[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 130 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33137-33138]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-16425]



[[Page 33135]]

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Part IV





The President





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Proclamation 8395--National Summer Learning Day, 2009
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 130 / Thursday, July 9, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 33137]]

                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.

[[Page 33138]]

                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.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-16425
Filed 7-8-09; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P