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OCTOBER 2005

From the Superintendent’s Seat
Plan Ahead for Future School Breaks

By Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs

The summer heat has abated and the children are back in school and getting settled into their routines. You’ve got a whole school year to look forward to in which your children will be busy learning and growing in every way. Before you feel too relaxed, we suggest you review this past summer and other school vacations and begin to plan for any changes you want to make.

How was your children’s summer? Were you fully satisfied with the programs or activities they participated in? Now that time has passed, you can sit down with your children and discuss how they perceived their own vacation experiences. Unfortunately, not every program lives up to its four-color glossy brochure, and it is easy to assume that children are happy with a program if they don’t complain. Give them a chance to express how they felt and ask them what they would change if they could. You may be able to find a program that better suits your child. Keep in mind, also, that your children will be maturing over the school year. A ten-year-old who was happy in a general recreation program may become an eleven-year-old who wants to focus on music, theater, science, computers, or competitive swimming.

It may be too early to send deposits for next year, but it’s not too early to talk to people and to research what else is available. Talking to other parents is often the best way to learn about new programs.

Teachers are another good source, and of course, there’s the Internet. Now is also a good time to plan how you and your family will spend your school vacation time during the year. Most schools have weeklong breaks in December, February, and April. If you are able to take your own vacation at the same time, there are many opportunities to plan time to spend together to travel, visit family, or simply explore your own community. These are the times that will form the memories that will hold your family together. If you have any doubts about this, search your own cache of family memories. You are likely to remember the times your family spent together sharing a new experience, exploring new territory, or annual visits with special family and friends.

If you have a high school junior or senior, you will need to plan college visitation trips, and these may take priority over leisure trips. While these visits are important, they can also get to be very tiring and repetitive. Get out your travel books and look for an interesting side trip your family can take, especially if these college visits include bringing your younger children along.

We’re all so busy with life. Planning ahead is a great way to ensure we make the best use of the precious leisure time we have to spend with our children. #

Dr. Hankin is superintendent of Syosset Central School District

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