While it may finally feel and look like spring outside, school officials in Mercer County are still struggling to recover from a nightmarish winter.
The relentless winter forced officials to cancel school for 23 days, costing youngsters dozens of hours of valuable instructional time. However, students will soon have a chance to compensate for their lost lessons courtesy of a new Spring Break Academy.
Proposed by School Superintendent Dr. Deborah Akers, the academy will be for students in kindergarten through 12th grade who elect to attend. Attendance is strictly voluntary.
Offered at no cost to the students and parents, the academy will emphasize reading, writing and math skills for elementary and middle school students, and English, math, science and social studies for high school students.
The academy is not for grading purposes, but it will give students who need help in various subjects a chance to receive additional instruction.
The academy’s hours will be similar to the regular school day with breakfast and lunch available in the cafeteria. Students in the elementary and middle school levels will be expected to attend the academy for a full day. However, high school students with their own transportation may opt to participate in only those subjects in which they desire or need additional assistance.
Depending upon interest, the academy may also offer special courses such as ACT/SAT prep, WESTEST practice, and/or Advanced Placement review/enrichment at central locations.
So far, Mercer County is the only school system in West Virginia to propose such an academy, according to West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee.
Gov. Joe Manchin is encouraging West Virginia’s other 54 counties to follow Mercer County’s lead and offer classes during spring break.
We agree. The Spring Break Academy is an excellent idea.
We encourage parents to allow their children to participate in this worthwhile initiative. It’s a chance for students to voluntarily make up for lost instructional time while also refreshing their skills. It is our hope that attendance will be good at the academy.
After spending 23 days at home throughout the months of December, January and February, we believe a little extra classroom time will be beneficial to local students.
After all, there is no rule that says learning is not allowed during spring break.
Editorials
March 9, 2010
Spring learning break: Academy an opportunity for students
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