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Macomb, IL – Macomb public school students will be in class on Veterans Day starting next year. The school board approved the calendar change following a public hearing at Monday's meeting.
Macomb resident Chris Adams, a military veteran and 2000 graduate of Macomb High, opposed the move. He says the city has a rich history and connection with the military, especially with the nickname "Bomber." He thinks giving students a day off to reflect on veterans' sacrifices properly respects those who have served.
But Superintendent Alene Reuschel disagrees. She says the change will ensure students appreciate the nation's veterans and the service they provide. As it stands now, she says many students use the day off to go shopping or engage in other activities not related to remembering veterans.
Reuschel says she's spoken with Macomb's VFW Post and WIU's ROTC, both of which have expressed support for the move.
She says partnering with local veterans would provide students with a variety of opportunities.
"We know that the legion has a number of different activities on its schedule, we'll see whether or not we can be a part of those," says Reuschel. "I see this as a very positive way of learning, and giving respect to those that have served."
Reuschel says set activities have not been planned, as they're a "work in progress." She says activities could include school-wide assemblies, lunch with veterans, participation in the VFW's Veteran's Day ceremony, and a host of others.
The superintendent expects some students to be upset at the loss of their day off, but she was prepared for that.
"If you look at the calendar, we have a school improvement day the day after on that Friday, so they will have a holiday," says Reuschel. "But they're having a holiday because the teachers need to have some training, and they can still have an opportunity to learn and honor those who've served."
The changes will take effect during the upcoming 2010-2011 school year.