I am writing you on behalf of the third- and fourth-grade classes at the J. Fred Sparke grade school. As you are no doubt aware, scholastic standards are higher now than ever before and extra classes have been added in the morning at 8 a.m. to help prepare our chldren for the New York State tests for fourth-graders.

* English language arts assessment test due January and February, 2000

* Math and science assessment tests due in May, 2000

* Preparation for social studies K-4 test in fifth grade in November, 2000.

Of our 227 students, 43 (19 percent) are released for religious instruction while 81 percent of the students stay in school. After the 19 percent leave, the teachers cannot present new material. The remaining class time is usually used to review previously taught work or to read a weekly news magazine. The teachers have been advised that they cannot teach new material after the 19 percent leave. Since the students must prepare to leave at 2:15, all students are missing out on one full hour of instruction per week. All religious leaders in our community have adjusted their religious instruction to not conflict with the public school hours.

St. Bernard's is the only church that has religious instruction during school hours instead of after school. I am requesting on behalf of the vast majority of our students to have St. Bernard's change to "After School Hours" for religious instruction. I am a strong supporter of both spiritual and intellectual development. However, I think you will agree it should not be at the cost of one or the other. Therefore, if you could find a way to reschedule future classes to start after school hours, I believe we will both be best serving our youth and I know that we both have our young people's best interest at heart!

I would appreciate receiving a response because this issue will be raised at our January 26, 2000 Board of Education meeting and I would sincerely appreciate your help and cooperation with this matter. Your favorable consideration of this issue will be greatly appreciated.