Ask Gilford students & parents if year-round school fits their needs

To the editor,

The Gilford School Board has once again discussed the pros and cons of adopting a year-round school calendar. While a number of points were made both for and against in both discussions, the conclusion is that year-round school would be best for the students.

I wonder if the high school students, many of whom are employed locally for the summer, would agree with that conclusion? The administration may want to poll the high school and upper middle school students and determine how many of them and their families rely on the income earned from summer jobs. You may be surprised to learn that a high percentage of students need the income that can be earned from two months of steady employment.

Indeed the Gilford School District may not "be here to feed the businesses with summer help" but the bottom line is the students need local employers and the local employers need the students. Summer jobs are a great opportunity to round out a student's education with actual work experience. Every summer job provides students with the opportunity to be responsible, practice decision making skills, polish social skills and learn how to manage finances. This is real life experience that can't be learned in the classroom and, as we all very well know, can be invaluable for students after high school whether they are entering college or the work force.

In conclusion, Gilford School Board, before you decide to "scrap conventions" you may want to ask your target audience (the students) and their families (the taxpayers) if year round school would really fit their needs best.

Deb Mercer

Gilford