Rising Costs of Extracurricular Activities


by Melissa Peterman - Date: 2008-11-21 - Word Count: 549 Share This!

There is no question that running a school is expensive. While <a href=http://www.golfmarathonman.com/school_fundraising.html>school fundraising</a> and other extracurricular <a href=http://www.golfmarathonman.com/fundraising_activities.html>fundraising activities</a> are helpful in raising some funds, they don't even come close to covering the entire cost of running a program. So, what is the best option?

Well, since fundraisers won't cover all the costs schools have looked toward having parents pay a fee when their children participate in an event. This puts the financial burden on the families that have children who participate. Across the nation, costs for these events range from $15 to $1500 per activity. Once established, these programs just start to raise costs each year and families simply get used to paying the fee. There are many teachers and parents alike that are struggling with this new policy because of the problems that may arise.

While the arguments aren't against the actual amount of the fees imposed they are about where the fees are being imposed. Each state has a guarantee in their constitution of free public education. This means that integral parts of the school cannot charge for participation. However, the issues seem to be whether or not extracurricular activities are an integral part of the school experience and the school curriculum. Second, since there is a fee in place parents feel that they should have more say in what happens in the program. This is usually not good for the program itself. Finally, it is creating a gray area on what types of programs should even have a fee and the fees are rapidly spreading throughout the school. In some school the honor society now has a fee or things like student government. This may be a sign of where they will be spreading next.

The bottom line is really that these activities are an essential and meaningful part of a child's school experience. Sporting events promote teamwork and learning to compromise and work with others toward a common goal. Event such as speech promote confidence, the ability to speak to a large audience along with skills in writing and critical thinking. Each school may have different types of programs available, promoting many different types of skills. These skills become essential in other areas of life.

With the focus on fees it is going to put some students on the out because they are not going to be able to afford to be involved. These may be students that really need to develop the skills offered or be involved in the interests they promote. Schools may offer scholarships or ways to waive the fees, however students feel awkward when requesting these types of opportunities so they may not seek help if they need it. This could mean that students don't get involved because of the social reputation with asking for money.

What is the answer to the money problem for schools? I'm not sure. However, the one thing that is for sure is the fact that extracurricular activities are vital to schools. They promote many important skills and a way for students to really seek out and discover what interests them. They can really help students hone talents that they will be using later in life. Fight for school funding and to keep extracurricular activities alive by keeping your voice heard in the public school system.


Related Tags: school fundraising, fundraising activities


About the Author: Rebecca Beckett is a freelance writer for Innuity. If you would like more information about school fundraising or fundraising activities go to ProFund Golf

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