School Picnics

For the past 15 years I have been a volunteer in the LAUSD. It has always been at the elementary school level. The schools have been in inner-city and low-income areas. It has been a tradition that the graduating class has a picnic or outing on the last Friday before graduation. This year there will be no picnic or outing. A directive has been sent down by the upper echelon of the LAUSD prohibiting these outings. The reason given is that they are not of educational value. With all the problems the district has, this is the type of nonsense they come up with!

Is it not educational and important that the children broaden their experiences? This is the time they get out and meet the parents of their classmates, and the teachers and parents exchange views. Most of all it is a beautiful day that is long remembered by all.

Give the children back their day!

GEORGE GEMEINER

Los Angeles