Schools
Willard Parents Still Have Questions About School Start Time Change
Officials will have said they will decide one way or the other by June 12.
Vicki Robertson has a first grader and a third grader at Willard Elementary School and absolutely loves the school and Berlin Public Schools in general.
"We moved here because we heard of the schools were great and we haven't been disappointed," she said.
That is why the fact that the school officials are proposing moving the start of the day time from 8 a.m. until 8:40 a.m. troubles her.
"I will get notices well in advance from the school telling me about all the activities but I hear from other parents that there is a meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Monday to hear from parents about the school time change," she said. "I think the timing is off and I think the process was not good. The problem is I have a lot of questions and I know other parents do too. I attended the meeting on Monday and didn't have my questions really answered."
Robertson listed her questions and areas she would like more information:
- If going to full-day kindergarten will save $25,000 why not use that for the schools instead of using it to use more busses because of the time change?
- Are there going to be community pick-ups instead of pick-ups in front or near the front of houses?
- Will kindergarten students still be picked up in front of their home?
- Did the town look at other transportation companies or is New Britain Transportation the only game in town?
- Will kids who live off the Berlin Turnpike have to wait for the bus at the end of their streets on the Turnpike?
"I'm just a concerned parent and taxpayer," she added. "I think this could have been communicated so much better. I heard some of the reasons they listed for moving the time, some of which made sense, but I think this will lead to hardships for some families and you may see subsidized lunches go up and before care fees go up. Will the PTO be able to help out or is it all on the parents and families? I have a lot of questions and I know other parents feel the same way."
Marilyn Richter has mailed the petition to keep the start time at 8 a.m. to every member of the Board of Educations. She urges parents to call the Board of Education to let them know what they think.
"Please call the board and tell them how you feel regardless if you are for or against this change," Richter said. "Voice your opinion. Call (860) 828-7000 and let them know where you stand with this."
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