On School Policy

My expectation of a quick and simple response to my query was quite shattered by his first speech. "Our schools are set up for two purposes," he began, "First to teach knowledge, and second wisdom." I immediately protested that wisdom was not something to be taught, but must be gained. "Quite so," he replied, "And that is the reason for the early beginning to the school day. Thoroughly confused by this unexpected answer, I request of him that he elaborate on this point. He willingly obliged me, and continued thus, "As an old Genius by the name of Benjamin Franklin once said, 'Early to Bed, Early to Rise, Makes a man Health, Wealthy and Wise.' While we cannot guarantee that students will be 'Early to Bed,' we can be sure of the second condition. And since we only desire one of three effects, a lack on one cause may not be too detrimental."

Unable to protest this clear logic, I proceeded to ask if the early starting time impaired the ability of the students and teachers to concentrate on their lessons. He assured me that that was indeed the case, but it could be counted as a virtue. Anticipating my question, he explained his reasoning to me. "The most common way to offset the effects of sleep is caffeine, a stimulant which you well know to be found in chocolate and coffee. Be forcing our students and staff to rise early we are supporting these industries, which of course helps the economy." I could well see the logic in this statement too, however it seemed only to benefit a small portion of the businesses. When I pointed this out to him, he was prepared with a response. "You forget, " he lectured, "The statement I quoted before. Our students gain wealth, in addition to knowledge, from early rising. This money is bound to find its way into all sorts of industries." Before I could muster a reply, he added even more to his defense, "Also, since the students leave school earlier, thanks to the early start, they have time to get part-time jobs."

My next inquiry was whether the early school starting time caused fewer people to seek jobs as teachers. "Quite opposite in fact," he countered, "The early school starting time increases the prestige of a job in education. Since out teachers can leave before five o'clock, they beat much of the afternoon traffic. Another benefit, is that stores, banks and other facilities will have fewer customers at these times."

After his lucid explanations, I found my questions quite adequately answered. Before I excused myself, he added one final comment. He asked me as to if I was familiar with the unruly habits of the cars leaving the parking lot. Having more than once been driven to great fear by these reckless drivers, I was able to completely affirm his question. He then proceeded to explain, that in winter months, the problem was much lessened, thanks to the early starting of school. Seeing my evident confusion at this connection, he added some details for me. "Students very commonly do not own new and perfectly running cars. Thus, on the colder days, they do not start as quickly. Since they must get to school on time, many are forced to leave their frozen vehicles at home, where they cannot terrorize to pedestrians.

After he finished, I politely left, having other pressing concerns. This rare opportunity has cleared up many of my concerns. I was quite amazed at how the time of school opening was able to effect the economy and so many other things. If a thing so insignificant as the starting time of schools was so well chosen by these administrators, the other portions of the school must be at least equally well managed.