School Runs Smoothly With Absences

You might think that kids and teachers would be bummed out to be in school on what was supposed to be a vacation day. Not at Brookside Elementary school. Fifth graders Agron Gemajli and Zayda Aguilera said they were “very happy” to be in class on Tuesday afternoon.


“I need more education so I can get a job,” Agron said. Zayda wanted to be with her classmates. “I like to see my friends.” Both students agreed that the make-up day seemed like a “regular day.”

Norwalk Public schools scheduled three make up days this week during what was supposed to be a weeklong February vacation. Principal David Hay said that the school was running smoothly, but more teachers and students than usual were absent.Out of Brookside's 500 students, 48 were not in school. Typically, approximately 20 students and 2 teachers are absent.

On Tuesday, seven teachers out of 35 were out and five of the absent were classroom teachers. Hay says substitutes and intern were lined up in advance for the classes. Hay boasted that all of Brookside’s aides were in school that day.

Initially, Hay was concerned about having enough nurses, bus drivers and cafeteria workers. “It takes a lot more than teachers to run a school.” The district provided coverage for all the necessary services, Hay said.

Third grade teacher Tracey Sutton said her day felt different because four of her students were absent. “It’s nice to have a smaller class size. It’s a little quieter, so I’m trying some different activities with them,” Sutton said. She had the boys in her class play the girls in a test prep game.

Sutton thought the three day make-up schedule was a “great compromise.” “I don’t mind being here. I’d rather have the break in April after this winter and after the CMTs.”

I've contacted the Central Office about district-wide substitutes and student abstentees.  Did you notice a difference in your school during the make-up days?