A Happy Medium by Erin Murtaugh

As I was preparing to leave high school, the idea of a balanced calendar was just being introduced to the school district. Everyone got their panties in a bunch and for some reason started to call it “year-round school.” The balanced calendar system is not a year-round schooling method. Students still get two whole months off for summer.

After being unveiled to the public, parents started to petition against this calendar and voice their opinions. Good. If you don’t like something that’s happening, you should speak your mind about it.

But what is so bad about this calendar? Sure, you get a month less of time in the summer off. After fair week, most kids are bored and ready to get back into the routine of school anyway. So, it’s probably a good thing to start sooner.

If I were still in high school, I would appreciate the longer breaks set throughout the school year. It makes for a good amount of time to clear your head and relax and also opens opportunity to do other activities.

Another big argument is that students would miss out on time to get money from a summer job.

OK, now let’s face reality. If a student needs money from a job, maybe they need to work during the school year, too, not just in the summer. Yes, it is completely possible to play sports, go to school, get good grades, have a social life and have a job.

I am living proof it is possible. At some points throughout high school, I was even working three jobs. Balancing your time is an important skill to learn. Yes, it can be stressful, but it also can be done.

In other school districts where they’ve tried a balanced calendar, things have worked well. Something I’ve noticed about Albert Lea as a whole is that many community members are afraid of change. Change isn’t always bad. Let’s say this balanced calendar really doesn’t work. Well, then change it back to the traditional calendar.

Parents, please do not ask me to sign your petition anymore. Sometimes, change could be a good thing. You never know unless you try.

 

Albert Lea High School graduate Erin Murtaugh is a first-year student at Rochester Community and Technical College. She can be reached at murtaugh.erin@gmail.com.