definitely not for child care ease.

[Davante]

Wow! Yall back in school. Here where I'm at, school doesn't start till the 26th of August. That's so sweet.....I think...enjoy your years at schools, especially the Class o9f 2012!! We the best!

[neil0311]

Originally Posted by matt8325

Maybe you should ask yourself why other places start school so late.

So you yourself admit that Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer, and yet you also ask why school systems that go back around Labor Day are going back "so late" ..... do I have it correct?

Originally Posted by matt8325

What's so wrong with going back to school on August 5th ? It helps those kids who live in homes without a/c to be in a nice air conditioned building all day.

That's ridiculous, especially in Cobb County. How many kids in Cobb County don't have A/C at home and are going to school to get out of the heat? 1%?

Originally Posted by matt8325

Oh and by the way, it's not the middle of summer.

Actually it is...almost exactly. You could "technically" call it the first half of summer. Summer starts on June 21, so Aug 5 is roughly 6 weeks from the start of summer. Sept 21 is the end of summer, so Aug 5 is roughly 6 weeks from the end of summer. Last time I checked, the middle was roughly half-way between the beginning and the end.

Originally Posted by matt8325

Most people consider the end of summer to be Labor Day which is just a month away. And don't get all technical on me. Just because the calendar says it ends on Sept 22 or whatever doesn't mean it does.

I'll get "technical" on you if I feel like it, and I just explained why. Sorry facts get in the way of people's opinions.

BTW...if you noticed, I mentioned going back around Labor Day is how most school systems operate. I never mentioned going back on Sept 22.