Dist. 211 schedules class for Veterans Day 2014

In fall 2014, for the first time, students in Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will be in class on Veterans Day.

After holding a public hearing on the matter, during which no one spoke, the board unanimously passed a measure Thursday to hold class on the legal school holiday, which falls on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in 2014.

According to a statement distributed to board members, having students in school on Veterans Day “adds continuity to instruction in all areas” and provides “a more effective educational environment for the recognition of veterans.”

Superintendent Nancy Robb added that by keeping students in school that day the district will be more in line with the school calendars of the two feeder districts — Palatine Township Elementary District 15 and Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54.

To make up for being in school on Veterans Day, the students will have off the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 26 in 2014.

Robb said the measure will be in effect for only one year. The district will then examine attendance rates before deciding to hold class on Veterans Day again, to see if families are still taking their children out of school for the whole Thanksgiving week.

Board member Bill Robertson asked if there were any potential repercussions for not holding class on Veterans Day or if it would be viewed at as disrespectful.

Robb said she thinks teachers can “certainly address” the meaning of the day with students in class on the holiday, in the same way they do with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday and Casimir Pulaski Day.