The Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition’s efforts to address the problem of chronic overcrowding in local schools are right on target (article, Aug. 23 – Sept. 5). One concern that should be included among those mentioned is the issue of the "temporary" classrooms. These structures, located in schoolyards across the Bronx, were to serve as short-term solutions to overcrowding while more permanent solutions could be developed. Instead, the "temporary" classrooms have become part of the permanent seat count, which is simply not acceptable.

Being active outdoors is essential for the physical and mental well-being of children and adolescents. Research has shown that children who play outdoors have a tendency to be smarter, to score higher on tests and to exhibit more creativity. When schoolyards are encumbered with "temporary" classroom spaces, children suffer all of the educational losses from overcrowding and, in addition, they lose their outdoor play space. There is no way to give our children and teens the education they deserve except to build more fully equipped schools.

Megan Charlop
Norwood