Dear Editor,

In reference to the article “Wake schools leaders considering school construction bond”. I fully agree that we will need to build new schools to meet the needs of our growing student population. However, there is still one huge “oversight” in the construction bond planning. Along with technology needs and maintaining needs, this should include health care factors. As a student I value having a health center on campus. After reading this article, I could not imagine the barriers of Wake County students who are less fortunate. A student’s academic success thrives on them being healthy and not missing school for minor preventable health reasons. School based health centers (SBHCs) are able to provide basic health care while being located on a school’s campus. Uninsured and insured students can receive immunizations, sport physicals and other services that keep them in their seats longer. Wake County is the state’s largest school system and happens to be one of the counties without a SBHC! Wake county students are depending on your voice to change this. Demand that your school board representative ensure the well being of your child academically by providing a healthy school environment with a SBHC in Wake County.

Shaquita Williams

Dear Editor,

A new state law regarding school calendars states that beginning in 2013-2014, districts will have the option of either operating for 185 instructional days or 1,025 instructional hours. This allows districts to operate on a longer school day for a shorter yearly schedule. This law could affect the achievment of some students who are affected by health issues. Research has shown that within the past year, 86% of parents say that their child(ren) have missed at least one day of school due to physical or mental conditions. With this new calendar, schools will be allowed to lengthen class periods allowing more material to be covered in each period. Students will not be allowed to miss very many days without falling severely behind. Many counties have things called school-based health centers (SBHCs) that help keep students in school and healthy. No school in Wake County has a SBHC which means many students are leaving school to get care. As a student, I know how important it is to be in my seat which is why I need everyone to contact the Wake County school board and let them know that we need a SBHC in Wake County!

Doug Pluta