When the regular school year starts back, my son, Holden, will be in Kindergarten at Masterson Elementary School. But, for now he is still at the Preschool, attending summer school until June 20.

I enrolled him in the three-week-long summer school program only after he begged to attend. I figured that either way he would be attending some kind of educational childhood program this summer, whether it be through private day school or the public school's seasonal program since I am a working mom who's schedule remains the same during summer break as it does during other months.

Because of this, he has to go somewhere, so why not let him attend summer school with his peers?

There he is under the direction of a qualified teaching staff, who have many activities planned to expand my son's knowledge and social skills. I think that is exactly what he needs as additional preparation for kindergarten.

Does this mean I think my child is behind? Absolutely not.

Although, I have heard of some people commenting differently on the subject of summer school, indicating they believe the program is for kids who are behind or "for those greedy parents who just want the $100 incentive given to kids with perfect attendance."

A friend of mine told me that one day, last year, in early summer, one of her co-worker's grandchildren came into their office to visit?

After asking the second grader if she was going to summer school that year, the little girl replied to my friend that she was not, because her Nanna told her "she was smart" and that summer school was not for her.

In my opinion, its a shame to put ideas like that into a young, impressionable child's head. Yet, some people do.

What do our readers think of summer school programs including its purpose, benefits, and if, applicable, room for improvement?

It would be interesting to see how others feel regarding the matter.