CMS schools dealing with longer days

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Charlotte - Mecklenburg school district (CMS) added 45 minutes to the every elementary school this year. It's an addition many are getting used to.

"It makes evening time with the family," Barringer Academic Center Parent Harold Brown said. "A little more difficult."

Brown is concerned his children are missing out on things they used to do last year.

"Just hang out time together," the parent said.  "Going outside, throwing the football, playing basketball."

Last year Barringer Academic Center dismissed at 3:30 now it's 4:15.  Administrators say they will use the extra time teaching students more Math and Reading.  Teachers believe this will help boost academic achievement in those subjects.

"It gives us extra time to work," Barringer Academic Center Teacher Nancy Slattery said. "With students in small groups and one on one."

Principal Catherine Fellows says students are adjusting well to the longer days.

"Children take their cue from you," Fellows said.  "And so we make them understand this is an opportunity for learning and they are receptive to that."

Barringer parents say despite the added school day, they claim it's worth the inconvenience.  They are convinced what happens inside Barringer far outweighs what time their children now get home from school.  Students riding the bus from Barringer get home around 6 PM.

The longer days will save CMS about $4 million. The district is now able to run more routes with its buses.

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