Year Long School

There are schools across the country beginning to switch from the traditional 9 month school year to full year round school. I think that this change would be beneficial to student's education. One reason is that during the long summer vacation most students forget what they had learned and have to spend the first few weeks reviewing. This makes it very difficult for teachers to fit in everything that needs to be taught over the course of the year when the first month is wasted reteaching. If kids continued schooling throughout the entire calendar year, information would stay fresh in their brain.

When most people hear "year round school" they usually think of being stuck inside the classroom 365 days. The reality is that the system would stay on the typical 180 day school year but just spread it out more. For example, one common way that schools already use the days is on a 45-15 rotation. Students go to school for 45 days and then take a 3 week break. The normal breaks such as Christmas or Spring also remain in the schedule.

Reality is that the old school calendar was effective so children could provide much needed help on the farm over the summer months. However, times have changed and this is not as necessary as it was decades ago. The education system in America needs to catch up with the times we are living in today and help children get the appropriate education in the best way possible.

It is important that people open their minds and consider how the pros outweigh the cons of year round schooling. Those who are against the idea probably just don't understand it, and never take the time to learn about it. They don't know what they are saying no to and won't say yes until they understand how year round schooling works and the benefits that would come with it.

Give the Gift of Life

Did you know that every 2 seconds somebody in the USA needs blood? Every single day over 38,000 blood donations are used to help people in need. Chances are eventually that person will be somebody you work with, somebody you go to school with, somebody you know, a good friend, a family member, or maybe even yourself.

Every time a person donates blood, they are saving up to three lives. It is a simple and easy process. However, less than half of the countries population is eligible to give. Of those able to donate, not nearly enough people do. Many say they are afraid of needles or simply don't have the time. The fact is that only a slight pinch is felt and the donation only takes about 12 minutes.

One young boy named Calvin was only 18 months and had sickle cell disease. A fever that didn't go away sent him to the hospital where he was diagnosed with acute chest syndrome. When it was almost time to go home, Calvin suffered a stroke. He was given blood transfusions that helped to save his life. He also needs to continue to receive the blood that can try to prevent even more episodes.

So many people are in need of blood, it is important to give and help to save them. If you are at least 17 years old and 110 pounds, there is nothing holding you back. Go to a blood center and make an appointment or donate at a school blood drive. Be a hero and give the gift of life, donate blood!