Together, We Make Things Happen

GEA leaders met with the Granite District superintendency to share concerns teachers are experiencing now that the school year has begun. These regular meetings are collaborative and seek to problem-solve working condition issues GEA hears from members.

In our meeting this week, we discussed the issue around short weeks, similar to what we will experience during SEP and Parent/Teacher Conferences the week of September 21st, and later in the year. GEA shared that with Friday compensation days, and Thursday’s as short days, the planning time available for teachers is cut short. GEA requested that the District calendar follow the same pattern as the majority of weeks in the calendar, i.e. Monday – Thursday, dual modalities, and Friday all students are distance learning. We asked to have the last day of any short week be similar in that students are not in the buildings but are learning online from home and teachers have the day to plan for the next week.

The District superintendent agreed that this planning time is important, and the following message went out to principals 9/10/2020:

Prior to the school year starting, the board approved a distance learning day each week. We placed that day at the end of each week, or on Fridays. On weeks that we do not have school on Friday there will still be a distance learning day, but it will be held on the last day of the week. This means that during the first quarter Thursday September 24th and Tuesday October 20th will be distance learning days. The district calendar is being updated to reflect these changes and the Communications Department will be sending this information out to parents. We would ask that you communicate this information out to your faculties, patrons, and students as well.

Our collective voice matters. Thank you for your continued support and loyalty to your professional association. ​

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