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Mandated Extended
School Days
Peter Larocque, Lawrence School
Committee
(08/03/07)
As we begin to see more and more
school districts across the state institute an extended
school day program for their schools, I am not one to
just go along. In my humble opinion, it should not be
mandated district-wide for everyone. It should be made
available just for those students who need the extra time
and help. But the decision ultimately belongs to parents
or guardians. To make it mandatory for everyone is not a
direction I want to see us go in, in Lawrence.
As a school committee member, but more importantly, a
parent and family man, one who sees the family
institution being constantly pulled apart, I just cant
add another element to the tug of war going on in our
society. School age children, K-12, do not need more time
away from their parents. Society already places too many
demands on families that pull them apart and a mandated
extended school day for all just adds to the list.
Now, if parents or guardians decide that it is in their
childs best interest to receive extra academic time
and help, that is their decision and not mine or anyone
elses to make.
The way I see it, the school district should make
available an extended school day or an after school
tutoring program which Lawrence Public Schools does.
School age children need more time with their families
and this is where parents or guardians need to step up
and take control of their childrens already full
schedules. We, as a society, are really forcing our
school age children to grow up too fast.
Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here! Yes,
education is important, but knowledge without wisdom,
(the what to do with the knowledge which children get
from their parents, grandparents, or the significant
adults responsible for their life), is unprofitable. The
family just cant afford another program, system, or
reason to be separated!
Although good intentions may be involved here, the bigger
picture must rule the day. I have said it before and Ill
say it again and again: Parents or Guardians must take an
active roll in the education of their children. Research
has proven that parental involvement improves student
learning just like having accountability and standards
do.
So parents or guardians must get involved or someone elses
good intentions will mandate extended school days for
all, which becomes just another way of saying, more
baby-sitting!
Peter Larocque is a member of the Lawrence
School Committee, 255 Essex St. Lawrence, MA 01842. He
was elected by the Lawrence City Council to fill the
unexpired term of Amy McGovern. You can email him at plarocque@lawrence.k12.ma.us
*Send your questions comments to ValleyPatriot@aol.com
The August 2007 Edition
of the Valley Patriot
The Valley Patriot is a Monthly
Publication.
All Contents (C) 2007, Valley Patriot, Inc.
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