Half-day Alert

Tomorrow’s a half day for Knox County Schools! 🎉

Here’s the backstory:

In fall 2023, I kept nudging KCS to take a closer look at the early release pilot (aka: “surprise, your kids are home two hours early!”). Parents and teachers were surveyed, the board discussed it, and in August 2024 it officially hit the agenda. On August 8, 2024 we voted to swap 6 early release days for 4 half-days each year. (Agenda link for the policy nerds: August 8th agenda)

Here’s why it matters:

• Half days are easier on families than awkward 2-hour dismissals.

• Teachers get much-needed planning time ( or I hope, bc that is what we discussed).

• And yes, it’s one of those things that seems tiny but actually impacts everyone’s day.

Look, I get it. Sometimes changes like this feel boring, uninspiring, or make you want to yell, “WHO thought THAT plan was good?!” 🙃 (sarcasm fully intended). But this is exactly why I love serving — I get to advocate for families who don’t always have the time to send an email, but who share their struggles with me at PTO meetings, community events, and yes, even in the grocery store checkout line. 🛒

As a former single parent who once had to juggle aftercare costs, shifting work hours, and the “wait, school’s out WHEN?” calendar chaos — I know firsthand how small changes can make a big difference.

So tomorrow: enjoy your half-day, plan accordingly, and maybe give a shoutout to the teachers who are using that afternoon to plan lessons, grade, and keep the whole machine running. 💪🍎