National Summer Learning Day, 2009

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Part IV

The President

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Proclamation 8395--National Summer Learning Day, 2009

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8395 of July 6, 2009

National Summer Learning Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Like an athlete out of practice, a child who takes long
breaks from learning can face academic setbacks. This
problem is especially prominent during the summer, when
students may lose more than two months of progress.
Children must remain engaged to maintain and build upon
their current academic achievement.

Learning loss can be especially pronounced among low-
income children. Recent research suggests that unequal
access to summer learning opportunities helps explain
the achievement gap between low-income and affluent
students. This gap ultimately means that low-income
students may be less likely to graduate from high
school or enroll in college.

High-quality summer learning programs help children
catch up, keep up, and work ahead. These activities
provide students with hours of focused time for hands-
on learning and creative projects. Participation can
result in gains in writing, reading, and math skills.
Through the arts, sports, and other extracurricular
activities, summer learning opportunities also promote
innovation and physical fitness. These health benefits
are especially important because childhood obesity is
at an all-time high and children typically gain weight
two to three times faster during the summer.

Sustained public service can also dramatically impact
summer learning loss. Students can challenge themselves
and others through mentoring, environmental projects,
and other meaningful volunteer work. Youth and their
communities both benefit from these activities. Local
opportunities for service can be found at: Serve.gov.

Families and community members play the most important
role in the lives of their children. Demands at work
and home mean that many parents have less time to spend
with their children, but this time, care, and
instruction is critical to children's academic success.
Especially during the summer, parents should try to
find time to read interactively with children. When
possible, families should visit public libraries, tour
museums and science centers, and explore the great
outdoors. Parents can also encourage youth to keep a
journal and to practice math skills through cooking and
games.

Even though summer has arrived, student learning needs
do not take a vacation. On Summer Learning Day, we
highlight the need for more young people to be
challenged during their time off from school. We also
express support for local programs, communities, and
families that help children grow through learning
initiatives. Working together, we can help students
remain engaged and return to school with lithe and
limber minds.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim July 9, 2009, as National
Summer Learning Day. I call upon all Americans to
support students as they participate in summer
learning. I encourage students, parents, educators, and
the non-profit community to engage in summer learning
activities so that youth return to school poised for
academic advancement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
sixth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand
nine, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.