Beech Tree News Network

I recently read a short poem entitled “End of School.” It says what many students probably think in May:

School times are almost over.

School times are almost done.

We’ve had a lot of learning.

We’ve had a lot of fun.

We’ll say goodbye to teachers.

We’ll put our books away.

Our school year is over now.

It’s summertime – let’s play!

In our region, most school districts will finish the year before the end of May, and I’m sure students and teachers are ready for the break.

In Kentucky, the minimum amount of instruction time per school year is 170 days or 1,062 hours. Most states (if not all) require more instructional time. According to the U.S. News & World Report website (https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/kentucky), Kentucky ranks 36th in education (38th in higher education and 33rd in pre-K-12 education). As a former educator and a grandmother, I wish our state’s education did not rank so poorly. Much needs to be done, and additional funding is needed.

The end of the school year brings with it graduation. Western Kentucky University’s Spring Commencements were May 5th and 6th, and Butler County High School has scheduled graduation for May 20th. Graduations are – and rightly so – times of celebration. Some of my family members and friends are graduating this spring. I am very happy for each of these individuals. Graduation is an important milestone: a time to honor accomplishments.

The poem above says, “Our school year is over now. It’s summertime – let’s play!” I agree. When school is not in session, I hope school personnel and students can enjoy a slower pace. The weeks during summer break provide the time to do so much, such as resting, outdoor activities, vacations, hobbies, and time with friends and family. Whatever the timeframe, children need a summer break.

“School times are almost over. School times are almost done.” I love summer! It gives us all longer days with lots of choices.