I agree with DBJ that Saturday schooling is not the best option and will create conflict for pretty much every family I know as we all have our children in sports. I don't know if this is a viable option but I heard a suggestion of tacking on an additional hour of the school day each day. So after one week, one day is made up. That too would probably pose a conflict in people's schedules but I thought it was an interesting option. Take President's Day and Good Friday away. I don't personally know anyone who "celebrates" either. They are merely a day off.

Though not ideal, I will not be complaining about a couple of Saturdays used for school. My high school student feels that education is more important than a Saturday "activity".

A few years ago they tried to make kids go to school on Good Friday and the parents revolted. I for one would do that if my child was asked to go. That is one of the most important days in the church. I'm okay with going a Saturday or two especially since moving graduation would mean having to work with 4 other district calendars and having yo reschedule project graduation that has been booked for months already.

I also wanted to ask why they are counting Thurs & Fri as "missed days", when they were supposed to be off for the convention? Shouldn't it be 8 days lost, not 10?

Its one year,one year think about it?? Sacrifices must be made sometimes. This is the problem with everyone today.So much self absorbed attitude. Do any of you actually belive that going to school on a few Saturdays or good friday is going to really matter. It shows that kids that while it may not be what we want sometime we must give and take to reach a goal.

@LV resident-i agree with you-education is more important than a "school Activity"-maybe the activities can be changed to a Sunday or an afternoon during the week. As for Passover there are Jewish people who do observe the holiday-and observing your religious holidays is way more important than "school activities"-Really who are we inconveniencing here the students or the parents

My kids' education is way more important to me than their extracurricular activities. Especially since most of them can be made up/rescheduled at other times. Kids need to understand that sometimes plans change and for the sake of their education, they can 'take one for the team' and miss an activity for a couple Saturdays. Also, if the Saturdays are timed during the winter, kids are climbing the walls at home anyway (not like fall or spring where some kids are doing multiple sports) so it might be a welcome diversion. Pushing school into the summer isn't viable - kids start checking out once the weather gets nice (at least a month before school is slated to end) and spring break is needed, particularly for the older ones, to have a needed break leading up to NJASK.

I agree LV Res, why are they including the 2 teachers conv days as 'days lost'. For WMM it was a gain back of 2 lost snow days (so they used 6 days) while WMC used 8 days. As far as going on Saturdays, it will prob be a 1/2 day, home by noon and it may only be a couple of times. Not sure why so many always have a problem. If you take away from Spring Break, my experience has been hardly anyone goes to school and there are subs in for many teachers. its a waste.

A few years ago there was a bad ice storm in MA and the schools were closed for over a week. They made up the time by adding an hour or two on to the regular school day for several days. I realize this could cause issues with busing but I wonder if anyone has considered this option.

No matter what decision is made, there will be people who don't agree or get very upset so pick the one that makes the most sense operationally. Other options, might be moving the professional development days to a Sat, one day from the winter break, I have 3 in the HS and one does sports (Winter and Spring) and 2 have weekend jobs but agree this is a couple of days (so far) that we are talking about and a "minor" disruption to our daily routine compared to the last 2 weeks we've been through.

My son is very involved in sports, but education needs to come first. Additionally, we might not be the only district that is dealing with this possibility. IF Saturdays are the chosen path, so be it. IF you have a problem with it, hold your kid out and deal with the consequences. Same goes for religious observances: IF you have a problem with it, hold your kid out. Good gravy, people! Let's get our priorities in order.

Apologies for the inaccuracy, folks - we've amended the article and added a note to state the actual inclement weather days used. Thanks for keeping us honest!

Does anyone really think the teacher's union is going to let them come in on a Saturday?

How come no one's mentioned taking a couple days from winter break also? A couple days from winter break, a couple from spring break, MLK day and president's day, and you should be good to go.

On a separate note, glad to see the story about Mayor Short on the 10:00 news on Channel 9. He put Long Valley on the map ,but for all the wrong reasons. I'm sure he'll resign after this embarrassment.

The New Jersey School Boards Association has a excellent FAQ on the 180-day requirement.
http://www.njsba.org/news/hurricane-sandy/pdfs/hurricaneguidlines.pdf?w=503

Have they thought about children from split homes that go away on the weekends?