Fees Will Undermine School Activities

To the Editor:

It has been over a year since I have stepped out of Newtown High School as a proud graduate of a school that received the Blue Ribbon award, declaring it one of the most prestigious in the country. In that time, I have taken the many lessons and principles that were instilled in me and have become a successful student at the University of Connecticut. I am still well-grounded in my roots as a Newtown resident, though.

It has recently come to my attention that the Board of Education decided to charge students involved in after-school activities $50 per activity. High school is the first stepping stone to success in the world. Year after year, it is impressed upon students that in order to be accepted to college and succeed, we must be well rounded, intelligent individuals who are involved in many activities. I myself was involved in five to six organizations during my tenure at NHS. It is ludicrous to ask students to pay $50 in dues to be a part of an after-school activity. The number of students involved in activities will fall, or worse yet, students may be forced to choose between the activities or clubs they want to be a part of.

It is a proven fact that students who are involved will learn more. Why would anyone want to take options away from students who wish to be involved? It is precisely that kind of thinking that results in students who feel detached, who do not take a sense of pride in their school and what it has enabled them to accomplish. I implore the residents of Newtown to do everything in their power to reverse this decision and permit anyone who wishes to partake in a club, not just those who can afford to be a member.

Regards,

Phillip Ames

PO Box 23, Storrs                                                       October 10, 2003