An open letter to the teachers of the Vicksburg Warren School District: Thank-you for your dedicated work this past school year. You play a key role in the lives of the children you teach, including my six grandchildren.

Because of my high regard for you, it distressed me to learn that some teachers are telling students that if they attend the last three days of school they will be burdened with boring and pointless make-work projects.

Although both teachers and students are required by law to attend those days, apparently some teachers do not want to spend those days teaching.

To teachers: Those days give you a matchless opportunity to really teach something you love. For three golden days you can focus on a subject in-depth — not to meet a test requirement, but to make a difference in a child’s life. Use this time to get the students excited about learning for learning’s sake. Preview fun and interesting books for summer reading.

Inspire them to spend their vacation away from TV and video games, exploring the world of nature around them. Please, teachers, don’t drop the ball now. Set the example of doing a job right and finish strong.

Lois Bartholomew

Vicksburg