Category Archives: Students Speak Out

From my Mailbox–A College Student Speaks Out

Eric, a senior at a university in Maine, wrote to me last week: I’m a senior attending my state’s university and I have to tell you, I was one who didn’t really care for doing or not doing my homework. I understand the importance of it- there isn’t enough class time to teach all thatContinue reading “From my Mailbox–A College Student Speaks Out”

An Australian Teenager Speaks Out

Dear Sara, I am 14 and homework burdens me ridiculously. Below is a timeline of how overburdened today’s high school students are. Showing this to people (you have permission to alter or use it) may show them how packed everything is. Some details may differ from student to student but it is still reasonably accurate:Continue reading “An Australian Teenager Speaks Out”

From One High School Student to High School Students Everywhere: Let’s Stop the Stress

A few weeks ago, I posted a guest entry by high school student, Alexandra Keehan, who formed a Stunt the Stress club and website at her school. Alexandra is now trying to galvanize students everywhere. I sent out the following email to students who have contacted me or posted comments here. Please pass along Alexandra’sContinue reading “From One High School Student to High School Students Everywhere: Let’s Stop the Stress”

From a Fifth Grader–Homework Is Not That Necessary

The mother of a New York City public school student sent me this piece by her 10-year-old son. Homework is NOT that necessary!! by Daniel Goldstein School work is enough. School is where you do all your learning. But home? Isn’t that the place you’re supposed to relax and have fun instead of doing 1Continue reading “From a Fifth Grader–Homework Is Not That Necessary”

A High School Student Speaks Out–I Love School, But It’s Killing Me

Today’s letter is from high school student, Sophia Warren, a 10th grader in Brooklyn, New York. I Love School, But It’s Killing Me by Sophia Warren Dear Sara, My name’s Sophia Warren (we’ve met before a few times now). I’m a sophomore currently at Packer in Brooklyn Heights, NY. Packer is a school that pridesContinue reading “A High School Student Speaks Out–I Love School, But It’s Killing Me”

Guest Blogger: A High School Student Forms a “Stunt the Stress” Club

Alexandra Keehan, a high school senior from Indiana, started off the school year with a mission to put a halt to stress at her high school She formed a “Stunt the Stress” club and encourages other high school students across the country to do the same. I Have Obscene Amounts of Useless but Nonetheless Time-ConsumingContinue reading “Guest Blogger: A High School Student Forms a “Stunt the Stress” Club”

Guest Blogger: A High School Student Speaks Out

The school year has just started and I’ve been inundated with letters from students, mostly high schoolers, who are crying out for help. I’ve run pieces by students in the past, but I intend to run even more this school year. I hope their words will move you to action. Today’s entry is by AbigailContinue reading “Guest Blogger: A High School Student Speaks Out”

A Seventh-Grader’s Views: Homework Indirectly Ruins my Life

A 7th grader from Virginia wrote to me: Hello, my name is Chris and I’m in the 7th grade. I currently attend an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School (also known as a “smart kids school”). I enjoy the aggressive strategy of education IB schools have, and also like the curriculum of my county and state.Continue reading “A Seventh-Grader’s Views: Homework Indirectly Ruins my Life”

From a South Dakota Middle Schooler

A middle-schooler from South Dakota has this to say about homework: Homework: It’s Not Worth It Homework: it stresses you out, causes writer’s cramps, and simply takes up your time to relax and be yourself. Teachers assign homework because they believe that it builds character, academic skills, and work habits. What homework really builds isContinue reading “From a South Dakota Middle Schooler”