Does this mean the kids can go to school those days?

Agreed, they should let the kids go back to school those days..

area teachers dont even go to that....or do they??? we should have school.......or no spring break......check the contracts

I think we need to make sure that the kids go back to school for those days.

I hope you are all following the school board election page.

How high is the water on Garden St between Observer and Newark?

Since they are not technically "vacation days" they should have students go full day Weds, Thurs, and Friday for sure.

Because these 5 days of school will need to be made up, hopefully two of those days will be done during November 8-9. Since a "state of emergency" has been issued, the state has final say as to whether or not these 5 days must be made up. Hopefully, good judgment by all parties (the state, local BOE and teachers) will come up with a fair compromise.

The state mandates that schools are closed those days. They must lift that mandate to open schools. I hope they do.

It is not something teachers/union can decide for themselves and it's not a contract issue, as far as I know. As mentioned above, this is a state issue/directive.

Agreed that kids should go to school those two days. You can't reason with a Hurricane, but you can with the teachers union -- at least in theory.

Thanks for the info, Barbara.

there is no requirement that the school close for the teacher's convention. Some distrcits send 2 delegates from each school and get subs for their classes so that they don't have to close the schools those days. Last year, distrcits waived making up the days from the October storm as it was a state of emergency and extreme circumstances. Other districts chose to make them up. I suggest that we treat this as an extreme situation and hold school during the convention and waive the rest of the days. Randy, what do you think of additional school work for home to help make up? Kids become ill and still finish the year.

Another thought is if the schools don't open next week, stagger the days to help make up the time--the High School could use Milton in the afternoons, etc. as an example. We could also tack on an additional 30 minutes per day or something if we desperately need to make up for this, which I think in this type of situation, we can find more innovative and creative ways then taking away all holidays.

If teachers care about students as they say then maybe they will work next week ha ha.

It's not the up to the teacher's whether we go or not. As a teacher, I know myself and many others would love to be back in the classroom next week--all week. As it is, we have blown through snow days and need to get the kids back at work. The school boards and governing body can make that declaration, obviously this is a historic time and historic measures need to be taken.

The governor was quite clear at his press conference that school closure was a local decision to be made by local boards of education. A minimum of 180 days is required for a " legal school year". The governor, I do not believe, can suspend that law state-wide without legislative action. Compliance with The 180 day mandate will be up to local boards of education.

I received a phone call Wednesday from the Twp Board of Ed that the kids have school Monday November 5th and Novemebr 7th. I think they should take the days away from Spring Break to make up the time.....

It's not likely that we will be back in school for the end of next week. Most schools have stated in their calendar where make-up days will come from if the allotted time for "snow" days is used up. I know our calendar states that the days will be made up in April. It's also not fair to ask the families of both the students and teachers to lose thousands of dollars on vacations that they have already paid for.

As for the days being made up or not made up, it doesn't matter if there was a state of emergency, those days still count as missed days The only way to avoid using days and call them a wash is to have the superintedent petition the State for the days back. In the end, I think it's going to be Christie's call, and he's not a big fan of public schools in NJ.

To jp1 and anyone else thinking that teachers love to be out. Please show me the thousands of teachers jumping up and down that we are out of school or that we do not want to return. This is the end of the 1st MP for many districts. We have students that need to take tests, hand in projects, essays, make up work etc. We have Seniors that need to complete college applications, FASFA documents and teacher recommendations. We also keep in contact with our kids. I have a few kids whose houses and apts were destroyed, so there is worry there as well. So along with being out of power, worrying about our own families and everything else, the work in the classroom and the help our kids need still waits for us. So spare me the "care" comment.

I'll be clear, I think the vast majority of dues paying teachers would agree to make up two days next week, especially in view of the convention being cancelled.

I am skeptical that the union would agree to that. I really hope I'm proven wrong.

The kids DON'T need two more days off now. By spring, they usually do need some time off. So let's get them in school next week!

Imagine this decision being up to teachers? People are really stupid. Students have to attend school a certain number of days; don't worry, the days will be made up somewhere.

Northern Highlands has already declared school will be open every day next week, including Thursday and Friday. The superintendent acknowledges that some families' plans can't be changed, but for those who are able to change plans so students can attend are requested to do so.

Those days are not called "vacation days" if you want to be technical. Spring Break and Winter Break are for vacations. Not all that many ppl go away this thurs/fri and if some of the kids can attend thats for the best. Lets face it days in June or days right before vacation breaks (when they would make up days) are not huge learning days. They have 3 half days the following week and 2.5 days off the next week. They need to go in November. Wondering when a decision would be made on this.

Bob Rama,

Teacher-bashing has become pastime for many comments on the Patch. An easy target, even when facts might get in the way, such as them not having any say over the school decisions next week. But who needs facts?

I see a bunch of comments talking about the kids having off all this week and they dont need more time. Normally, Id agree, but think about this, 50% of the town is still without power. You got to figure alot of those houses have kids. So this aint exactly a vacation or enjoyable time off for kids. You cant go outside, you cant do anything inside, and then your taking away a 4 day weekend from kids who need to unwind and play after being without power or fun for a whole week.

no offense optimism counts but there is no way you have little kids in your house right now or you would not make that comment. Every mom in Chatham is praying for school next week. End. Of. Story.

Of course. How are all the moms in Chatham going to go to the gym followed by the spa if their kids are around next week?

As an educator in South Jersey without power since Monday and going in to a cold school for 2 days, who are you really concerned about?! Talk humanity versus state law and state mandates. I'm just thankful that more lives were. Not lost and ghat my family is safe!

SueGreene, you exactly proved my point. You are completely neglecting the kids in this situation for your own benefit in having the kids out of the house and back to school. Everyone thinks of themselves first rather then other people, mainly the children who are indeed also suffering through this storms aftermath, whether you like to think so or not.

I think I read a comment that was reasonable. NJ was under a state of emergency, I think the school districts need to petition the State DOE for waivers for these days. This storm and it's aftermath is unprecedented, and needs to be dealt with as that.
Best wishes to all out there ....

Maybe ALL the teachers and their families that were going to the convention, go down there anyway and help all those people who lost their homes. What better LESSON to teach your kids as to help thy neighbor in need ?

Are you suggesting that somehow the hurricane and its aftermath affected everyone except teachers! Of course we want to help but the majority of us can't even get out of our own homes right now!

That comment was for the families that can make it, it is still over a week away and not EVERY teacher was affected by the storm. The lesson of the day is called VOLUNTEER !!!!!!

Schools are scheduled to be open for Thursday and Friday. Super. Fishbein sent out an email to parents.

“N.J.S.A. 18A:31-2 specifically authorizes full-time teaching staff members and school secretaries to attend the annual NJEA convention. The statute provides that attendance shall be without loss of pay, provided that proof of attendance is submitted.”

Since the convention has been cancelled each BOE has managerial prerogative to change their calendars and bring students into school on both days previously designated for the NJEA Convention.

Hey Wayne, are YOU going down there to help?

Why the assumption that teachers would not be receptive to school being in session on the 8th and 9th? Gov. Christie's decision instructs schools to make a local decision. A decision made by local BOE. I'm sure this decision will be made in accordance with the conditions of our bus routes and readiness of school buildings with the safety of our kids and teachers in mind. I'm sure if required to work, teachers will be more than happy to return to normalcy and work to make up lost time in the curriculum.

Here is the deal....why is this even a discussion and why are teachers involved? This has nothing to do with educators whatsover

Sorry as I got cut off....When is the cancellation of the convention a judgement on teachers in New Jersey? If I get stopped by a police officer, does that result in judgement of all police in New Jersey? If your cell phone does not work, do I throw all of Verizon workers under the bus? Get real....enough of the teacher bashing at the hands of people like the Governor. Here are the facts if you care to listen to them...until he attacked teachers 2 years ago, very few people in the state had such a venom towards teachers. Yes, you know this is true. Too many of you have been drinking the Jimmy Jones Kool-Aid.

Does anyone have information on the Wyckoff school district? Allendale and Highlands hope to open Monday. I have heard nothing about Wyckoff.

h

I agree with the other poster Optimism Counts you must not have kids in your home! The kids need to go back to school all of next week. They don't need any additional days off and it has nothing to do w/parents needing babysitters so they can go to the spa, etc. My 3rd grader is crying & moaning because he wants to go back to school. They need their lessons, the structure & they miss their teachers. Many kids without power have found things to do walk around town and you'll see them at the libraries, the Y and outside during the day playing. They and their parents are trying to make the best out of a bad situation. Not only has school been canceled but many after school activities as well. They need some normalcy back not more days off!

as a teacher, i want to be at school for the kids. They need routine and as teachers we work hard to get them on a routine and to see progress being made in the classroom. I may be speaking for myself, but I know when I get back I have a lot of ground to make up for this last week. Also, it will help the kids feel a sense of normalcy again. So if its possible, then yes I want to go back. And for those who are bashing teachers saying its contractual and dont want to go back, there may be a few teachers like that but most of the teachers I know want to get back for the kids!

i just heard Lawrenceville is opening schools on Nov 8 and 9. not sure if my husband's district could do that where he works b/c the schools are still without power.

To your point Denise, no one is disagreeing that if possible it is a good plan to open schools. But kids can only return to buildings that are dry and have power. They can't just open school because kid's are bored or moaning. Schools are closed because they are FORCED to be closed due to the aftermath of Sandy. Even if some districts wish to be open on the 8th and 9th, conditions may not allow . This is no one's fault. Lets stop pointing fingers!

the teachers are not going tobe able to get all the free stuff they usually get at the convention. Oh no! I'm going to have hear them complain for the next month about this! No!!!!

1. Unions do not make calendars. School boards do. They will not decide whether to go to school. Most will. I hope they do. It makes sense.
2. They do not "give back" those days. They work 180-185 in school, (plus the nights, weekends and extra classes for which most deny them credit). If they didn't go in November, they'd get out two days earlier in June. No difference AT ALL to the taxpayer.
3. Whatever free stuff they get (pens, pencils, rulers, books) go back to the classroom, but if you would rather I take it out of your tax dollars rather than a convention, I pay to attend, you are a rare, if completely illogical, person indeed.
4. So much for the all pulling together in a crisis. No matter what, teachers are target practice, even those with a tree on their home, or freezing with their kids in a dark house. Were they magically spared during this storm, or are some people piling stress on their neighbors with all this vitriol when they are already stressed enough? And I have to hear ignorant people complain about us for the rest of my career. Oh no!!

Branchburg School District will be open on the 8th and 9th. Anyone who will be out will have to take a personal day, and children will be marked absent. Still don't know about Monday as all the schools still have no power.

One thing, however. Most people work 230-240 days per year, not counting nights and weekends. That is an argument angle you do not want to take. Just the sanity of kids and parents, it makes sense to have school Thursday & Friday (no arguing about who makes the decision...just saying). For some, this may be the first time they see electricity in a while.

Let me start by saying I take my hat off to teachers! my son has had great teachers that along with my husband and myself have created this wonderful kid who is my son, they do not get the credit they deserve and for that, I respect them and admire them. Now my question is, does anyone have any news on West Orange High? I have tried going to their site but obviously it is still down because I can't seem to get through. We are still without power, 80% of West Orange is without power, how are they planning to reopen when I'm sure I am not the only one who has had to make other arrangements this week for my son??? where he is now, it is not the same bus/route that would usually take him to school and bring him back, bus drivers are known to be a pain in the neck at times for not allowing other kids on their buses and I can't have my son go home to a freezing house with no power..

Most of these comments are SO PETTY!!! Rise above your bickering people!!!
If you are reading this, you are alive...and have internet access!
Our schools are closed because there is no power. Lots of people in NJ will be in a home tonight in freezing weather with no heat. What happens next week will be a town by town decision, made based upon many variables; power, staff, road safety, etc. We are all human beings dealing with an unprecedented situation here in NJ. Compassion for all is key as well as patience.

FYI for anyone from West Orange interested in this info like I was...

West Orange public schools will remain closed on Monday, November 5. Schools are closed Tuesday, November 6 for Election Day. There will be half days on Wednesday, November 7, Thursday, November 8 and Friday, November 9.

And last but not least, a possible Nor'easter is forecast for later next week.

Phantom, you are an ignorant fool.

Are our children so seriously behind in scholastics that a week or two of missed school is an issue? If this is the case then we have waaaay more to address. The focus should be on getting the towns safe without downed wires, trees and tree limbs. Gas is also a major consideration - school busses use gas so I would wonder how this is going to be addressed until that matter is universally resolved. Power is the main consideration. Without power not much can be done by anyone, anywhere.

If we had our power back in Wayne I would be happy to return to my home and send my children to school. We had to leave Thursday to stay with relatives in NY State. The issue is safety and keeping our children warm and fed. I can't get gas to return to Wayne. I appreciate that our superintendent wants to keep my children safe and warm in school but what happens after the schooldays ends?? Maybe he has a generator and gas he can spare to help the children he is so concerned about getting back to school, get back to their own homes and lives 1st!!

The Board of Ed does set the calendar, but the teacher's convention is ALWAYS no school. The lost days must be made up. The BOE can take the days from anywhere in the calendar and the teachers have no choice, except for the Teacher's Convention. It would seem to be logical that if there is no convention that you would use these two days as part of the make up. However, the teachers would have to agree to use these two days.

EB. What are you talking about? You might want to get the facts from your union. You have wright to attend the convention but the district does not have to give the days off. Also, with the convention cancelled, your BOE can add the 2 days. The convention is NOT always no school.

FYI: Sunday at noon the Morris School District website said this. As of 9:00 today, Sunday, November 4, more than 30 roads throughout our community remain closed due to downed trees and power lines. Frelinghuysen, Hillcrest, Sussex, and Woodland, remain without power and Thomas Jefferson school has partial power and no heat. We will continue to monitor these conditions throughout the day.

The State does not mandate that schools are closed those days. State law mandates that teachers who wish to attend the conference must be afforded the time to attend without penalty. The choice to close schools has been delegated to individual school boards. School boards must provide substitute teachers to fill the classes to allow for teachers who wish to attend the NJEA conference to do so. Historically, school boards were unable to staff the schools with enough substitutes. Therefore, most schools close for the 2 days of convention. There is no mandate to lift. Cancellation of the NJEA conference now eliminates the need to allow teachers the time off to attend. It is up to the discretion of each Board of Education to determine whether school will be in session. The legal dilemma will arise when grievances and unfair labor practice complaints are filed for changing the schedule on such short notice. Many teachers do not attend the conference. Many teachers choose to spend time with their families and children (who are given the time off from school) to plan family vacations. Great sums of money are spent to pay for such vacations in advance. Who will absorb this cost? How about the children who's parent's are teachers and were to spend a vacation with mom and dad? Logistically, this is a nightmare for all involved. The scheduled days off should remain for the benefit of the students, teachers, families and economy!

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Isn't it time they move the NJ Teachers Convention to a more suitable time like July or August? Teachers have a more flexible schedule at that time of the year and it wouldn't take away from the school calendar.

I can't believe people are using this crisis to complain. I, as many if my teacher friends, were hoping to go to school and have the convention cancelled before it was actually announced. I do not care about free stuff. I don't need a free pencil, ruler, highlighter, etc... Many of the people on these blogs use them to complain because they are unable to stand face to face with people. If you are unhappy with ANYTHING, do something about it. Do the rest of us a favor and STOP complaining. What is wrong with people?

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