Dear Voters,

A lot has been said in the debate about the start of school. As students, who have the biggest stake in the outcome of this issue, we feel it is important to express our opinions, as to why we feel so strongly that the start date should stay the same.

Primarily, we fear that if the date changes, we will lose valuable time that we feel is needed to adequately prepare us for the exams in Advanced Placement courses.

Currently, 1,469 students in the district are taking one AP course, and a further 739 are taking two or more AP courses. In the academic year which ended in 2014 the district had 1,561 students passing exams for AP courses. As AP courses provide students with a way to get college credits without the cost which would usually be associated, these courses, according to the SD Board of Regents, saving each student between $800 - $1000 per exam.

We know that students in Sioux Falls taking these courses already invest a lot of time and energy into achieving good grades. At the moment students in Sioux Falls are performing very well in these courses, with a 72% pass rate, compared to the nation average of just 59%. We know that time lost as a result of the proposed changes would directly impact upon the pass rate as students who are taking AP courses, we can attest to how valuable this time is for exam preparation. The last year classes started after Labor Day  only 164 students managed to pass an AP exam across the district.

The benefit of AP courses go far beyond just saving students money. Students who take AP courses at high school have been found to be more likely to graduate from college compared to students who do not take AP courses.

The proposed changes will result in three weeks less time for students to study and prepare for AP exams as the exams are always taken during the start of May nationwide. There is no way that this date would change to accommodate students who have less time, so it puts students in Sioux Falls at a significant disadvantage compared to other AP students from across the country.

It is likely, given the pressure felt by current AP students, that the proposed changes would put future potential AP students off from taking the courses.

Furthermore over 30% of high schoolers take part in at least one extracurricular activity. Some of theses activities will start up to 5 weeks before the September 8th start date. Each of the three high schools football teams would play 2 of there 8 season games before school even starts. Theses dates are set at the state level and will not change just for Sioux Falls.

Students under the later start would have only 1 school day off before the start of the second semester compared to the 11 school day we currently have. Its important that we can have time to unwind and refresh before starting all over. Ask any high schooler they will tell you that last two weeks of a semester are a grind and wear you down completely and the thought of having to turn right back around and start is daunting.

As voters, Community members, Taxpayers, and Parents we want you to think deeply about this issue and the importance your vote has come April 14th. You have the choice on whether or not a better summer is worth risking the educational experience your children get. Its your choice because as the parents campaigning for this have reminded us at every turn we don't have a vote, we don't have money to spend on signs or ads. All we have is our voice in the battle for the best possible education we can be provided. We are doing this not just for ourselves but for all the students to come after us, yes even the students of those parents who want the date changed. It is now time for you to use your voice in casting your ballot. Please put education above all else because a community that does not invest in its future is bound to fail. 

So far this petition has been signed off by 170 Roosevelt High School Students we hope you add your name to it.