TOP STORIES: Longer VB school days criticized, panic alarms allowed in classrooms, Bondi out
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The decision to add 10 minutes to the school day in Virginia Beach schools is drawing criticism from teachers and parents who say it creates scheduling challenges and added stress late in the school year.
Virginia Beach educators raise concerns over extended school schedule
Students in Virginia Beach are now on spring break, but when they return April 13, they will face a longer school day. Beginning that day, 10 minutes will be added to each school day through June 8 to make up for a planned closure April 21 for a special election. Robin Gardner with the Virginia Beach Education Association said she has heard concerns from families and staff across the division. “It’s impacting everyone,” Gardner said. “It’s just complete chaos.”
Gardner said high school students who work after school could arrive late to their jobs, and some parents are worried about disruptions to scheduled activities such as therapy appointments and sports practices. She added that teachers already working to prepare students for SOL exams say the change adds pressure during an already demanding time. Gardner started a petition that has gathered more than 1,500 signatures asking the School Board to reconsider the decision before spring break ends.
Supporters are also asking the board to switch from the state’s 180-day attendance requirement to a 990-hour instructional model used by some other school divisions, a motion that previously did not receive the required supermajority vote last week and was withdrawn. The School Board’s next scheduled meeting is April 14, one day after the longer school days are set to begin.
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Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia) signed a bill into law Thursday that allows teachers to have wearable panic alarms in their classrooms.
Va. governor signs Alyssa’s Law allowing teacher panic alarms
Lori Alhadeff’s daughter Alyssa was 14 years old when she was killed in the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. Alhadeff believes her daughter may have been able to escape had she known there was a gunman. “Alyssa was an athlete and I believe if she knew there was a lockdown that she would’ve gotten to the safer space,” Alhadeff said…