The problem with having animation challenges and cinematography challenges during the school year is that the only time people have to work on an entry is usually the weekends. And most people have important (and maybe not so important) things going on over these said weekends. I haven't animated anything since THAC 11, because I seem to never have the time to do so. Or, a brickfilmer simply might not have the motivation to animate.
Either way, I suggest not holding a challenge of any sort during the school year. Challenge hosts wouldn't be disappointed because nobody entered, and entrants wouldn't feel sorry for not entering. And deadline extensions would be totally unnecessary, because there wouldn't be a challenge, with a deadline to extend.
Of course, this is merely a suggestion. If you disagree with me, pay this post no heed. And let these challenges resume.
Have you seen a big-chinned boy?