A Message from Dr. Ronald Larkin
We are already one-third of the way through the school year, and we have had the most successful year in memory. In fact, our Halloween party on Friday, October 27th was a huge success; and pictures in this newsletter certainly validate this statement.
STOP THE PRESSES! My opening statement was written before Hurricane Sandy visited bringing along 12 inches of snow in various parts of the State. After having no gasoline, heat, electric, water, cell phone use and internet, I think I have to revise that statement.
But just like each impediment we experience, we prevail and we move forward. In many ways the storm we had is a perfect example of how a community can first hunker-down and then come together for the common good. I am very pleased that Montgomery Academy hunkered-down and now we move forward!
The opening of school was as smooth as anyone could remember and our new facilities now feel like our home away from home. Classes are moving forward and learning is taking place. While the storm made us hit the pause button, we can again hit play and take on the next challenge.
Originally, this newsletter was going to be our welcome back, and now we have already passed Halloween and Thanksgiving and the holidays are only weeks away.
The question that everyone is asking has to do with the school calendar and the 180-day rule in New Jersey. In the history of New Jersey, no governor has ever granted a waiver from the 180-day rule. In the past schools have had to take away vacation days, holidays, staff development days and the like; and in some cases, some schools had to hold classes on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Fortunately, we have enough vacation days and staff development days built into our calendar; but no one really knows how severe our winter will be.
We will have to wait until winter is over, and hope that we don’t have any further school closings. Any changes in the school calendar will be posted on our website and shared with you through
updated memos.
Have a safe and happy holiday and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) have a wonderful New Year!
Sincerely, Dr. Ronald F. Larkin Executive Director