123STA T . 3 67 1 PROCL A M AT I O N8 3 95—JU L Y 6 , 2 0 09 Proclam a ti o n8395 o fJu l y6,20 09 Nation a lSum m erL earnin gD a y,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation Likean a thl ete ou to fpr a c tice , a chil dw ho take s lon gb reaks fro m learning can face academic setbacks .T his problem is especiall y promi - nent during the summer, when students may lose more than two months of progress. C hildren must remain engaged to maintain and build upon their current academic achie v ement. Learning loss can be especially pronounced among low-income chil- dren. R ecent research suggests that une q ual access to summer learning opportunities helps e x plain the achievement gap between low-income and affluent students. This gap ultimately means that low-income stu- dents may be less likely to graduate from high school or enroll in col- lege. H igh-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 pro j ects. P articipation can result in gains in writing, reading, and math skills. Through the arts, sports, and other extracurricular activities, summer learning op- portunities 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. S ustained public service can also dramatically impact summer learning loss. Students can challenge themselves and others through mentoring, environmental projects, and other meaningful volunteer work. Y outh and their communities both benefit from these activities. Local oppor- tunities for service can be found at
Serve.gov. F amilies and community members play the most important role in the lives of their children. D emands 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. E specially during the summer, parents should try to find time to read inter- actively with children. W hen possible, families should visit public li- braries, tour museums and science centers, and explore the great out- doors. Parents can also encourage youth to keep a journal and to prac- tice math skills through cooking and games. Even though summer has arrived, student learning needs do not take a vacation. O n 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. N OW, THEREFORE, I , BA RAC K OBA M A, President of the U nited States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim J uly 9 , 20 09, as National Summer Learning Day. I call upon all Americans to
