PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education 2017-2018 school calendar year, included four snow days. Unfortunately, with recent storms, schools were closed for a total of seven days, and students must make up for three days.
The first snow day make up was on March 12.
The Board of Education has scheduled two make up days as half day on Friday, March 30 and a half day on Tuesday, June 5.
(Note: Since June 5 is the primary election scheduled at most schools, Police Officers present at all polling locations.)
Professional Development for staff will be scheduled for the afternoon of June 5.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent said “As pretty as the snow looks when it drifts so gently to the ground, I am certain you share the same inner frustration as I at the number of storms that have impacted our area – and our school calendar. It is very late in the season to be making changes to our school calendar – and, yet, here we are needing to make adjustments that will allow us to meet the state requirement of having students in school for 180 days.”
New Jersey Department of Education defines a school day in session is a day on which the school is open and students are under the guidance and direction of a teacher(s); and the day must be 4 hours or more to be considered a full day (or at least 2½ hours for kindergarten) (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(a) and (b)). Schools must be in session a minimum of 180 days and the number of school days in session does not include summer school.
In determining how we will modify the school calendar for staff and students, I adhere to the following guidelines: Student and staff attendance should be optimal; Effective and relevant instruction should occur and Minimal impact to families and staff.
These changes will allow high school seniors to graduate on time with diplomas in hand. It will also allow our families and our staff to enjoy an uninterrupted spring break, the importance of which should not be underestimated.
Students with other obligations for March 30 and June 5 should honor those obligations. It is not the desire to create conflict with pre-planned family events. Time with family matters and parents should feel comfortable and confident in their decision to adhere to their plans. School will be in session and the awesome teachers will be present to lead and instruct all students present.
