From our schools: DHS The Log
Published 8:43 am Monday, February 27, 2017
Starting schools a month later: Vacation or school?
By: Paige Glasser
Paige Glasser
A recent bill was proposed earlier this year that could, if passed, delay the start time of the school year from August to the beginning of September. But, what could this mean for Danville High School and Kentucky as a whole? It could mean a boost to local and statewide economy.
The pro is the boost for local businesses and the state economy. August is one of the hottest months of the year. If schools were not in session, the longer seasonal places like pools would be open. Who doesn’t want to take a nice splash when horribly hot August comes around? No school means more time to vacation. The more time is on people’s hands, the more they’ll want to escape the stuffy house and get under the summer sun. That means that people will more likely want to visit shops… especially to buy ice cream. When families are out on the town because their kids aren’t in school, they will be consuming more. This stimulates the economy during a month that could be prime time for businesses and tourist attractions.
Some people may argue that with school starting in September there will be less instruction time before spring exams. But, teachers can generally choose the general time to have exams. I have attended schools that started in August and some in September. In both cases, classes worked about the same. For example, in West Hartford, Connecticut (where schools start in September), William Hall High School’s classes remained just as vigorous after Spring exams as they did beforehand. This is also because classes weren’t necessarily focused on learning curriculum specifically centered around what would be on the exam, but instead classes were focused on an understanding of the material itself making the exam a side note, not the goal of the class. If all classes were held to a standard rigor, the loss of early instruction time would not prove to be an issue. Starting a month later did not impede the quality of my education, but perhaps indirectly improved the quality instead.
Starting schools in late August or September doesn’t have many cons that couldn’t be reworked. What it benefits most are the local businesses and the state economy. Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the summer weather to its fullest capacity?
DHS freshman Jaxxyn Wood swims in the boys 200 meter relay at the KHSAA Region 6 swim meet.
Basketball
by Dora Swann
Zach Thornton drives the ball during Danville’s recent double-header against Boyle County.
