Reader comments
Rich's 4-day school week receives praise

Teacher | 8:10 a.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Every district in the state should be looking at this.

Fridays could be used for athletic events. Those that don't do athletics could be using it to complete their projects and assignments.

Teachers could actually have time to grade instead of staying up all night to do it.

I see no downside except for the parents that need the schools to babysit.

Another Teacher | 10:14 a.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Because of the child care issue, the only way this would work in the suburban/urban districts in the state would be for the private sector to also adopt a four day work week. Of course, thinking about the child care issue, what do people do with their kids in the summer? In any case, if a serious oil shortage occurs, a four day work week will become a reality for just about everyone.

Parent | 10:12 a.m. Aug. 2, 2008

You are right about there being no downside. But you know important sports are!!! After all, you know that 9 out of 10 Utah students make their living in sports.

Comments continue below

citizen parent teacher | 1:54 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

I can't believe the superintendents of the districts thinking about this dismiss it because the other district's sports schedule wouldn't fit. If it is the right thing to do then do it, even at the sacrifice of sports. If it is the right thing others will follow any way. We need leadership that isn't scared to make choices that are good for our states students. We need not let the sports juggernaut guide all of our decision making.

Another Parent | 2:12 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

By "the sports schedule" don't we mean high school football and basketball games that are usually scheduled on Friday night? What percentage of high school kids are on those teams? Is that a big enough reason to ignore the energy savings, time savings and intellectual opportunity that would be available to every student with a 4-day school week?

Taxpayer | 5:09 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

Do the four day schedule, even in the big districts. Our school systems aren't meant to provide child care.

Orem Parent | 9:33 p.m. Aug. 2, 2008

To Taxpayer:

If only that were true. Just listen to the whining when a school has to let out early due to a gas leak or pipe bursting. Inevitably some parent gets on the news saying, "I had to leave work to come down here." As if the safety of your child is less important than having to leave work.

I agree with you 100%. Schools are not for child care. I'd love to see my kids go to a 4 day school week. It would give us more time together on the weekends and we could do all of their big assignments on Fridays when needed and still have a day together.

I agree with teacher, I see no downside.

San Juan! | 12:31 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008

LETS GO FOUR DAYS!! currently our students attend from 8:00 to 3:10 pm, so I believe we can increase 10 minutes. And our kids can stop just doing NOTHING on Fridays, while fellow students are gone on activities or sporting events. WAKE UP!

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