Fees Are Not The Way

To Fund Education

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to a disturbing email I received from current Newtown High School students regarding the implementation of fees for extra curricular activities in Newtown.

I graduated from NHS in 2001 with a sense of pride in what I, my graduating class, and the faculty and administration of the high school, had accomplished in our short four years there. Somehow, but not coincidentally, the people of Newtown and those involved in progressing education and community had taken large steps toward reaching what we all remember as a very positive learning environment at the high school. When I left, all seemed well and good for students in Newtown.

As an alumni, I am outraged by this “Blue Ribbon” high school responsible for imposing fees on students who participate in extra curricular activities. What price is high enough for town officials and school administrators who promote the necessities of academics, athletics, the arts, and community service beyond the classroom level? It’s hypocrisy and it’s a shame.

So what is the moral? If we pay the town enough money in fees they’ll let us use their name on our college applications? To charge high school students $65 to park in a school lot that doesn’t guarantee them parking is ludicrous and irresponsible. Find another solution. How many times have we supported the drama club by advertising our local businesses in the their playbills, or driven through one of the football teams car washes? They need to build their budgets, too. When was the last time we saw our first selectman outside of the VFW waxing our cars to raise revenue for the town? We haven’t. Take some responsibility and make a change. Leave the high school kids alone.

Far away, but still a taxpaying Newtowner,

Patrick Curran

44 Shepard Hill Road, Newtown                             October 10, 2003