Feb. 7, 2014
Though we have had many cancellations this winter, our school will still operate on an early dismissal schedule on Friday, February 14. While it may be understandably confusing as to why we would not change that to a full instruction day, there are rationales behind the decision. I will attempt to explain the basic factors that have gone into my decision to keep Friday as an early dismissal.
First, the early dismissal day was already built into our calendar and already counts as a full day of instruction. Therefore, we would not actually be replacing a snow day by extending Friday to a full day. It would still only count as one day. Second, there are valuable professional development sessions that our faculty takes part in on early dismissal days. These sessions are planned for carefully and they are certainly meaningful to our teachers and our school programs. Third, there are middle school activities that have already been planned on that afternoon. Homeroom parents have worked hard on planning the day and the events were specifically scheduled on an early dismissal day. The events will take place off campus. In respect of the work put into that event, along with honoring the scheduled middle school function for our students, it would not be right to cancel that event.
The early dismissal that we have scheduled for Friday Feb. 14 is the last ‘early dismissal’ day of the year. It has been planned since last April when our 2013-14 calendar was comprised, and it has no impact on our scheduled make-up days for school cancellations this year. I would like to reiterate that there is not a school in our state, public or private, that has not been impacted by the harsh winter weather this year. I truly feel that we have as solid of a plan to make up our cancellations, if not more so, than other Public schools or Diocesan schools. The academic integrity of our school is not being compromised in any way by this decision and it is important for me to help you understand that. Blessings to you and those you love. Peace.
Arthur Moore
Principal