The Letter

link: November 19, 2013 Sandy Meristil Sister Ellen Marie 5715 Emerson St Bladensburg, MD, 20710 Dear Sister Ellen Marie, Hello Sister Ellen Marie, My name is Sandy Meristil, and I am a recent graduate of Seton class of 2013. It has come to my attention that the idea of combining Elizabeth Seton with Dematha has come to mind. As a former student from Seton, I highly encourage you not to take this proposal into consideration because I consider Elizabeth Seton and Dematha to be a great school just the way it is, single-gendered. Seton and Dematha should continue to practice single-gender education because it helps eliminate gender stereotypes, removes distractions and single-gender classrooms provides an environment without gender bias. Did you know that statistics show that “Single-sex education reduces the preconceptions about gender that keep boys from pursuing certain subjects, such as reading and art, and girls from pursing others, such as science and mathematics” (Update: Single-Sex Education). Studies even show the biological differences between the way boys and girls learn and that they get more out of school when taught separately that’s tailored particular to each gender. These studies just proves that when boys and girls are educated separately, teachers can tailor lessons to each gender for the reason that girls tend to have better hearing and perceive visual detail better than boys, while boys are better at processing movement and direction. Teachers also can overcome traditional gender stereotyping that keep students from engaging in and doing well in particular subject when girls and boys are taught separately. For example, “Girls in single-sex environments are more likely to demonstrate an interest in math, science and computers, while boys are more likely to show an interest in foreign languages, music, art and drama” (Update: Single-Sex Education 2002). When I was at Seton, it made me feel comfortable to try different things like a big interest in math and engineering. Single-gendered education also removes all distractions. Experts say, “Boys and girls distract each other in school; educating them separately eliminates that distraction” (Update: Single-Sex Education 2002). The absence of the opposite gender allows students to focus on their studies rather than dating, “placing the intellectual above the social, which is above all important in communities where students do not necessarily identify with academic achievement” (Update: Single-Sex Education 2008). I’ve spoken to some Dematha graduates and they believe that removing the distraction of the opposite sex also reduces discipline problems among them. Experts say, boys often get into trouble trying to impress girls, but if boys and girls are separate that cannot happen. Seton gave me the ability to focus and not be distracted on unimportant things; also it provided me an emotional space where I developed leadership skills and intellectual abilities free from the social pressure of boys. Attending Seton, a single-sex, had never been my first option when I was selecting high schools, but after reviewing and experiencing all the positive benefits, I am glad I made a great choice. Single-sex classrooms eliminate all the gender stereotypes that impede me from excelling in particular subjects, like math and science. It allowed me to have a better sense of independence. Distraction was not a problem when it came to my classroom. It provided me an emotional space, where I developed a lot of leadership skills. Statistics show, that majority of students, parents, and teachers consider that single-gender education impacted boys’ and girls’ behavior in school, their attitude toward school, their participation, and their ability to complete work. Isn't that what is considered as the right way to learn? A single-gender classroom provides the conductive way to learning. The Seton and Dematha may be separate, but the learning and social aspects is equal. Sincerely, Sandy Meristil ‘13 Works Cited "Update: Single-Sex Education." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 7 June 2002. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. . "Update: Single-Sex Education." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 6 June 2008. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. .