To the editor:
On June 5, I will be voting yes to fund Newburyport's community and school building projects; it's clear that this investment will be correlated with positive learning outcomes. We know from industrial studies that environment can affect mood, focus and behavior. Similarly, no child can perform their best in a hot, overcrowded, poorly-lit classroom; no teacher can be expected to facilitate the academic success of students in this same classroom. Further, the failure to maintain optimum learning environments can undermine other efforts to maximize education benefits.
Recognizing that many and various factors will play into the educational success of my children, I am compelled to recall, from my own experience, that learning outcomes are affected by environmental attributes. Having attended a newly constructed elementary and middle school, I can attest to the positive impact that the enhanced physical characteristics introduced. Aside from conspicuous physical modifications, students and teachers alike saw environmental health improvements, psychological enhancements and, most importantly, an increase in quality instructional time.
Current school building conditions in Newburyport exist because of chronic under-investment in these public buildings. Providing the ideal academic-built environment for Newburyport students and teachers includes addressing existing structural deficiencies and necessary enhancements to school health and safety environments. By investing now in our public school buildings, we are sending our children the message that their education is a priority. I encourage you to vote yes on June 5 to give Newburyport children the best possible opportunity for academic achievement.
Ramy Yim
Newburyport
Twiggy, the Water Skiing Squirrel
Sailor Surprises His Mom At Her CU Denver Graduation Ceremony
Official: ‘Amazing’ No One Was Killed In CT Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Coffee Stop Leads To Arrest Of YouTube Sensation Wanted For Murder
Bearded Dragon Reunited With Owner
Marine Reunited with Warzone Companion
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Beyonce Is Pregnant!
SF baseball player overpaid $500,000 RETURNS money -- and team says KEEP IT
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
Dad returns from Afghanistan, surprises family during Rays' first pitch
See Jennifer Lopez's New $10m Hamptons Mansion
Woman tricked into taking abortion pill
Emma Watson Goes Pantless
IRS scandal: Republicans seek to tie Obama to agency's woes
Play of the Day: Flipping to Safety
Pregnant Kim Kardashian Squeezes Her Swollen Feet Into Stilettos
Top Videos of the Week: Angry Taco Bell Guy, Glacier Moves on House, Dog Hates Baths
Cindy Crawford Stuns At Cannes
