Major Change Proposed To Region 13 Schools Calendar

DURHAM/MIDDLEFIELD, CT — The Region 13 Board of Education is considering a proposal that would have students go to school on Veterans Day, according to school board meeting minutes. School officials say they'd want veterans to be apart of the school day and to help honor them.

No vote was taken and it's likely to be brought back up at the February Board of Education meeting.

Here is the discussion from the January school board meeting:

B. 2018-2019 District Calendar

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathryn Y Veronesi explained that the one change in the calendar would be to have school on Veterans Day and to honor veterans in the community and teach the students about veterans. Dr. Veronesi spoke to Bill Currlin who reached out to veterans in the area and some felt that students would have a greater appreciation of veterans if they were in school that day.

Others understood that the month of November is already broken up for Election Day and Thanksgiving in terms of student learning. Another issue that came up with the Veterans ceremony held on the green on that day and Dr. Veronesi felt that students could still attend the ceremony. She absolutely does not want to disrespect any veterans with this change.

Mr. Hicks stated that Bill Currlin was the chair of the building committee at the time and the
discussion was the same as it is tonight. At that time, people came out in droves in opposition to school
on Veterans Day. Mr. Hicks felt that times have changed a bit and the perception is different.

Dr. Friedrich felt it would be a good idea to have school on Veterans Day if, in fact, some time is devoted
to veterans and their service. Dr. Veronesi would want to begin planning for that day now. Mr. Hicks
added that he had spoken to some people about this issue and some felt that a day off was absolutely
necessary until he asked about having a planned program in each class.

Mrs. Petrella stated that her husband felt it would be a great idea if there were programs in the classroom. Mr. Augur did acknowledge that activities currently exist in the schools before Veterans Day and he personally would like acknowledgment of Armistice Day. Mr. Hicks would also like to add Flag Day to that. Mr.
Yamartino mentioned that Melissa Booth had asked, at the last meeting, about making up snow days and
there have been discussion about teacher development days as well.

Dr. Veronesi also reported that early release days have been reduced from six to five. From talking to
parents, they had asked to have the early release days be on the same day of the week so they are all scheduled to be on Fridays. Dr. Taylor asked why the District is closed on Election Day and Dr. Veronesi explained that it had always been because Korn School was used for elections but she will look further into that.