Christmas: With Summer On My Mind

Maybe it’s because I hate winter so much that I have summer on my mind – the summer school break to be precise.

The timing of summer break was in the news again after Scott County in November tabled a vote on starting its school year on Aug. 4.

Aug. 4! That’s not even the middle of summer. It’s actually closer to the start of summer than the end (June 21-Sept. 22).

Next thing you know, they’ll be sending kids back to school on Independence Day.

Previously, I have added my voice to those calling for a later start of the school year.

Where I grew up in New Jersey, we returned to school on the first Wednesday after Labor Day, which makes even more sense in Kentucky where the summers are  hotter.

Consigning kids to sweltering classrooms in August when they could be swimming is just wrong.

Plus, school districts can cut costs by keeping the air-conditioning off during the dog days of August.

But hope springs eternal, and Kentucky may be ready for a change.

State Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer , R-Scott County, and state Sen. Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, have proposed a law that would prevent schools from starting classes earlier than the Monday closest to Aug. 26.

The senators plan to introduce legislation during the 2016 General Assembly session.

House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, has said he supports the law in principle, so optimism seems warranted.

But it’s never too soon to let your representatives know your feelings.

While you’re mailing your Christmas cards this month, put a note in the mail to your elected officials, asking them to give summer back to the kids.

What a wonderful holiday present that would be.