School schedule may not be good for kids

(Printed in the Record, Letters to the Editor
 
BRENDA STEFFLER

(Jun 4, 2005)

A note came home recently from school from the director of education regarding a decision called a "balanced school day." My nine-year-old had written on it in bold highlighted letters: "This is not funny."

I had read about this decision in The Record a day earlier, and was still processing the plan. As an educator myself, I am open to change that will make learning better for students. The balanced day is supposed to increase concentration and readiness to learn.

This the board has learned by studying the results of five school trials in Waterloo Region, and other school boards that have implemented this change. I am presently awaiting more information about this as well as nutrition information that will help me with this change from the board.

In the meantime, I am left wondering: How was the change in concentration and readiness level measured? How is taking away 20 minutes of physical activity a day beneficial to our children, when all the studies indicate a need to increase physical activity?

How is taking away bonding time with parents increasing concentration and readiness to learn?

There is a direct correlation between consumption of foods laden with sugars and subsequently decreased energy levels. How will giving the opportunity to eat food like this twice a day help children's concentration and readiness to learn?

And how has my nine-year-old figured out that this decision is not in her best interests?

Many years ago my husband and I made some life choices based on the relationship we wanted to build and sustain with our children. We sacrificed our careers, and moved closer to a good school so that our children could come home for lunch, and one of us would always be there for them. Now it is being suggested to us that our children will be better off exercising less, and not seeing us during the day.

I can't help but think that this is not a decision that is based on the good of the child, but perhaps on the finances of an already strapped board. This is not funny.

Brenda Steffler

Kitchener