[khsgamenight]

I see a lot of people saying that parents should keep their children out of school until the very last possible moment.

Why?

In eastern Kentucky, why would anyone not want children starting school as early as they can? Why would we not want that for someone else's child? Early childhood education is one of the most important factors in the positive development of children. And, unfortunately, with the socioeconomic factors and plethora of uneducated/unmotivated parents in the area, starting a child as early as possible can be the best thing for children.

School is the only place in which children find any structure at all. It is the only place that they can find enough food to eat (well, it used to be until the school lunch menu was hijacked). It is often the only place in which children feel any type of love and receive attention.

Why would we not want that?

I see some arguing that they will not allow their tax dollars to be used for a child to repeat a grade. Our tax dollars are wasted on far less significant things that our children's education and well being. So, bearing the burden of expense for a child to spend one more year in school should be the least of our worries.

Extracurricular activities are sometimes the only things that keep students interested in school. Those are the only things pushing students to work hard in the classroom. Why, in a time when the deck is already stacked against many of our students, would we intentionally place an additional stumbling block in their paths?

The KBE, State Legislature and KHSAA need to stop worrying about those who try to take advantage of the system and focus their efforts on helping students reach their maximum potential...no matter if it is in the classroom or on the fields and courts of athletic competition.