Air Conditioning

What kind of a society are we if we air-condition stores, markets, banks, offices, and many of our homes and cars, but we deny this very important prerequisite to learning to our children?

The children who attended summer school in our Valley areas in the 1960s and 1950s, before air conditioning for schools was even considered, were in school only during the morning hours when the weather is usually cooler. Also, summer school was not compulsory, nor were grades given. Summer school usually had low attendance, no homework, and little or no testing. There was a relaxed atmosphere compared to the regular session. Standards for dress were more casual for teachers and pupils, which helps a lot in hot weather.

If the people who are against air-conditioning our schools, would visit some of the buildings on a hot day and look at not only the room temperature but also the poorly maintained rooms, furniture and lavatories (and please notice the pupils who have a hard time keeping their eyes open and their brains alert in rooms that are over 95 degrees for many days), they might realize that better and more comfortable schools are an integral part of an environment where children can learn.

Children are not as “spoiled and coddled” as the adults who refuse to pay for better schools, but who have air conditioning themselves wherever they go.

DOROTHY S. SCHONEBERG

Los Angeles