As children go back to school across this land in a month that used to be reserved for family vacations, the debate over when School Start should occur raises its head once again.
And, as with most arguments in this conflict, the facts get blurry...as they do with this letter to the editor.
The writer, a mother of a 13-year old, says starting school after Labor Day so that "our high school students (can) earn $80 to $100 for an additional week or two," is misguided public policy. That these children's education is more important.
Fair enough. And, if her kid grows up to be a slacker, maybe that's all he earns in two weeks. But, for kids that are motivated and have selected the right job, those two weeks could mean $1,000...money that will be essential for buying college text books or helping with tuition.
She says she doesn't want her child to have to go to school in June because the buses are so hot. Except, the average temperature in the Poconos is higher in August that June.
And, then (yeah...I saved the best for last), she says she wants to "enjoy the precious, short season of summer together as a family."
Ummm, whether you start early or late, there are still the same number of weeks for your precious short season. It's just a question of when you want to spend them. For most families, that's August.
Hey Christine, if you really think that summer is preciously short (and most of us do), adding 15 minutes to the school day allows schools to start later and end earlier. Maybe you should be asking your School Board to consider the Michigan model...rather than trot out old arguments that don't hold water.
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