The Tribune asked on Facebook whether the Albert Lea school district should change its calendar. A lively discussion ensued. Here are the responses, with the names printed as their Facebook names. We will print all responses in the coming days:

 

My sister and I had year-round schooling when we were young. It didn’t include the high school though. We had four tracks A, B, C and D. I was on C track, which means we were off for the month of December, April and July. The other tracks had different months off, so there were always three tracks on at a time. It was nice for parents because they got to pick a track by what fits their work schedule. For instance, D was off for a month in January, May and August. It was also nice for blended or divorced families because a child was able to spend more time with their other parent especially if they were out of state. The hard part here in Minnesota is kids don’t get as much warm weather like we did in California growing up, so the summer would feel short. Although a vacation in the winter is also always desired here! But on the flip side, if teachers would have picnics for lunch and had more sports equipment at recess so they could practice their sports and activities during play time, they’re still having a fun summer with friends!

 

Darin ’n’ Nicole LaFrance

 

My daughter goes to school in Alden. She won’t benefit, of course. But I know that by August she is ready to head back to school. I work in the Albert Lea School system and I am looking forward to the change.

 

Jennifer Lee Dahlen

 

No. Leave it up to the parents if they have concerns for their children’s retention then they should consider summer school as an option for their children. But do not force this upon everyone in the district. Personally, I see this as nothing more than a resume booster for him. It is clear that he has been seeking employment elsewhere. I am also very concerned that our children’s safety was not taken into consideration this morning due to the weather. There was a bus accident in town that could have been prevented.

 

Melissa Doppelhammer

 

Why give kids breaks during cold months? So they can sit inside and play video games and watch TV? It’s not like we have a warm state where they can spend the day outside! By the time it is warm in Minnesota it tends to be the middle of June. What child will want to sit in school during summer months when they can be at the pool, beach and playparks. And like Melissa Doppelhammer said, Dr. Mike Funk has been job searching for quite some time. Why let him add this change to his resume? Just like he took away open enrollment! He is using Albert Lea as his guinea pig for a better looking resume!

 

Angie Nelson