TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Many Teachers, Drivers Plan To Skip Work Good Friday
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Published: March 18, 2008
Updated: 03/17/2008 11:25 pm
TAMPA - Requests for personal days on Good Friday are piling up for Hillsborough teachers and bus drivers, making more late buses and combined classes likely.
The school district has traditionally taken Good Friday off, but scheduled classes this year as part of a secular calendar excluding all religious holidays except Christmas.
How many of the district's 191,000 students plan to skip school this Friday is tough to predict, but teachers and bus drivers may take personal days.
"I think an awful lot of people plan to have a personal day on Friday," said Yvonne Lyons, Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association executive director. "Anybody who has a personal day left can use it Friday."
Teachers earn 10 sick days a year and may take six as personal days, she said.
Hillsborough principals are supposed to ask teachers today how many plan to take off Friday, said Ken Otero, the district chief of staff. Wednesday, a plan will be in place, he said, to deal with the absences. It is likely to include combining classes and moving substitutes from one school to another, he said.
Otero said he didn't know how many teachers had requested substitutes.
"On any given Friday, we're running out of substitutes," he said. "On Fridays and Mondays we run out." Then teachers take on extra classes during planning periods and administrators also take over classes.
"I'm more concerned with transportation than I am in the classroom," Otero said.
As of Monday afternoon, 204 bus drivers had given notice that they will take personal or sick time Friday, said John Franklin, district transportation chief. Normally it's 90 to 100 absent each day out of about 1,000 drivers.
"It's still changing - it's a moving target," Franklin said. "It's going to be a pretty big challenge here."
Many drivers are already making two and three runs to pick up students at any given time, which will obviously increase, Franklin said.
"I'm putting together a plan to minimize disruption of kids," he said.
Drivers may also use up to six days of sick leave for personal days with no questions asked, said Luis Perez, president of the Hillsborough School Employees Federation. They earn sick days based on service time.
"I know a lot of drivers are taking it off," Perez said. "I know it is a concern.'
Observance of a religious holiday is an excused absence for any student.
Taking Good Friday off has nothing to do with religion, however, said School Board Chairwoman Jennifer Faliero.
"Parents have always taken off Good Friday - they always will," Faliero said. "This is an American tradition."
School board members voted to have school on Good Friday this year and see how many students and employees took the day off for future calendars. That tally will have no use for at least another two years, however: On the 2008-09 district calendar, Good Friday is part of Spring break.
Faliero said her two daughters are going to school Friday, but then, "Monday we're going out of town. We're taking Monday off."
Reporter Marilyn Brown can be reached at (813) 259-8069 or mbrown@tampatrib.com.
Reader Comments
Posted by ( bradgeremt ) on March 18, 2008 at 2:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
well if they can do that then maybe all the police, firefighters, and emergency room workers should take the day off as well. what makes them so special that they should complain about taking religous holidays off the above people mentioned chose their profession just like the teachers and drivers did so why should they get special treatment. i say send all the police, fire, and er staff home as well if anyone here deserves it, its them!!
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on March 18, 2008 at 4:55 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Don't all schools get an Easter or Spring break that lasts a week or two? Is the school board brain dead? Why wouldn't they include Good Friday in the break? They know some people will want to take off for it. This problem whould never have come up if the school board was on the ball. As far police, firefighters etc., they don't get a spring break so this has nothing to do with them. The schools however are going to close for a spring holiday anyway. It was just stupidity on their part not to include Friday. By the way, whether you like it or not and whether they call it a spring break or an Easter Holiday, its been going on for a long long time and Easter - the religious holiday was the reason for it. I do not believe it had anything to do with the teachers being so over worked that they could not continue 'till the end of the semester without a rest break.
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Posted by ( dzeien ) on March 18, 2008 at 5:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
40% flunk out rate for high school students and taking Friday off is a tradition. Oh yea and we tax payers are footing this bill. BAD ECONOMY OF SCALE ! It's very hard to fix STUPID on our streets and in our teacher lounges.
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on March 18, 2008 at 5:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
dzeien, I like that comment. You know since Florida's university is a major research institution, maybe they could put someone on the problem. Can you imagine the grants they could get if their researchers could come up with a fix for STUPID? And they've got all those politicians right here in the state they could study too. What a great idea.
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Posted by ( T11 ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Perhaps teachers and bus drivers should be set up to work as our service members do. Deployed soldiers do not get holidays or even weekends off. There isn't any "overtime" and combat pay and the tax break offered do not come close to what time and a half for those hours would pay. They accepted these conditions when they signed up, so our children's teachers and bus drivers should do the same.
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Posted by ( krissylee40 ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:29 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's funny that when other religious holidays occured this school year, no one seemed to care that teachers and students weren't at school. Now, since the majority of our school employees are Christian and want to observe their religious holiday, they are bashed and made to feel guilty for it. The school board was told last year that this would happen and they chose to go ahead with this calendar anyway. Not only are teachers and bus drivers going to be absent in droves, students will be as well. This has nothing to do with being a fireman or a soldier. It has everything to do with school being held on a religious day. Why do we get off for Martin Luther King, Presidents, and fair days? I think Jesus is more important than all of that.
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Posted by ( maxfl1 ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:30 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Uh, people, in the real world, you don't get to take a personal day off unless your supervisor grants it. What is going here? Incredible! And did I read that some have notified management in advance that they might take a sick day? Incredible! I would require that they need to bring in a note in from their doctor. Also, it seems so clear to me that our school system should be turned over to the private sector. This government run body is out of control and doing nothing for our kids. Incredible! 10 sick days and 6 personal days a year - and they don't even work a full year! Incredible! And I bet they get to carry all those days over and bank them until the day they retire, right? Just totally incredible!
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Posted by ( bassalec02 ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maxfl1, actually school district employees only get 10 days a year, of which 6 of those days can be used as personal days. And yes they do roll over from year to year as they do in most private companies. Yes, most district employees don't work a full year. A benefit of working for the school system is that we don't work year round. As always this is a perk of the profession I chose, as I am sure your profession has perks as well. We are always in need of great teachers to help make a difference in a child's life. You could make a difference in our out of control ways and help do something for kids!
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Posted by ( LindaL3 ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This is about the fact that our Christian holidays and rights are being shoved to the way side. This is America and founded on GOD. If you want to be here and don't believe in the one true living GOD that is your business, but don't expect America to change (although it has). We need to stand up for Jesus and America.
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Posted by ( betzi0921 ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
LindaL3, you have taken the words out of mouth. Where were we when O'Hare was destroying the schools with her beliefs or rather non-beliefs? Where were we when they said we could no longer pray in school? Where were we when students were given rights - other than the right to an education? I support the teachers 100%. Wake up America - we, the majority, need to begin defending our rights!
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Posted by ( Sharona ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
So now I have to worry whether or not the bus driver will show up to pick up my kid for school. Seems like the school board makes decisions without considering the consequences. Do they realize that sometimes the bus just DOES NOT COME? The whole thing is ridiculous. Hell, teachers get a day off at the end of the 9 weeks for "planning" - why not make Good Friday one of those days? jeesh. The answer is simple. This is America. Kids don't get off for Cinco De Mayo! And SPARE ME the thought that Good Friday would be an "excused" absence for students.....thats bull%^^&*(
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Posted by ( Totem ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
LindaL3, that is so ignorant. There are many religions in this country. The founding fathers wanted to protect observance of ALL religions. It's people like you are the reason I am not a "superior" Christian. No way, no how. I think we should get the equinox off and observe Evolution Day.
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Posted by ( mcmskm ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Teachers will not only be taking off for religious reasons, but also for personal reasons. Many teachers choose this profession so that they can work, but still keep a balance at home. Not all teachers live within the school district that they teach in. What is one to do if their child's school or daycare center is closed? Is it so wrong now for them to take a day off to care for their own child?? The surrounding counties along with most pre-school/daycare centers will be closed on Friday. This will leave a lot of teachers with children of their own home from school.
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Posted by ( Mark_StPete ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
There are many government agencies that have included Good Friday as some kind of paid holiday. In many northern communities where there are still strong ties to heritage and tradition, Good Friday is a given day off for all schools regardless of when "Spring Break" falls. As a teacher, I think that the school districts should just realize that Holy Week should be Spring Break week. This would eliminate low attendance by employees and students alike. Even if the break is the week after Easter and Friday is a teacher work day, which would resolve the issues.
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Posted by ( LindaL3 ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Totem, that is not ignorant. I don't have any problems with someone observing another religion. A lot of my friends and co-workers observer other religions and we have nice discussions about it, but this country was founded on Christianity. If we tried to go to another country and do half the things that have been done here to oust our culture and beliefs, we would probably be beheaded.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.
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Posted by ( Totem ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
So is that your answer, behead the rest of us for having the opinion Goof Friday shouldn't be given preference over the numerous other religious holidays out there. I don't understand your above comment. Come on Linda, we know how you REALLY feel about non-Christians. Please do tell.....
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Posted by ( Ricardo ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:15 a.m.
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Posted by ( RobKay ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think krissylee40's comment says it all. The school board knew this would be a problem a year ago and they choose to ignore it. So much for doing your job. No wonder our school system is so screwed up. Lets try the private sector, they couldn't do any worse and maybe it'll be an improvement. By the way next time you hear about how dedicated the teachers are, remember this. They take off when they feel like it.
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Posted by ( NotPlayin ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Totem, Just remove your fingers from the keyboard, PLEASE!!!!
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:22 a.m.
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Posted by ( GF ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"school district employees only get 10 days a year, of which 6 of those days can be used as personal days. And yes they do roll over from year to year as they do in most private companies."
Only 10? Wow, I sure feel sorry for them. Of course the whole summer doesn't count. I don't know of many companies that let them roll over either. And how is it that you can take whatever day off and leave the school without proper staffing?
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:33 a.m.
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Posted by ( bridarchrina ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Good Friday is actually more important than Christmas in the Christian belief. Easter weekend is the whole basis for Christianity. All Christians believe Christ died and rose up to heaven to open the gates for the rest of us. Since the majority of Americans are Christian, they should have seen this coming. All government jobs and banks are closed on Good Friday. My husband has off (and he's a lawyer) because all the courts are closed. There are certain jobs that can never take off for any holiday and those employees work those holidays out over seniority and trading. They knew that going in to their jobs just as teachers have always known they'd have off for Good Friday. You can't just change something after over 100 years and not expect something like this to happen. If we all used common sense instead of always trying to be politically correct, a lot of these "troubles" could be avoided.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
GF - see my previous comment. Yes, we need to have the ability to have sick and personal days. We get sick too! Especially when lousy parents send their kids to school sick because they don't want to deal with them or need a babysitter! (and for those parents that can't afford to take a day off when they themselves are not sick). First year teachers are constantly sick because their immune systems are not built up yet. Also, our kids go to the doctor and dentist too and sometimes our kids get sick as well.
DO NOT make it sound like we are taking vacations or just don't feel like going in because that is not the case! As for us rolling over our sick days. Yes, it is a benefit and yes, I will take advantage of it until they take it away from us.
One last thing - Stop using the "summers off" arguement. We DO NOT get paid for the summer!!! I would personally prefer to go to year round school (college type of schedule) and GET paid year round. And for all of you private sector people - How about those PAID vacations you get??? Um, forgot about those, didn't you! We don't get paid vacations!!! We have 1 day taken from each of our paychecks to save for Christmas vacation. It is NOT a paid holiday!!! A lot of you get a Christmas bonus or holiday bonus - none for us! Our sick days ARE our only form of Paid leave for any reason and most of us do not use them unless we absolutly HAVE to!!!
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Posted by ( URY914 ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The teacher's union is really at the heart of this problem. Enroll your kids in a private school now before it is too late.
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Posted by ( s_adair ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.
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Posted by ( StormVet90 ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Once again the government has decided to ignore the wishes of the people and once again the people will teach them a lesson. We WILL not be ignored!! Either the bureaucracy will bend to our wishes or they will be rendered useless.
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Posted by ( rodstertodster ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Scotty, Beam me up please, There's NO intelligent life down here.
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Posted by ( bmckeen ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
You can fight about it all you want. The plain truth is that this country was founded on the principles of Christianity with an allowance or tolerance of other religions. In no way did it mean that the founders were willing to put aside their beliefs out of fear of offending someone. America's earliest schools used the Bible as its key textbook, many Native Americans went to these schools---there was no attempt to water anything down out of fear of offending them.
Of course Good Friday ought to be a holiday. I agree with the earlier comment---nix one of the seemingly 50 half-days, planning days, fair days, and all of the other garbage days off that are useless and grant this one. Easter is ealry this year and that is why it is not included in Spring Break which for Hills. is in April. This, as one of you said, is an example of Christianity getting trampled. Earlier in the year we would have been intolerant to not allow Muslims days off for observance etc..... now, how dare these individuals think that they deserve a day off for THE MOST WIDELY CELEBRATED "religous time period".
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Posted by ( Mark_StPete ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Decisions seem to be made by school districts in order to cover their skin. "Oh no, we can't give Good Friday off because we might get sued!" What really needs to happen is that the boards of education need to get some guts and put their foot down. Heaven forbid if they do something to please the majority.
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Posted by ( baccala4u ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
"Taking Good Friday off has nothing to do with religion, however, said School Board Chairwoman Jennifer Faliero"
Ms. Faliero, You must have had a large rock fall on your head! You just proved my point , You need to remove yourself from any public office. You're a fool for making a statement as you were quoted as above.
Oh Ya Dzeien, I guess the Renaissance Fest people did not find you even smart enough to be the "Village Idiot"!
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Posted by ( 1WithCommonSense ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I love how it is so easy for the general public to blame the teachers for this one. Good Friday has always been a holiday on the school calendar, generally followed by Spring Break. In a country in which it is reasonable to say that about 75% of the population defines themselves as “Christian” basing school calendars around a secular calendar makes sense. The chaos in all of this is that ALL secular holidays were removed from the school calendar because those of other beliefs felt that every religion’s holidays should be days off of school. In the end the county decided to not include ANY secular holidays.
While I believe that there should be a separation of church and state, I do believe that our founding fathers included that whole free speech/freedom of religion stuff for a reason. Students who are taking Friday off for religious observance are not being penalized, nor are the teachers and drivers who are taking this as a personal day. This holds true for those who are Muslim, Jewish, or any other major religion. Students are NOT penalized for observing a holiday.
Imagine what would happen if you went to a predominately Muslim country and asked for Good Friday off . . . think it would happen? Doubtful. Be happy you live in a country that allows personal freedoms. Don’t blame the teachers; blame the geniuses on the school board who approved a calendar in which the majority would be inconvenienced.
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Posted by ( Tampagirl ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why would you think they would have the school closed for Good Friday when they don't even call it CHRISTMAS BREAK ANYMORE IT'S WINTER BREAK. This is not right. But as some has said they are off for MLK Day, Fair Day, and other non-important days. There are still families out there that Beleive in GOD. But we better not say it to loud we may offend someone!!!!
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Posted by ( ABBY_914 ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:31 a.m.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
1withcommonsense - As your name states, common sense is NOT allowed on this forum. lol
I agree with your post entirely. But really, don't expect everyone to use their common sense as it may not serve THEIR individual agenda or purpose.
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Posted by ( corstink ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Most of you are ignorant and those who are uneducated feel they need to insult to get their point across.
When I was in school Spring break happened the week of Easter and included Good Friday. You are all acting as if the unexpected never happens to teachers! Family members die people get sick...and unfortunately those things don't always happen over summer vacation, so why shouldn't they be given personal time? Teachers should not be penalized because they wish to celebrate a religious holiday. I think it's ridiculous the schools are closed for Martin Luther King and Presidents Day. I would think these would be days to educate students on WHY these are holidays!
And blaming the teachers for the failure rate is also ridiculous. Let's look at the parents before we look at the teachers. When i was in school most of the kids who dropped out had parents who just didn't care.
Let's start taking some responsibilty for ourselves people.
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Posted by ( mlamarca ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think the biggest thing in this article is the fact that 9-10% of the school districts bus staff is absent on any given day. The national average for employee absenteeism is about 3.5%, so why is SDHC at almost 3 times the average?
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Posted by ( kbsmith ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm sure everyone on here saying students and teachers should have Good Friday off will be observing the occasion by going to church, reading their Bible and exploring Christianity. They'll be teaching their children about the significance of the day. I'm sure the churches will be full instead of the malls, theaters and Busch Gardens.
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Posted by ( astronerd37 ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm glad I'm a Druid and don't have to get involved in this. I always take off on June 21st when school's not in session. I also take off on January 8th, that's Elvis' birthday.
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Posted by ( boston85 ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sorry linaL
This country was not founded on God. I dont know if you live in the US or Iran, but we have a secular government here in the USA
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
mlamarca - It is because they are paid VERY poorly, have to deal with a ton of kids on the bus (sometimes three to a seat) who exhibit some of the WORST behavior and their benefits are horrible. At minimum wage or justa hair better, think about the general type of person this is attracting to the job as well. (I mean no disrespect to those drivers who are professional and do their job to the highest standard, but lets face it, they are few and far between.)
kbsmith - You make a good point, however teachers and students should not have been put in this situation to begin with. Unfortunately some will abuse the privaledge, but the majority will miss on Friday for the "right" reason. Even if they don't attend a church service, they are observing the meaning of the day appropriately. At the least, it should be a day of observance for Christians, just as Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are. I also believe that 9/11 should be added to that list.
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Posted by ( chjh ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Good Friday is a religious holiday that has been observed by public schools as far back as I can remember. I thought the new school calendar was ridiculous. I totally support the teachers, bus drivers, and parents who take the day off. I hope it sends a clear message to the board. With all of these disrespectful comments about teachers in general, it's no wonder so many children treat them with contempt.
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Posted by ( Sparky ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
The school board knew Friday was going to be a problem but apparently they have buried their head in the sand. I believe a lot teachers/drivers are taking the day off to make a point. For those that are working--bless you. The bus drivers will be running like crazy.
School should be cancelled this Friday.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Boston85 - Actually you would be incorrect. If you think I am wrong then immediately send me all of your money (since it says "in God we trust"). Also look up your history. Every Government meeting starts with the pledge of allegience (yes, under God was added later. I know) as well as a prayer for most meetings. Most Government entities have a chaplain for that purpose. The bible was a mainstay in all schools in the 18th, 19th and most of the 20th centuries as well as in our government. When going to court you swear upon . . . you guessed it - A Bible. There are many accounts that have been convieniently "forgotten" by those with that agenda.
"Those that do not learn from history, are destined to repeat it". Our "new" society with new viewpoints is NOT working! I suggest that we learn quickly from our recent history!
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Posted by ( Tampagirl ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:44 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Even though Good Friday usually falls when the public schools have spring break, did'nt they even look at there calendars. I hope the learn from this and no bus drivers show up or teachers. Then maybe the next time they will think!!!! But I doubt it. Since there is no pray in school or should I say a moment of silence anymore. Everybody is so afraid that they won't be politically correct anymore. But what happened to you could say GOD in public. I remember when I was in school that is what got me through the day just able to pray that the days goes well.....
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Here is a thought that no one has discussed - Who is going to be in the lunchrooms to FEED the children??? No one has considered the possiblity that they will be absent as well??? What about custodial staff to help clean the schools. Finally, what about the school board members themselves and those staff members that work downtown in the ROSSAC building? How many of them will be absent??? I am quite curious about this.
Also, has anyone considered the teachers and/staff members that are being pressured to be there on Friday, even though it is in direct conflict of their religious beliefs. DO NOT believe for one moment that there are NOT schools where the administration is NOT pressuring their staff to show up anyway. My school administration is great and understanding, however not all schools are the same. As you see here on these posts, some of our administrations have different viewpoints that they think "should" take precident.
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Posted by ( yamazakiflauto ) on March 18, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
To me, its ridiculous that the teachers are planning to skip school for Good Friday. I remember that the first time I got Good Friday off is when I went to school in Duval County. The private school I went to in Japan, the school is for children of military parents, did not have the Friday off. The school was predominately Christian. Other than that, major Universities does not have the Friday off.
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Posted by ( altedbaseball ) on March 18, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
i am a TEACHER, and all i have to say is, "WWJD?"
we all have perks at our chosen profession(s). reading these threads, it just validates how uninformed some of us are.
..... and to those that knock the profession; just walk a "day" in our shoes.
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Posted by ( GF ) on March 18, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
cshultz110, Did you read the same article that I did? My main point was in the fact that " "Anybody who has a personal day left can use it Friday.".
That is apparently in your contract. I find it unbelievable that anyone running a school would put themselves in such a vulnerable position. What if everyone had a day left and they all decided to take Friday? And 10 days for the shortened year that you do work, I find excessive too, when compared to the private sector. I would be willing to bet that the majority of folks posting here have much fewer days to spread out over 12 months of work, and no retirement either. That being said, I do hold teachers in high regard for their choice of career, it is certainly a noble one, and I'm sorry that you have students with "lousy parents". By the way, I would be for a bonus instead of rolling days and being able to all take the same "personal day". Would you?
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Posted by ( LindaL3 ) on March 18, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Totem, You don't have a clue!
altedbaseball , Amen, and Thank You for all you do!
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 12:21 p.m.
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Posted by ( mlamarca ) on March 18, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
cshultz110, poor pay is not an excuse for poor performance. Yes, nobody is going to get rich starting off at 10.56/hour, but what is the cost to you and me, as hillsborough residents, due to lack of the employees caring and/or doing their job. Basically 9-10% absenteeism translates to a person missing one scheduled day every two weeks. Not too many jobs would put up with that, even at minimum wage(6.79/Hr).
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Posted by ( lovemy2boys ) on March 18, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
ALL through my school days we ALWAYS had Good Friday off and MOST of the years my kids have been in school they had it off until this year! I would seriously like to see how many people take it off...even those ones who made us change the days off for religious holidays. Yes, i'm sure that all the atheists, jewish, muslims and ALL who do not believe in God will still take the day off even after all that fighting for these "religious" holidays to stop. These people dont want our christianity shoved down their throats as they say we do, well, we dont want their "non-beliefs" shoved down ours and trying to make it where we cant celebrate our beliefs! And all you who have been bashing these school teachers are ridiculous! I truly admire "most" teachers and we should thank them for putting up with our children and trying to teach them. Although my kids are not bad but they arent perfect and there are more crap these teachers have to put up with from these kids and the obnoxious parents that come along with these obnoxious kids! The school board knew this could happen so maybe they need to wake up and realize that Christians ARE the majority and stop letting the minority control everything! So to all you teachers and students taking the day off and who are TRUE Christians...NOT hipocrits...have a GREAT day off and have a Happy Easter!! God Bless You!
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Posted by ( altedbaseball ) on March 18, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
wow, misinformation galore.
9-10% absenteeism????????
where did you get this figure from?
199 scheduled work days, by contract for most teachers, and 10 sick days--of which 6 can be taken for personal use--that is an average of .05, or 5% absentee rate.
folks, think, and get your facts accurately before you blog.
those in the know, know your nonesense.
i wonder how many of you in your "real" jobs are posting on company time?
PS...........this is my 30 minute lunch that i am using to do this post. that's right, a 30 minute lunch.
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 18, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Miamarca - I agree with you to a point. The point I was trying to make is that they have to put up with an awful lot. The main point if I may be blunt is that the majority (not all) of all bus drivers do not have college degrees nor did they set out to be a bus driver as a lifelong dream. They fell into it. Poor pay coupled with the fact that for most it is only a part time job (no summers, no paid vacations or holidays, etc.) makes it hard to keep drivers as well as to get great attendance. Most are single parents and when their kids are sick, they cannot afford to get child care so they must call off to take care of their children. Also, if they have another job (a lot of them do to make ends meet) they might take a day off to work that job instead. These are not the best of excuses, but they are the truth.
My point was to look at the big picture, not just the poor pay. I agree that the situation is bleek and in dire need of repair, but it is what it is at the moment.
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Posted by ( Gigi1182 ) on March 18, 2008 at 1 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ok... this is coming from a Hillsborough County teacher who has used all but 2 of the said "days off" allotted to me. I didn't use them "for fun" or to "play hookie". I was either a) legitimately sick with one of the viruses, diseases, or bugs that your lovely children brought to school because you were too busy to take a sick day and stay home with them. b) I was taking a day of bereavement for my recently deceased grandmother, or C) I was forced to use my personal days to attend a conference for professional development, that logistically speaking the school board should have provided for without me having to delve into my own PERSONAL time allotted. Like my principal said "personal days are for personal things" ... right! So why was my professional development conference, which was clearly PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, considered to be my "personal time"??
Now let's think about this: I don't have kids... but what about the teachers who do? They have to take days out of THEIR OWN sick/personal days to stay home and care for their own sick kids... who most likely contracted such diseases/lice/ailments from the other recently described children who DIDNT stay home....
And funerals? Don't get me started.
So you're trying to sit there and advocate for the rest of the world, who has about just as many problems/issues/emergencies that come up as any teacher would... and complain that we get "10 days of time off and summers"?!?!
Get your facts straight. Our pay calendar is 10 months. This means- for the mathmatically challenged- that we are only PAID for 10 months. Most of us (myself included) are forced to work summer jobs flipping burgers with high schoolers just to make ends meet. And that's after an entire school year of being looked at as babysitters and social workers for the sake of giving YOUR children a well rounded education...
You are mad that after all that, all we ask is to have GOOD FRIDAY off, in order to spend time with our families.
And by the way-- when I initially signed on, Good Friday being a day off WAS part of the contracted school year.
It's sad to see how ignorant some people can be.
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Posted by ( jon_boy ) on March 18, 2008 at 1:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
All this talk of teachers having the summer off. Has anyone mentioned that it is unpaid? You try being forced to have two months off, unpaid during the year when your salary is too poor to supplement it.
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Posted by ( URY914 ) on March 18, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey jon_boy if you don't like it try getting a real job and working for a living. See how many day off you get then.
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Posted by ( mlamarca ) on March 18, 2008 at 1:39 p.m.
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Posted by ( carrollwoodmom ) on March 18, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
My kids (12 & 8) will not be going to school on Good Friday. As Catholics, we observe this as a Holy Day and choose not to participate in secular activities. The very thought that kids are given a day off to go to the State Fair but not to observe their faith is rediculous! It shows that if the kids will be generating revenue for the state (at the fair) then it's alright to miss school. If government figured out how to tax worship services we might have all religious observance days off. This great country of ours was settled by the Pilgrams (remember...Thanksgiving?) for the purpose of living a life free of religious persecution. As others have stated, we as a country are deeply entrenched in religion - "In God We Trust" - what about placing a hand on a Bible when being sworne in? Yet religion and God is being systematicaly removed from our culture. It's shameful really. My sister in law is a teacher in our school sysytem and will also be taking the day off to observe Good Friday with her family (including 3 school age kids who will not be in school). My heart goes out to the teachers and drivers and administrators alike who out of obligation feel they have no choice but to report to work on this Holy Day when they would love to be with their families and their churchs. May God Bless You All.
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Posted by ( JJJJJ ) on March 18, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
URY914 - A "real job"? What if teachers like jon_boy didn't consider their jobs "real jobs"??? How would the kids that they are paid to educate then turn out? Oh, wait, clearly YOU must have had teachers who must not have considered their profession a "real job" either, posting an irresponsible comment like that.
I know many teachers who are absolute gems at what they do and we should all be proud of them. It's as thankless as a thankless job gets - especially considering that it is an absolutely VITAL job to all of society.
Now if parents would actually start parenting (go figure) some of these precious teachers would stop getting blamed for some of the idiots being churned out of public high schools year after year ...
The lack of BASIC skills in today's youth is appalling ...
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Posted by ( LALALALALA1234 ) on March 18, 2008 at 2:10 p.m.
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Posted by ( GF ) on March 18, 2008 at 2:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
cshultz110, Time to talk to a union rep. You gotta give to get.
And , hey, I have no problem hammering on my local school board. Most of these people are just low grade politicians, lots of promises, no results. If that is in fact where the blame lies.
It just never makes sense to me to have these sick days roll over. If you don't use them, you should be paid for them at the end of the year, or whenever you would like. Some people need personal time and some have family to run weekday errands for them and so forth. In the end, in my opinion, if a person who has 10 sick days doesn't use them, I don't think in 30 years they should be entitled to 300 sick days.
And on your last point about the hours, no sympathy here, I spent the first part of my life as a major retailer's store manager. Crap for pay, no weekends or holidays off, very few days off. Never days off Thanksgiving thru Feb-1. not to mention th 80+ hr. workweeks at that same "holiday" time.
Plan and pay for a vacation and be told that you cannot go because or an executive coming to "visit" (talk to you like a dog and tell you you are not spending enough time in your store). All on a "salary". What a joke.
Got out, but wish I had done it sooner.
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Posted by ( LALALALALA1234 ) on March 18, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Another thing is teachers get no paid vacation. They get ten sick days a year. They dont get 2 weeks paid vacation. If they get paid in the summer that is money they put away throughout the year. Know what your talking about before you start talking.
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Posted by ( Gigi1182 ) on March 18, 2008 at 2:37 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
URY914--- "try getting a real job and working for a living, see how many day you get off then."
Well, first of all... I DO have a "real job". I'm salaried, with benefits, and I have a reasonable amount of time off and sick days available to me. The fact is, my job entails teaching the youth of today how to be respectful citizens of this country. If I didn't think my job was "real" enough, I obviously wouldn't be doing it. I think I make quite a lot of sacrifices in my own right to teach the children of other people how to be good people with a good education. Let's think... I sacrifice my health, and my standard of living, among other things- for the sake of other people's kids. I'm not calling myself a martyr, but I do think that teachers in this day and age don't get paid enough for what they have to put up with.
I mean, really.... I live in a tiny one bedroom apartment with my 2 cats, living paycheck to paycheck and barely getting my bills paid. I still work a 40+ hour week--- and I don't get PAID OVERTIME for all the extra hours I put in doing concerts, after school rehearsals (I'm a music teacher- can you tell?), conferences, lesson planning, curriculum mapping, etc.
At least in the "real jobs", as you prefer to refer them as, people are granted time and a half for working above and beyond the description of their "regular" work week...
Oh, and did I mention the fact that your salary is 12 months, and mine is only for 10? Yeah... my 36K salary is for only 10 months... which means I have to budget the extra 2 months... and we all know how hard it is to not have an income for 2 months... or do you?
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Posted by ( dogworld ) on March 18, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I suppose all these Christians will spend the whole day in church mourning the Crucifixion? Or shopping?
My neighbor was sick for a few days and got fired. She should have told them she was going to church.
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Posted by ( cherrymac ) on March 18, 2008 at 4:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
chris you are getting a little big for your britches.....but you always were...
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Posted by ( Peanut ) on March 18, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Shame on you at the District who didn't see this coming....you bow down to those who insist on crying discrimination or favoritism to a system, i.e. in this case a calendar, that has worked just fine for years, and these are probably from cry babies that aren't even citizens...what's the old saying... if it ain't broke don't fix it. Now I have a daughter coming home saying oh, Ms. So and So said we don't have to go to school on Friday as long as you call in for me...Sorry honey...school is open, I'm paying for school to be open, you're going to school.
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Posted by ( Oops ) on March 18, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yet another "official" school day in which no learning occurs...
Another great reason to homeschool your kids.
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Posted by ( DiedrichKyrian ) on March 18, 2008 at 5:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
"In no way did it mean that the founders were willing to put aside their beliefs out of fear of offending someone. America's earliest schools used the Bible as its key textbook, many Native Americans went to these schools---there was no attempt to water anything down out of fear of offending them"
And we can see how well off that we as the American Culture destroyed their culture and removed them force ably from their lands and gave them a myriad of diseases.
Im actually shocked it was even mentioned.
Oh no dont offend, we'll just convert you to our "right" way.
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Posted by ( redcha ) on March 18, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If taking Good Friday off the calendar was a test, then the school board knew good and well that it should be a holiday. As teachers, we have to be so sensitive of the religions of our students. I am just wondering why no one is being sensitive towards us. I only get so many personal days a year and it is up to me when I want to use them. Does it make the news when you take a day off? Are random people giving you a hard time when you want to take a day off? DIDN'T THINK SO!!!
I love how the title of this article says that we are skipping. I gave notice one month ahead of time. Is that considered skipping? Do you want a note from my mommy?
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Posted by ( hannah ) on March 18, 2008 at 5:53 p.m.
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Posted by ( hannah ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:06 p.m.
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Posted by ( CME ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am a school board employee and I can tell you honestly, this not only has to do with our right to our religous holidays as a christian but also as transportation employees we are sick of being walked on! They take from us daily, refuse to back us up and are totally dishonest! Look for even more from us in the future, your children will be driven by you parents, their taking from all of us. The people that have been hired to make these decisions are a joke! We are tired of being treated like we have no voice! We are treated like dogs while the students are allowed to run all over us.......... Oh, and by the way... we have one of the hardest jobs out there! Try driving a bus full of kids who have no respect for you or the other motorists and having your back to them! When I was in school my bus driver pulled over and told the ones causing the problem to get off and walk home! God forbid we should offend one of those precious darlings, your babies are perfect and they wouldn't do anything wrong. We're fed up! Mary Ann, get a job. Your not cutting it in Hillsborough County! And Mr. Franklin, you've stepped into the biggest poop pile ever! Your in deep _ _ _ _ !
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Posted by ( emy1215 ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
there is such a high absentee rate because the district sucks. the employees are not paid enough and the kids behave so horrible that no one wants to work.
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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:29 p.m.
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Posted by ( mr_hanky ) on March 18, 2008 at 6:36 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Not again... All I said was anyone whining about Good Friday should pipe down if they think it's OK to get their Christmas bonus at work. If it's so bad to have any type of religious observance, then give back the cash handed out during the holiday season. I mean, it is a bit hypocritical, don't you think?
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Posted by ( elaine ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I too am a school bus driver and a Christian. I feel that we might as well be in a communist country since I am not aloud to be off on one of the most important religious holidays I believe there is. The Death of our saviour. And then the resurection to me are more important than any fair day, MLK Day, even presidents day. Plus we have always had it off. Even as a child in this school district. I remember years ago them trying to have spring break before easter and then we had to be back to school the day after easter and parents complained. So they put it back to the week following. They spend time with family and go out of town for easter so why not keep that a spring break. This is a family tradtion for a lot of families. This country needs more families with values & tradtions that keep familes together.
I also know that the rest of us working are going to work our butts off.
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Posted by ( eyecantbelieveit ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Once again Mary Ellen Elia has gotten the wrath of the teachers. She is definitely not a people person. Education is all about teaching students the proper way to handle problems. She only creates problems but doesn't provide a solution.
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Posted by ( Totem ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:55 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why is it the Christians are always whining. Shut up already and take the effing day off in silence. You don't hear all the other religious and spiritual groups crying. Here's a towel, now off with you!
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Posted by ( lovemy2boys ) on March 18, 2008 at 7:57 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
URY914...you dont think being a teacher is a "real job"??!! you're an idiot!! i am not a teacher but i think being a teacher is probably the most improtant job next to being a parent! they haev to put up with all those pathetic kids (probably one of yours) and they take alot of crap! they TRY to teach our kids and yes some should be teachers but alot of them are amazing! and they dont get paid a whole lot to do the job they do! you need to get a grip...atheist?? i'm guessing that's what you are!
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Posted by ( Totem ) on March 18, 2008 at 8 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I've come to the logical conclusions that most Christians SUCK! Take your Friday off and shut your Hell up!
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Posted by ( sparkle24 ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:12 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am a teacher and I am hard pressed to not laugh at some of the ignorance that is posted here. To say teachers do not have a "real job" is just rediculous. You must think that we, infact, have a real enough job since you send your children to school daily. Or is that because you don't want to deal with them and need a babysitter? I for one do not think it is anyones business if I want to take a personal day, sick day, or just a day off if I have the time available to me. I WILL be at work Friday. I did not take the day off. We do not complain or condemn when you keep your kids out of school because you are too hung over to bring them to school, When your wife/husband leaves you, when your child has to watch your younger children because you cannot get a sitter. Talk about responsibilities and not being dedicated? Yeah, Okay... Kettle I would lke you to meet my friend. Parents are just upset because they will have to figure out something to do with their children since they cannot ship them off to school.
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Posted by ( teacherofkids ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I am appalled!! I am a teacher. Let me first say that, if you are offended by this, then it is directed to you. Otherwise, it is just my feelings and another point of view, so thank you for reading.
I am at school everyday, even when parents send their kids with a fever, throwing up, and sniffling. Hence, I end up getting sick,yet have not missed a day. It is also discouraging when you get so far with student's behavior and then they go home for a week-end and come back with the same problems. Yet, we show up everyday, full of determination. Think about how hard you work with your children, now remember some of us have 25 unique and attention seeking children. Yet, we come everyday to help them succeed. I cannot make it on Friday because my child care provider will be out of town. Has anyone thought about that? We are REAL people, too! We have kids, families, and the right to take a personal day when we need one/want one.
I also served my country in the ARMY. I know that I could not take a day off then, but believe it or not, had Good Friday off. And, as someone else wrote, no one even mentioned it when Jewish and Muslim believers took off their days. Now all of a sudden, it's a problem. I guess that tells you something about our one nation under GOD!! And, even if my child care provider wasn't going out of town, I did not feel I should have to go. We cannot even test kids on that day and we are not supposed to hold them accountable, yet people are bashing teachers.
What about the droves of parents that will be keeping their kids home, the after school daycares that are closed, and the lunchroom staff that won't be there to feed the kids? Around my school, teachers are often there late and others take things home. I, for one, have to take things home every week-end. Everyone has their reasons for not coming in on Friday. Do we ask how you spend your days, why you don't sign your kids planner, why you don't attend conferences, and why you don't return calls about YOUR kids? No, we go on believing in the kids and doing the best we can do everyday!! I love my students, but I will miss this one day!! You have gone too far!!
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Posted by ( teacherofkids ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Bonuses??? Bonuses?? Ha!!! That's right up there with lottery money!! You really think teachers get bonuses??
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Posted by ( unappreciated ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:44 p.m.
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Posted by ( teacherofkids ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:47 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Preaching to the choir unappreciated. I understand and I have your back!! Now, I have to go attend to my real children and put them in real bed, so I can GRADE some real papers. Oh, my bonuses will be my overtime. LOL!! Teacher bonuses.........HAHA
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Posted by ( chuckhill ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:51 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Board Chairwoman Jennifer Faliero,
You madame are completely out of touch and you speak only for yourself.
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Posted by ( teacherofkids ) on March 18, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Does anyone know what happened at the meeting?
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Posted by ( Jayson_Barclay ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
The teachers are planning to work from home this Friday. Therefore all clandestine dates with underage students will take place at teacher residences.
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Posted by ( corant ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:32 p.m.
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Posted by ( MisterM ) on March 18, 2008 at 9:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Maybe if the school system went year round and took ALL religious (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Wiccan, etc) and national holidays off! Would everyone be happy then? Doubt it!
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Posted by ( HCPSTeacher ) on March 18, 2008 at 10:05 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
From my username you may surmise I am a Hillsborough County Public Schools teacher. For the record, I will be at work on Friday. However, my fear of being "punished" for being at work is real. Scores of my colleagues have already called out. I wonder how many students I'll be expected to babysit come Friday? I am a Christian, but I elected not to take the day off out of respect to my teammates who would be forced to take on the burden my absence would create. Do I think our district made a BIG mistake in planning the instructional calendar? Yes? Do I believe many are making a statement, religious matters aside, to the Board & Superintendent? Yes. Public school employees are amongst the most oppressed, nickel and dimed, and underappreciated individuals on the planet. Many of the comments you have made here affirm this. Before attacking the people who educate your children, I challenge you to work a day in a middle school. We're doing a pretty good job with what society has afforded us. If you can read this, thank a teacher. If your child can read this, you should REALLY thank a teacher. God bless.
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Posted by ( leemarkop ) on March 18, 2008 at 11:32 p.m.
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Posted by ( nyal63 ) on March 19, 2008 at 12:36 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I think that we are missing a key point in this article. The main point is that the school board took away Good Friday under the pressure from a few people. Then they move spring break into April so it would not fall within Easter time. Funny but I believe that other districts have their spring break starting on Good Friday, why not Hillsbourgh? Because we have become a nation where we have to make everybody happy. As for my kids they WILL be home on friday because that is what I want and that is part of my freedom. Good for the drivers, teachers, and anybody else who takes off that day. We also have to wonder why this school board member kids wont be in school monday. Its not a holiday unless her kids go to school in another district or perhaps they are in Catholic school? Now that would be the the ultimate in STUPIDITY.
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Posted by ( grumpyoldman ) on March 19, 2008 at 3:40 a.m.
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Posted by ( Totem ) on March 19, 2008 at 6:38 a.m.
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Posted by ( Gigi1182 ) on March 19, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jayson_Barclay--- YOU make me sick. YOU are the reason people don't take teachers seriously. For Christ's sake! 2 or 3 bad teachers who do something wrong and suddenly we're all bad. UGH!
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Posted by ( cshultz110 ) on March 19, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Totem - We were doing it quietly. This article and subsequent comments made it an issue. And NO, it wasn't quiet on other religious holidays (see previous articles). This was a hea