Frequently
Asked Questions: Q. Can
schools be in session on the third Monday in February,
Washington’s Birthday, commonly known as “President’s Day?”
A. Yes. Pursuant to
Section 3604(8) of the New York State Education Law, the third
Monday in February is designated as
“Washington’s Birthday”
in both the state and federal statutes; Paragraph 8 of Section
3604 of the New York State Education Law states in part as
follows: “No school shall be in session on a Saturday or a legal
holiday, except general election day, Washington’s birthday and
Lincoln’s birthday …” Therefore, school may be in session on
February 18, 2013.
Q. Schools
were closed for students on October 29, 30, 31, November 1, 2,
5, and 8 which is seven (7) days. Why do we need eight (8) days?
A. Due to Hurricane Sandy
and the subsequent snow storm, Commack schools closed for eight
(8) days; seven (7) student attendance days and one (1) staff
conference day (conference days also counts toward the required
180). Therefore, we must make up an additional five (5) days in
order to meet the State mandated 180. By opening schools on
February 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 for a total of five (5) days,
our calendar will now have 179 instructional days and one (1)
staff conference day equaling the necessary 180 days.
Q. Will there be athletics during the
week of February 18?
A. There are
currently no teams scheduled for practices or games during that
week, with the exception of the Kickline Team, which has
mandatory practices on Thursday and Friday, February 21 and 22.
Q. Will students
have graded assessments that week? A.
Yes - based on individual teacher’s curriculum.
Q.
Will there be extra-curricular activities that
week? A. Yes -
per the regular schedule.
Q.
Will students who miss school that week be expected
to make up missed work?
A.
Yes.
Q. Will
staff prepare school work in advance for students who plan to
miss school that week for vacation? A.
No.
Q. What
happens if we have another snow day? A.
In the event of additional snow days,
we will be open for up to three (3) additional staff-only
conference days (permissible by law to count toward the 180
days) during the March recess. Any snow days in excess of
three (3) would require additional student instructional make-up
days, the dates of which are to be determined if necessary, but
would likely be during the March recess.
Revised School Calendar
Letter from Dr. James
regarding February Calendar Changes
