[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

123 STAT. 3671
 
PROCLAMATION 8395--JULY 6, 2009

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

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123 STAT. 3672

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.
BARACK OBAMA