Education World
Back To Article
Student Essays on School Improvement


Lisa's Essay

School is a wonderful place for kids to learn, play, have fun, and stay out of trouble. What about after school, though? How can kids stay out of trouble and have fun? That is why an after school activity program should be put into action. An after school program could allow kids of all ages to make new friends, stay away from drugs, and get them away from the television and experience new things.

Many people think that school sports provide enough after school activities. A lot of kids aren't very athletic and don't have anything to do after school. With an activities program running between 3 and 6 PM, kids not in sports could have three hours of fun and still be able to make it home in time for dinner and homework. The activities could include kickball, darts, relay races, drama, science club, and debates.

Some people might think that it would cost the school and parents too much money to provide these activities, but a fee of fifty cents to a dollar could raise most of the money for the equipment. After all, kickball and relay races don't cost much- just time. Many items and equipment already exist at the school.

Some parents might worry about the gas money and time running their kids around. If the program ended at 5:00, they could ride the late bus home with the sports teams. Some kids could car pool with their friends, too. After school activities are a fun way to spend free time and learn new things. It allows kids to explore their minds without costing them, their parents, or the school a lot of money. There should be an after school activities program.

Lisa B.
Williams Junior High School, Grade __
Oakland, Maine
Teacher: Linda Haskell


Amanda's Essay

Many students come home from school to an empty household, with no one to share their thoughts of the day. Others come home to busy parents who take no interest in them. Still others wander the streets until dinnertime. Why should this be? An ideal solution to these problems would be a teen community center, a place where teenagers could find a sage haven among peers, finish homework, provide company, and generally have fun.

Teens are one of the most misunderstood groups in the United States. Providing teens with a safe environment in which they could meet would encourage good behavior. A teen center would be an area to meet one's friends and expand on the day's thoughts and feelings, and turn to each other for counsel and support.

Some people believe teenagers do not try hard enough for good grades. This is not true. Teens need help, not criticism. The center could open after school and close at night, giving teens a chance to do homework and receive help from fellow teens.

After a long day, the thing teens need the most is fun. We need to feel good about ourselves. At a community teen center, we could listen to music, play games, and just enjoy each other's company. That is what being a teenager is all about, but we need help to gain happiness.

Amanda R.
St. John Vianney School, Grade 8
Orlando, Florida
Teacher: Kathy Foster


Nelly's Essay

Middle School, Newer and Better !!!!

The Middle School tries to please the students so they can be happy and cover their necessities. It also encourages students to form a more healthy environment. Many activities and facilities have been improved throughout the years, and a friendly environment has been created. However, there are various activities and facilities that might be improved. Considering the in-school facilities, the snack bar would be just wonderful if we could have different kinds of foods. We already have chips, cookies, and molletes, but we could also add fruit. Fruit plates would be ideal, and also cucumber, carrot, and jicama sticks would make an improvement.

In the past years, campaigns have been made to encourage students to live a healthy life. This year, a campaign must be made again. To be sure that the students listen and follow the example of the organizers, these people must be leaders who don't smoke, drink, or take any other substances that harm their bodies. The campaign must be promoted for all Middle School with posters, assemblies, and activities that involve everybody. This is a magnificent activity which students will surely enjoy and support.

Nelly G.
Middle School, Grade 7
American School Foundation
Mexico City, Mexico
Teacher: Tracy Miller


Gaylene's Essay

I think that school would be a lot better if they had more funds for visual aids and props. People learn more effectively when they can see what is being discussed. Books are great if you can remember what you have read. When you have an example or visual aid, you will be able to visualize and therefore remember the concept.

Some visual aids help you recognize examples in everyday life. Because they help clarify what is being taught, students may ask questions and be able to respond more because they understand. They will not be as afraid to speak up.

Not everyone can create a picture in their mind by hearing words only. That's why people love TV. It is made up of pictures all put together to create a movie or story. People would rather watch a movie made from a book than read the book.

With more money for school, teachers could get more props and visual aids to help the students understand. This would help their learning.

Gaylene C.
Lincoln Middle School, Grade 8
Clarkston, Washington
Teacher: Corrie Rosetti


© 1999 by Education World®. Permission is granted to teachers to reproduce this skill page for classroom use.