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Football does have inherent risk as it is a contact sport. However, it is not necessarily ‘too dangerous’ if managed properly,” says coach and school social worker at Mr. Kameron Johnson. It is not necessarily controversial to say that football is a dangerous sport. We do know that it can also cause long-term harm and injuries to the players that play the sport. The NFL and the NCAA are starting to make a bigger statement on their player safety. Johnson says “both the NFL and NCAA are increasingly focused on player safety.

They implemented numerous rules, regulations, and protocols, particularly concussions.” Concussions are the most common injury in the sport of football. Just because football could be a little harmful, doesn’t mean it isn’t permissible to watch it. Another staff member from , Ms.

Carly Schwartz says “Absolutely, watching football is permissible. It is a sport that brings people together and can teach valuable life lessons.” Teamwork and being a team player are the biggest lessons that could be learned on and off the field. A team player could be a particular person being selfish and not thinking of others, so that's why it is important to think about others in your life, circle, group, etc. “To make football safer we should be focusing on three key areas: Better equipment, improved training techniques, and stringent adherence to safety protocols,” says Johnson. Those key areas are very important for player safety in this sport. Being a football player for Western Hills

High School, (Center, #52) I will say high school football safety needs to improve their equipment and training tech niques. The position that I play requires me to bend down and squat throughout the game which requires a lot of stress and pain to the knees and ankles, which I think some schools in the tristates need to improve. Also speaking on the behalf of the training technique side, West High has not had a trainer in two years. Trainers know more than just your regular doctor. If you get injured during or before the season a doctor will tell you to sit unnecessary weeks.

A trainer, on the other hand, will give you a needed exercise and tell you to sit a respectful amount of weeks and give you injury prevention like knee braces, ankle brace or an arm or leg wrap. It is just more than one person that is responsible for violence in football. Coach Kam says, “It is not just one person’s responsibility. It falls on a number of people, league officials, coaches, players, and even fans that causes damage.”

The debate over whether summer break should be extended longer has been a topic discussion among students, parents, and educators. There are compelling arguments on both sides, each presenting potential benefits and drawbacks of a longer summer vacation. On one side, many believe that extending summer break could have significant positive impacts on students' mental health and overall wellbeing. A former senior from Dater Gilbert high school, Fiona Marshall said, “yes in my opinion summer break should be extended longer’’. Some people argue that having a longer break provides an essential period for mental health recovery.

“Some things that are beneficial for having a longer break include working on your mental health. Sometimes school can be hard and can also mess with your mental health. Having a long school break can help you deal with your mental health, and heal from things.’’ School can often be stressful, and a longer break allows students to recharge, reduce anxiety, and return to school with a clearer mind. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, extended break from academic routines can significantly reduce stress levels in students, leading to better mental health outcomes.

Additionally a longer break gives students more time for fami ly vacations, camps and other social activities that contribute to their overall development and well being. These experiences can foster new friendships and life skills outside the classroom. Joseph Jones, a sophmore from Gamble Montessori said, ‘’Summer camps and family trips offer unique learning experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom setting’’. Said Audrey Thompkins, a Sophmore from Gamble Montessori. Furthermore, the extended break can provide students with opportunities to engage in hobbies and interests that they may not have time for during the school year. For example, students can take up new sports, learn musical instruments, or participate in community service projects. These activities can help in building a well-rounded personality and developing essential life skills. Audrey Thompkins, a sophomore from Gamble Montessori said, “I learned so much about teamwork and leadership by participating in a soccer league, which I wouldn't have had time for during the school year.” However, there are also disadvantages to consider. A long summer break can lead to a greater loss of academic knowledge. This can make it challenging for students to catch up when the new school year begins. Research from the National summer learning Association indicates that students typically lose about two months of grade-level skills over the summer months. This academic regression can affect students from lower-income families, who might not have access to educational resources during the break.

Marshall said, “Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often return to school with a gap in their learning making it harder for them to keep up with their peers.” In conclusion, while extending summer break has its advantages in terms of mental health and personal development, it also presents challenges related to academic and financial stability for families and educators. Balancing these perspectives is crucial in making an informed decision about the length of summer vacation.

Ultimately the decision should consider the needs of students, families and educators to create a system that supports the well- being and academic success of all involved.