Summer reading and homework assignments are given with many AP and SUPA courses given at Syosset High School. The classes require you to read 300 page books and write upwards of 10 paragraphs, or do packets filled with questions. These assignments are difficult to complete over summer break and very time consuming.
The summer is a time for students to relax and have a fun, stress free couple of months. However, many students have to stress over these assignments. Given Syosset High School is beginning to focus on improving mental health, you'd think they'd rethink giving these assignments.
So many students have work for college over the summer, go away on trips or to camp, or have a job and don't have time to do the many assignments given. It is clearly unjust to ask a kid to complete many time consuming homework assignments during his/her time off.
After doing loads of research, it is evident that there have been no studies that show summer readings to have high educational value, especially at the sheer volume they are given at Syosset High School.
Not one person in administration will admit to how detrimental these assignment can be to a teenagers health. From talking to administrators, they tend to feel that summer reading is just a part of AP and SUPA courses and they say "just don't take the class if you don't want the extra work". Be that as it may, summer assignments are not required by College Board and they are not given at every school. Many students at Syosset can handle AP and SUPA classes and get great grades in them, but just don't want their summers ruined, and that is something administration can't seem to understand.
However, YOU, the student, the loving parent, the supportive teacher, or whomever you may be can make a positive change. By signing this petition, and even explaining why you signed it, you will help improve the lives of a countless number of students at Syosset, whether current upperclassmen, or young children who will have to deal with these tough assignments in the future.
Thank you very much for your support.
