To the Editor:

Regarding your op-ed on school attendance, yes, I agree it’s very important for students to attend every school day for numerous reasons as stated in your editorial Sept. 25, 2019. However, I would like to bring up an issue that should be of concern and that is middle school sporting events on school nights.

Personally, I find it very difficult the following morning for my kid to awaken and get ready for school. He’s usually in bed by 10 p.m. I allow him to attend sporting events on the school night it’s held with the condition his grades remain up to par. That’s not working out so good.

After last night’s game and every attempt to do so, he could not bring himself to wake up. So he has missed school due to his attendance of the game. He informed me that most students find it hard the following day to stay focused and some, including him, find themselves dozing off. Therefore, I find it unfair and sort of ridiculous that the school board finds it OK to hold sporting events on school nights.

Because of this policy, I am not allowing my son to attend those sporting events. The board should consider and review their policy on this issue. I find it hypocritical on the board’s part expecting high results on the curriculum and expecting it after everyone is so tired from the activities the night before. I’m sure this problem is occurring with other parents as well.

Suggestion: hold these sports activities on Saturday morning.

Thank you.

Fred Montgomery

Elizabethton