Kate Moss of 115 Hampton Street spoke during public input at the Chicopee School Committee organizational meeting on Jan. 8, urging changes to the district calendar and to how collaboration days are scheduled.

Moss, who identified herself as an elementary enrichment teacher, said half days at the start of the 2023–24 school year — introduced because of extreme heat and inadequate cooling in some buildings — were well received by educators because they provided paid time to prepare classrooms and lesson plans. She suggested reallocating one of the district's end-of-year half days to the beginning of the school year so teachers have time on paid work hours to prepare and students benefit from a gentler start.

Moss also urged the committee to restore five elementary collaboration days that had been negotiated as part of a contract compromise years ago and subsequently reduced to three. She described the collaboration days as “some of the most valuable professional development” and urged placement of half days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays or on the first day back after a holiday or long weekend to reduce attendance disruption.

Finally, Moss asked the committee to consider scheduling and attendance around holidays such as Three Kings Day, noting the district's changing demographics and saying the calendar might better accommodate families who observe such holidays.

Moss concluded by offering to continue the conversation with committee members. No formal committee response or action was taken at the meeting beyond recording her comment.