Is anyone else disappointed at their child's school for being open today?

[Mark P.]

It appears that it's the individual school's decision to have school on Veteran's Day here in NJ, and I've been sort of stewing over this since last week, and still can't get over the fact that DS has school today

DS didn't have school this past Thurs. and Fri. for some kind of Teacher's convention, which btw, I don't understand why have these things during the year, rather than at the end of the school year. (I'm sure that these are important conferences, and Teachers deserve alot of credit for the work in which they do.)

Sorry to vent, but I just can't get over the fact that they can close school for Columbus Day, but not for Veteran's Day?? Which is more significant, especially these days?

I'm not the 'get on a soapbox' type, but I'm seriously thinking of writing to the school's board and inquiring of thier decision that is IMHO disrespectful to all Veterans, and Servicemen and Servicewomen alike.

Thanks for listening,
-Mark
USMC 1988-1994

 

[Cindy B]

My kids school wasn't closed for either Columbus or Veterans Day.... this is PA.


The teachers had an in service Nov. 1, (can't blame them, I wouldn't want to teach a bunch of kids on sugar high the day after Halloween)


I know it is an important day, my father and sister are in the service.

But quite bluntly, some forget or don't see the importance.

 

[Girls Scout Leader]

Here in Michigan they close school for neither Holiday. But to be honest, my kids will probabaly learn more about the importance about each of these important dates at school than they will staying home and sitting in front of the computer or tv. They make a pretty big deal about them.

 

[tiggerlover]

I would be angry too, Mark. Although DS's school was closed today I was angry because DH who is in the service had to go to work today because he works for NATO and they don't recognize the US holidays. Here we have a veteran who can't even have off on Veteran's day.

Regarding school conference's/in service days, I agree, why do we have to lose school time, why can't they be at the end of the year. DS has been off school for the last week, two days for parent/teacher conferences (mind you we are in a school of 65 with the largest class having 12 students and they still need two days?) and then the teachers had two days for teachers convention. Just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Mattsmom]

My kids have school today here in TX. I don't have a problem with it. The schools all hold assemblies in honor of Veterans Day. They invite Veterans from the community. It's a very nice occasion.

They also discuss the sacrifices that have been made by Veterans for our country in their Social Studies classes today. My kids were asking last night who in the family served, when and where.

If they were home, they would be hanging out with friends, watching TV etc. They probably wouldn't give a thought as to why they had the day off.

I understand what your saying Mark, but I think school/no school all depends on how it's handled.

Diane
USAF 1977-1982

 

[caitycaity]

imho, you can remember the holiday, even in school.

honestly, most kids i know, if they had the day off, would not give two seconds of thought to why they had it off. at least if they are in school, they can have an assembly, or the teachers can talk about it with them.

 

[GEM]

Schools here were open on Columbus Day and are open today as well. I really don't see any reason whey they should be closed. Yes, it is an important day, but most people take a few minutes to pause and remember, etc. They don't devote the entire day to family gatherings and things like that. Most kids would just be home playing video games or whatever if there was no school today. It's probably just as well that they go to school. Most shcools I know have some sort of special assembly or something to mark the day.

By the way, I work at a unviersity and we have regular classes and office hours today. It doesn't bother me. There is a special memorial service on campus at noon.

 

[Mark P.]

Thanks for the input
My whole basis is I don't see how they can justify closing for Columbus day, and not Veteran's Day.

I wouldn't think it would be wrong at all to have school open on both days, if that were the case, but it isn't here. In DS's school, they have so many what I call "B.S." days off, and apparently have a total disregard for Vet's. Day.

My son is only 8, and I asked him if they were doing anything special for Veteran's Day, and he said yes, "we're having pizza because we were off on friday, which is normally pizza day"

He is fully aware of what the word Veteran means because of our conversations. He knows that the older gentleman passing out stickers at the local Wal-Mart very well might have served in a war a long time ago.

 

[dizneenut]

My boys have school today. They were off Friday. They are also off on Friday's for Columbus Day.

 

[LindaR]

Jeepers, I am not pleased either.

No school on Columbus Day (for the lousy sucker who did not discover America!)

There is school today for Veterans Day.

The day will be filled with ceremonies to honor vets (we live in a military town).

All you have to do is talk to the school board.