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This is very common at Prep schools in the Northeast and I would assume in other areas of the country as well. Basically, every student is required to do a sport or activity (yearbook, newspaper, community service, etc.) after school. The sports don't have to be competitive, i.e. there are options for instructional soccer, basketball, etc.
I know there is a cost involved but to me it seemed (an was) a great way to keep students busy and out of trouble. Also, great for working parents, as their kids were not ready to be picked up until 5:30. Games were Wednesdays and Saturday. I had not time to get in trouble as I was in/at school 6 days a week. I also thought it as a good way to meet others outside your grade who had common interests.
Disagree with the mandatory part. I find it unnecessary. What if a kid has to/needs to hold a job or reallyvwants to go home and do hw and relax after 8 hours in school?
Well, in the scenario you mention (a prep school where kids are likely rather wealthy) I guess it's not horrible, but for every school? Bad idea. Some kids have to work to support their families, or babysit younger siblings after school.
MD started to require 75 hours of mandatory volunteering a number of years ago. It's funny to see the seniors scrambling the 2nd semester of Senior year to get them (they come to high school with 35 already). They'll beg you to let them clean your room or organize your files to get a couple hours.
What is tightening the screws now is the new evaluation instrument for teachers. A significant part of your evaluation (15% or so) is tied into whether you coach or sponsor a club or activity. It's called "community involvement".
The only "mandatory" activities should be scheduled between the hours of 8-3. Offering opportunities? Fine. Demanding they be done as a condition of graduation reeks of conscription, not altruism.
The only "mandatory" activities should be scheduled between the hours of 8-3. Offering opportunities? Fine. Demanding they be done as a condition of graduation reeks of conscription, not altruism.
That ship has sailed. Many states have required mandatory volunteerism as a graduation requirement for years.
That ship has sailed. Many states have required mandatory volunteerism as a graduation requirement for years.
I know. Only one of ours fell into that requirement trap, and it was fulfilled via financial donations. Which of course, defeats the purpose. Which, in turn, makes the premise stupid.
MD started to require 75 hours of mandatory volunteering a number of years ago. It's funny to see the seniors scrambling the 2nd semester of Senior year to get them (they come to high school with 35 already). They'll beg you to let them clean your room or organize your files to get a couple hours.
What is tightening the screws now is the new evaluation instrument for teachers. A significant part of your evaluation (15% or so) is tied into whether you coach or sponsor a club or activity. It's called "community involvement".
I'm glad I've only got two more years.
Is the "community involvement" on a volunteer basis?
If yes, than it is just one more task to add to the teacher's almost endless work day. Sheesh!
This is very common at Prep schools in the Northeast and I would assume in other areas of the country as well. Basically, every student is required to do a sport or activity (yearbook, newspaper, community service, etc.) after school. The sports don't have to be competitive, i.e. there are options for instructional soccer, basketball, etc.
I know there is a cost involved but to me it seemed (an was) a great way to keep students busy and out of trouble. Also, great for working parents, as their kids were not ready to be picked up until 5:30. Games were Wednesdays and Saturday. I had not time to get in trouble as I was in/at school 6 days a week. I also thought it as a good way to meet others outside your grade who had common interests.
Thoughts?
Parents who sign their children up for private schools are agreeing to the terms of the school. In that case I think it is fine for a school to make whatever mandatory rules it thinks will benefit the student body. If the parents don't like it they can pick a different school, or go to public school. Public school is a very different thing. It is paid for by everyone, for the benefit of everyone. I think a public school would be overstepping its boundaries in a very serious way to be mandating what students do after school.
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