‘Year-Round Challenge’

I’m writing in response to the your editorial (Dec. 13), “Year-Round Challenge,” on the proposal for year-round schooling. As a junior at Van Nuys High School, I support your position on executing this plan now; I believe it would be very beneficial.

I, as a student, see exactly the value of this new system. The avoidance of overcrowding would make school much more enjoyable. The teachers would be able to conduct class in an organized manner, allowing time for individual attention and proper discipline within the classroom. The students would have more opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities if they are not subjected to the unnecessary influx of thousands of students.

Those who oppose the plan believe the problem can be alleviated by occupying the existing vacancies. I feel this is impractical and counterproductive. In order to fill these seats, students would have to be bused in from even greater distances than they are now. This prevents students from participating in after-school activities and the long, tiring ride diminishes their capacity to learn.

Year-round schooling relieves us of the inevitable problem of overcrowding and we should take advantage of it. Although it may be difficult to adjust to at first, this fair and sensible plan could be rewarding and beneficial in the long run.

STEFANI WEISS

Sherman Oaks