When I was 10 years old growing up in Wichita, Kan., in 1951-52, I remember that in the fifth and sixth grades, because of overcrowding in my elementary school, they went to shifts. To my delight, because my last name started with C, I could sleep in and not have to go to school until 11 a.m.
I ate breakfast before going, my mother packed a light lunch for our midschool break, and school (for me) let out at 5 p.m.
They ran two shifts in thatbuilding for quite awhile, as I remember. I don’t imagine a tax increase was even considered, as it was a middle-class neighborhood and folks couldn’t aft ord a property tax increase.
My husband went to Japan during his years serving in the military, and he said schools there were open from early until late, all grades, all ages of children!
The thing about Japan is, children are very safe; no one would even dream of harming a child in their culture, so that was possible. In Japan, there is no landavailable to build another school, unless, like he said the other day, they would build one on top of the Toyota building!
Why couldn’t that work for this community (modified, of course)? Just a suggestion.
At least for awhile, run shifts in these schools. At the minimum, couldn’t the deluxe sports complex be used for both schools, if this measure is passed? Just asking.
ELEANOR LOCK
Bella Vista
I am an 81-year-old widow with heart failure. Consequently, I have a lot of time to think. It has occurred to me most of the world’s problems are caused by a five-letter word: greed. In my opinion, they can be solved by another fi ve-letter word: share. Think about it.
DORIS ALBERTSON
Fayetteville
Opinion, Pages 12 on 07/22/2012