I have a question for the school board about the summer
reading program.  During the July board of education
meeting it was stated that the program would stay as
is, we would continue to follow the curriculum guide.
Well, we have had the opportunity to view the Language
Arts curriculum guide and we found the following:

5th Grade
Objective #8:  The student will present an assessment 
of a summer reading selection.

6th Grade
Objective #14: The student will present an assessment
of a summer reading selection.

7th Grade
Objective #15: The student will present an assessment
of a summer reading selection.

8th Grade
Objective #18: The student will present an assessment
of a summer reading selection.

Nowhere in the 4th Grade Language Arts curriculum is
the summer assignment mentioned.  Therefore, how can
our 4th graders be held accountable for it?  I would
also like to know how the objective, "The student will
present an assessment of a summer reading selection"
translates into the packet of work that was assigned.

I am here to respectfully request that the summer 
homework be made voluntary.  There are many of us 
who feel the same way, however, horror stories of 
children being harassed by school officials and staff
when a parent complains has stopped many from speaking
out.  This situation is not acceptable.  Children 
should not be pawns in a disagreement between parents
and school officials.

Thank you.

April Klein


August 30th, 2000