We would like the NYC Department of Education to reconsider the decision to make Monday, December 23, 2019 a workday.  The last four times that a December 23rd has fallen on a Monday there has been no school.

• 2013-2014-Last school day before winter vacation: Friday, December 20, 2013
  Monday, December 23, 2013: No School
• 2002-2003-Last school day before winter vacation: Friday, December 20, 2002
  Monday, December 23, 2002: No school
• 1996-1997-Last school day before winter vacation: Friday, December 20, 1996
  Monday, December 23, 1996: No School
• 1991-1992-Last school day before winter vacation: Friday, December 20, 1991
  Monday, December 23, 1991: No school

This creates an unnecessary burden on schools, both our students' families and our school staff.  Many people travel over this break and having Monday off allows time for travel.  Many students and families will still travel and will be absent from school resulting in low attendance and a waste of a school day.

In 2019-2020, teachers will be working a total of 186 days. Since four days are allowed for conferencing, we are over the state law for a minimum of 180 school days where the schools receive state aid. This means we have two days available, one could be used to have the 23rd off and another for a snow day. If this is not possible, could we extend the school year until June 29th or switch this day with another holiday?