Letters to the editor
Yes to a longer school year
To the editor
1 why do our children have 11 weeks of summer vacation? Many years ago, 85 percent of Americans worked on farms. Children needed summer vacation because they helped with the farm work. Today, only 3 percent of Americans work on farm s. but our children still have long summer vacations. We have to change the school schedule. 2 American students lose between one and two months of learning during their summer vacations. We call this “summer learning loss.” Away from school so many weeks, students forget what they learned. Experts say that students losemath skills and reading skills. At the beginning of school in September, teachers need to review last year’s studies for the first four to six weeks of school. This is not a good use of classroom time.
Summer vacations are not great opportunities for learning. Most parents work outside of the home. They cannot be with their kids during the long summer months. Some families can pay for summer camps, but many cannot. Most children stay home and watch TV. They are bored. Most children do not learn new skills during the summer.
3 students in the united states do not have a high number of school days. Many other countries have more. The average number of school days in japan is 243. In the united states, the average number is only 180. Our children need more school time and less vacation time. Then they can compete in the world today.
James walsh, teacher
Lincoln elementary school, Waterville
Vacations are a way of learning
To the editor :
1 I am against a longer school year. I believe people children need experience in the world.
2 Summer vacation is a great opportunity. Kids can discover the world outside of school. They can learn to do things they can’t learn in a classroom. They can learn to swim and ride bikes. They can travel or go to summer camps. They can take time to do things like cooking and art. Some can get summer jobs. They can get work experience or help people in the community. They can spend time with people of other ages. Basically, they can get more experience in the world.
3 long summer vacations give families time together. During the school year, everyone is busy. During summer vacations, we learn to relax. We take time to do things together. Vacations are good for families.
Linda smith, parent
Waterville schools