School District 203: September 2009 Archives

Recently, President Barack Obama said American students need to spend more time in school to stay competitive. According to the president, students in other countries spend 25 or 30 percent more time in school than American students.

District 203 and 204 don't have any plans to lengthen the school day or school term, and District 203 is bound to its current school year by its terms with the teachers union. Also, factors like bus scheduling have to be taken into account.

Despite the objections, do you think Naperville students should spend more time in school, either with additional days in the school year or more time per day spent in the classroom?

President Barack Obama will be addressing school children across the nation on Tuesday. According to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, "The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible, so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens."

A recent email from District 203 indicated that parents could contact the school if they wish their students to be exempted from the broadcast. Reportedly, Jefferson Junior High will not be showing the broadcast. Do you find it unusual that parents are being offered the chance to opt out from a broadcast by the president? Is this something every student should see, or is there a reason you wouldn't want your child to view the speech?