School — not yet out for the summer
By Barbara Soderlin
It’s the fourth of May and the sun is shining, prom is over, graduation around the corner. It’s the time of year when even for the most dedicated students, it can be painful to be in school. I’d like to know how teachers are keeping their students focused this week, with the local news team telling me it’s going to be in the ’60s and ’70s and sunny all week.
I could use some tips myself — I’ve been working full-time non-stop in the 10 years since I finished college (got the reunion announcement in the mail last week) but I’m planning to be off this summer on maternity leave. I know it won’t be like high school where I spent the summers lifeguarding poolside, but still I admit I’m looking forward to the mental break from work. But I also predict that come fall, I’ll be ready to dive in again like a kid on the first day of school.
Here’s an interesting story about schools that are moving to a year-round calendar, to minimize the “learning loss” that can take place over a 10-week summer break. Dozens of Chicago schools will be going to just about a five-week break. The story leaves a lot of information to be desired, like what will it cost? Do teachers get paid more? But it’s a concept worth discussing. I think it ought to be optional — families that would like their children to have more summer enrichment opportunities can leave them in school for a special summer session; families whose kids are busy can take a traditional break.