To the editor,

Let me start this letter with a copy of Minnesota Statute 120A.22 Compulsory Instructions ~ Subdivision 12 ~ Legitimate exemptions: (3) that it is the wish of the parent, guardian, or other person having control of the child, that the child attend for a period or periods not exceeding in the aggregate three hours in any week, a school for religious instruction conducted and maintained by some church, or association of churches, or any Sunday school association incorporated under the laws of this state, or any auxiliary thereof. This school for religious instruction must be conducted and maintained in a place other than a public school building, and it must not, in whole or in part, be conducted and maintained at public expense…

I attended school in International Falls and had the privilege of being released from classes once a week, for 1 hour to attend what is known as “Release Time” at the church of my parent’s choice. I began attending in 1957 and it ran from September to May. I have also had the privilege, as an adult, to be a part of release time, as I taught classes for about 35 years.

Over the years the school district has shortened the weeks of release time and now we are in jeopardy of losing the privilege that the state of Minnesota has specifically stated that we have, to the extent that the state  allows up to three hours a week.

All that the parents and churches are asking is that we be allowed to continue to teach the children in our community for 1 hour a week.

Some, are suggesting that we teach release time before or after school, but then, why call it release time, as the children would not be released from school? As a matter of fact, several of our churches are already teaching children after school and weekends,  and call it such names as Kids Clubs, AWANA, Patch the Pirate Clubs, The Kings Kids, Explorer Rangers, Missionettes, Royal Rangers, Sunbeam & Girl Guards.

This one hour a week does not need to be a “babysitting” time. Perhaps this time could be a creative time for both the teachers and the students. Maybe even a time of improving on reading skills could be encouraged, or working with flash cards or similar tools to improve math skills, for those who are so concerned that this lack of teaching is going to hurt the students in our school systems.

 When I attended school, due to a fire, my class used the library and we used our “break” times to read the books on the shelves, going as far as “testing” each other on our speed reading comprehensive skills, without a teacher telling  us what to do.

We need to stand up for our children and the rights the state of Minnesota has already given to us.

Marilee Simons

International Falls, MN