S-T
04-20-2005, 08:18 AM
From the Herald-Times (http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2005/04/19/digitalcity.letters.sto) (subscription required):
One big question
To the editor:
As a parent and an early childhood educator, I read the articles regarding year-round school schedules with interest. I agree that year-round schedules could be great for children. But then I began asking, "During the three-four breaks a year, 15-20 days each, who would care for our children?"
"In Class All Year" states two Columbus schools offer "intersession" during breaks. One hundred six children of 600 participated in intersession, and there is a waiting list. Who cared for the other 494 children?
If some Bloomington schools offer year-round schedules, will there be the numbers (and dollars) to validate offering affordable camps for 15-20 day breaks? Indiana University and high school students often hired by camps and summer programs will be in school and unavailable during most breaks. Would programs find qualified, committed staff who could afford to repeatedly return?
As an early childhood educator, I am committed to remain open about ideas regarding children, and I was relieved to read Superintendent Maloy's statement about including the community and parents in discussions. However, that question still lingers, "Who would care for our children?"
Christy Smith
This letter represents a fundamental problem in the way too many people view the government schools. They do not view government schools as a method of teaching their children basic academic skills; they view the government schools as a caretaker for their children.
How would children be cared for during breaks in year-round school? I assume they would be cared for by the same people who care for them (or should be caring for them) during summer breaks that exist now: by their parents.
Government schools are simply not capable of taking the role of parents. Unfortunately, many government school officials think they can assume that role and attempt to usurp parental authority. What is really sad is when people like Smith willingly cede parental authority to the government school system.
A friend of mine who used to be a principal in the government schools once told me of a parent who, at the beginning of the school year, informed the school administration that during the school day, the child is not his problem and not to bother him. That attitude is not far from the one displayed by Ms. Smith.
Many people have the attitude that "I don't have to give to the poor. That's what I pay taxes for." Sadly, many Parents have the attitude that "I don't have to take responsibility for rearing my children. That's what I pay taxes for."
One big question
To the editor:
As a parent and an early childhood educator, I read the articles regarding year-round school schedules with interest. I agree that year-round schedules could be great for children. But then I began asking, "During the three-four breaks a year, 15-20 days each, who would care for our children?"
"In Class All Year" states two Columbus schools offer "intersession" during breaks. One hundred six children of 600 participated in intersession, and there is a waiting list. Who cared for the other 494 children?
If some Bloomington schools offer year-round schedules, will there be the numbers (and dollars) to validate offering affordable camps for 15-20 day breaks? Indiana University and high school students often hired by camps and summer programs will be in school and unavailable during most breaks. Would programs find qualified, committed staff who could afford to repeatedly return?
As an early childhood educator, I am committed to remain open about ideas regarding children, and I was relieved to read Superintendent Maloy's statement about including the community and parents in discussions. However, that question still lingers, "Who would care for our children?"
Christy Smith
This letter represents a fundamental problem in the way too many people view the government schools. They do not view government schools as a method of teaching their children basic academic skills; they view the government schools as a caretaker for their children.
How would children be cared for during breaks in year-round school? I assume they would be cared for by the same people who care for them (or should be caring for them) during summer breaks that exist now: by their parents.
Government schools are simply not capable of taking the role of parents. Unfortunately, many government school officials think they can assume that role and attempt to usurp parental authority. What is really sad is when people like Smith willingly cede parental authority to the government school system.
A friend of mine who used to be a principal in the government schools once told me of a parent who, at the beginning of the school year, informed the school administration that during the school day, the child is not his problem and not to bother him. That attitude is not far from the one displayed by Ms. Smith.
Many people have the attitude that "I don't have to give to the poor. That's what I pay taxes for." Sadly, many Parents have the attitude that "I don't have to take responsibility for rearing my children. That's what I pay taxes for."