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East Hampton Schools Cut Spring Break to Compensate for Sandy

School will be held Tuesday through Thursday over spring vacation in March.

In order to make up for lost schools days due to Hurricane Sandy, East Hampton Union Free School District Superintendent Richard Burns announced that the district will cut back spring vacation at the end of March.

The East Hampton High School was used as an emergency shelter for five days following last month's storm, and classes throughout the district were shut down.

Burns said that in order to keep up with curriculum standards, classes will be held Tuesday through Thursday, March 26 through the 28, and the school will use its two emergency snow days for Monday and Friday.

He added that if an additional snow day is needed, the school will hold classes on Monday.

"Thank you for your understanding for a situation that has no easy solutions. Instructional time is crucial, especially this year with so many curriculum changes mandated by the state. My hope is for a mild winter this year with no more needed closings," said Burns in a letter to the district.

As many districts across Long Island cancel winter breaks and, if necessary, spring breaks as well to make sure students spend enough time in the classroom, High School Principal Adam Fine announced last week that midterms would be cancelled.

"In the interest of increased instructional time and our students’ education I am canceling the midterm testing period. Regular classes will be held during the week of Jan. 22-25."

Loretta Lynch November 28, 2012 at 01:47 pm
I am sure it wasn’t an easy decision for Mr. Burns but a good one. Todays children have so much more to learn that it is important they have as much classroom time as possible. Good job Mr. Burns.
BONACKER November 28, 2012 at 11:00 pm
NO!! This is the worst decision they could have made. When I got the letter, they said they would cut only three days of spring break (T,W,TH). This is still true. But, we have memorial, veterans, and MLK jr day we could go to school. During spring break, I (And MANY others) was supposed to go and see my family, who live 3,500 miles away. I won't get another chance for a while. I am in the Eighth grade, so take it from a student, WE ARE NOT HAPPY.
Jeksb November 29, 2012 at 01:06 am
I heard That u can't hold school on some holidays because its actually illegal. We can't have school on Veterans Day or Memorial Day... I wish we could though
mtkmiss November 29, 2012 at 04:03 am
This is the one time some parents get to spend time with the family, in season
we are all working our behinds off trying to work while there is work....stay in school a week longer at the end of the year...
Rick Hoyt November 29, 2012 at 12:26 pm
I Do Agree With - MTKMISS - Add This To The End Of Year, We Had Plans To Visit My Mother-In-Law In Europe.But I Concur With Loretta - Rich Burns is a Fine Man, Maybe He Will Entertain This Idea ?
Preliator November 29, 2012 at 02:25 pm
Well if you think it is okay to be in school those days your ass can be in school for Christmas, Thanksgiving and all the other holidays too. As a matter of fact why not cancel summer vacation and make time for lessons on civics.
bonacbill November 30, 2012 at 12:36 am
NY State was very specific in their requirements: vacations days must be used so all schools must choose between giving up February or spring break. Legal holidays are not allowed to be used.
Dana Kalbacher December 4, 2012 at 04:13 pm
Pierson has decided to lose their Fb break(5days)..EH has chosen 3 days over Spring break...3 days, 5 days..why can't all the East End districts keep it all the same? I wonder what Montauk and Springs and Southampton have decided..

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