Software glitch delays Parsippany student schedules

The academic year began Thursday without classes at two Parsippany middle schools, where a software issue has district administrators scrambling to rebuild schedules for 1,600 children.

Instead, a schedule of assemblies, group activities and other regularly scheduled and required back-to-school chores, including locker assignments and bus-safety drills, will take place during half-day sessions Thursday and Friday.

"We have been encountering challenges with our middle school student schedule (Genesis) over the past 10 days," superintendent Scott Rixford wrote in a letter sent to parents on Tuesday. "While we initially attempted to make corrections and apply fixes in real time, we could not and therefore needed to close that system. We have brought in Genesis experts for guidance and continue to rebuild student schedules for middle school students. However, with over 1,600 students involved this requires significant time to remedy. It is a most intricate and detailed process."

Wednesday, the district sent another letter updating parents on the problem.

"While we continue to be unable to provide you and your children completed regular schedules for (Thursday's)  first day of school, we have been able to make substantial progress in this regard during the past 48 hours," Rixford wrote. "We estimate that we have addressed up to 75 percent of our current issues."

Several parents contacted the Daily Record to express their frustration, while others took to social media, some referring to the problem as "Schedulegate."

"I don't understand what the problem is," said one Brooklawn student parent who asked not to be identified, "We filled out these schedules in January. They've had all this time to work it out."

The district letters sent on Wednesday included detailed schedules of what would be taking place in school Thursday and Friday. The Brooklawn schedule includes welcoming assembly, a period of physical education (students are instructed to wear sneakers or athletic shoes both days), periods of activities in language arts, science-math and social studies, team-building exercises and discussions about the harmful effects of bullying as part of ongoing efforts to enhance school culture.

Some of the sessions will take place in small groups in classrooms, while others will be held in the cafetorium or outside on the blacktop. Social studies activities will include viewing of CNN News and a related discussion of current news and events, and a group competition using questions from previous National Geographic Geography Bees. Language arts activities will include viewing of videos of author talks previewing upcoming novels to give students "a sense of what options they have for when they choose self-selected reading in their Reading & Writing classes or electives."

"They say activities, but the kids are just going to be sitting around," said another Brooklawn parent who also asked not to be identified. "I get they are required to have 180 days of school, but it should be 180 days of classes and learning. My daughter loves school and is in advanced classes. She is not going to be engaged. It was sad because she got on the bus today for the first day of school, but there was no excitement."

The schedule at Central sent to parents differs from that of Brooklawn and includes grade-level art projects.

"Both middle schools will be providing on-site activities that typically occur later in September for all students for the two half day sessions scheduled for this week," Rixford wrote. "While we share your displeasure with this current challenge, please know that all resources are being brought to bear to correct this situation in the shortest time possible. We thank you for your patience and as promised we will continue to keep you updated."

Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.