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School Systems Shut Down for International Women's Day
http://wtop.com/prince-georges-county/2017/03/parents-caught-off-guard-closed-schools-day-without-woman/From the banner on the Prince Georges County Schools website:
Wednesday, March 8 - Schools are closed for students, due to "A Day Without a Woman" related demonstrations. All employees are expected to report for work or follow the normal procedures for leave requests. Click here to read a statement from CEO Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell.
Here is Dr. Maxwell's statement:
http://www.pgcps.org
As you may be aware, organizers of the Women’s March on Washington have called for “A Day Without a Woman,” a one-day demonstration on International Women’s Day (Wednesday, March 8) to include taking the day off work.
Throughout Prince George’s County Public Schools, a high number of school-based and support staff have requested leave for tomorrow, which would compromise our ability to transport students and provide safe, productive learning environments. As a result, schools will be closed Wednesday, March 8 for students. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. Please note that our leave requests significantly increased today, leading to this decision.
Based on our policies, PGCPS and the Prince George’s County Board of Education have no political stance on “A Day Without a Woman.” Schools will open Thursday, March 9 on a normal schedule.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Maxwell, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Throughout Prince George’s County Public Schools, a high number of school-based and support staff have requested leave for tomorrow, which would compromise our ability to transport students and provide safe, productive learning environments. As a result, schools will be closed Wednesday, March 8 for students. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. Please note that our leave requests significantly increased today, leading to this decision.
Based on our policies, PGCPS and the Prince George’s County Board of Education have no political stance on “A Day Without a Woman.” Schools will open Thursday, March 9 on a normal schedule.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Maxwell, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Prince George’s County Public Schools
Alexandria, VA also closed today. Here is their statement:
https://www.acps.k12.va.us
All ACPS schools closed for students this Wednesday, March 8
UPDATE: See the Alexandria Rec website for an update on their programs running on March 8.
It has come to our attention that as of March 6, 2017, more than 300 staff members have requested leave this Wednesday, March 8. Given the unusually high number of requests, this may be attributed to the observance of International Women’s Day. This day has also been deemed A Day Without Women. Consequently, ACPS has decided to close schools for students for the day. This day will be a teacher work day for ACPS staff. This is in addition to the teacher work day that is on Friday, March 10.
This is not a decision that was made lightly. We have been closely monitoring requests for leave on March 8, including communicating with school leaders and our education association. The decision is based solely on our ability to provide sufficient staff to cover all our classrooms, and the impact of high staff absenteeism on student safety and delivery of instruction. It is not based on a political stance or position.
Students will not be required to make up this instructional day. As this winter has not seen the usual snow accumulation across the region, we have sufficient days in the calendar to close on Wednesday without adversely affecting the number of teaching days required by the State.
We understand that when schools close there is an impact on families, who may have to find unanticipated childcare. We apologize for this unforeseen burden on parents and thank you for your patience and understanding.
- All Campagna Center Early Childhood Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start) and Campagna Kids After School programs will operate on the normal schedule. Campagna Kids Before School Program will be closed (Samuel Tucker and Polk Elementary School sites).
- UPDATE FOR REC PROGRAMS: See the Alexandria Rec Program website.
- All ACPS scheduled after-school activities for March 8 will continue as planned.
ACPS will provide breakfast at 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at:
- Patrick Henry Elementary School
- Jefferson-Houston School
- Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
- William Ramsay Elementary School
- Francis C. Hammond Middle School
- T.C. Williams High School
These programs are open to ALL students whether they attend that school or not. If you have questions regarding this decision please email the Office of Communications at news@acps.k12.va.us.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding while we work this through.
Yours sincerely,
Alvin L. Crawley, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
UPDATE: See the Alexandria Rec website for an update on their programs running on March 8.
It has come to our attention that as of March 6, 2017, more than 300 staff members have requested leave this Wednesday, March 8. Given the unusually high number of requests, this may be attributed to the observance of International Women’s Day. This day has also been deemed A Day Without Women. Consequently, ACPS has decided to close schools for students for the day. This day will be a teacher work day for ACPS staff. This is in addition to the teacher work day that is on Friday, March 10.
This is not a decision that was made lightly. We have been closely monitoring requests for leave on March 8, including communicating with school leaders and our education association. The decision is based solely on our ability to provide sufficient staff to cover all our classrooms, and the impact of high staff absenteeism on student safety and delivery of instruction. It is not based on a political stance or position.
Students will not be required to make up this instructional day. As this winter has not seen the usual snow accumulation across the region, we have sufficient days in the calendar to close on Wednesday without adversely affecting the number of teaching days required by the State.
We understand that when schools close there is an impact on families, who may have to find unanticipated childcare. We apologize for this unforeseen burden on parents and thank you for your patience and understanding.
- All Campagna Center Early Childhood Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start) and Campagna Kids After School programs will operate on the normal schedule. Campagna Kids Before School Program will be closed (Samuel Tucker and Polk Elementary School sites).
- UPDATE FOR REC PROGRAMS: See the Alexandria Rec Program website.
- All ACPS scheduled after-school activities for March 8 will continue as planned.
ACPS will provide breakfast at 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at:
- Patrick Henry Elementary School
- Jefferson-Houston School
- Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
- William Ramsay Elementary School
- Francis C. Hammond Middle School
- T.C. Williams High School
These programs are open to ALL students whether they attend that school or not. If you have questions regarding this decision please email the Office of Communications at news@acps.k12.va.us.
Thank you again for your patience and understanding while we work this through.
Yours sincerely,
Alvin L. Crawley, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools