Should the School Day

be Extended?

by A. S., Sharon, MA

One of the hottest topics in school is the proposal to lengthen the day. Besides the fact that students would detest the extra hours, the administration must really look at this plan before enacting it. To me, it seems logical to keep the day as it is.

With increased hours spent in schools, teachers would expect more pay for their work. Not only teachers, but also custodians, secretaries, and other support staff would demand increases. With the extended day comes more time that the heat, electricity, and water must be used. Where could the school systems come up with this money? By raising taxes! That is, of course, if other ways for funding schools couldn't be sought. Considering the economic trouble in our state, the money would be hard to come by.

Safety is also an issue. Come wintertime, students would be arriving and leaving school in the dark, which would make it difficult for parents, and require a better bus system, which would also cost more money. Come summertime, there would be a need for air-conditioning because of the heat that plagues classrooms.

The one change that would most disturb the students concerns after-school teams and activities. If some schools end at 2: 00, and others at 3: 00, it would be almost impossible to have interscholastic meets.

Many ways to make the existing school day more effective include increasing classroom time to a six-day cycle. An extra "lab" for each major subject could be added so students could attend a class seven times every six-day cycle. Also, more electives could be offered to vary what students take. Involve-ment of community members could also cut down on costs.