Dear Middle School,
As I sit down to write this, my son, Ethan, is out on the court, playing his first volleyball season at school. It’s a big moment not just for him, but for many kids on the team.
We’ve been following the coach’s rule that parents can’t attend practices, and we dutifully bring him to practice every Sunday night. But this week, there are three home games, and as parents, we long to be there. We’ve always made it a point to never miss a single event our kids have participated in over the years.
However, tickets are priced at $5 per person for each game. That means for our family of four, attending just one game would cost us $20—$60 for the week! That’s nearly 40% of our weekly grocery budget.
How is $5 per person for admission even reasonable? We live in a community struggling with economic hardships. Our city has an unemployment rate of 9.3%, and the average annual income per capita is only $20,132. With a typical work year tallying 2,080 hours, that means folks in our area are earning about $9.68 per hour before taxes.
Our local schools have turned to programs like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for breakfast and lunch, catering to the needs of families in poverty. I attend PTA meetings where the focus is on “parent involvement.” We want to support our school, our teachers, and our community. But maybe it’s time for schools to take a hard look at the community they serve.
If families can’t afford the cost of admission, then it’s no wonder the bleachers remain empty. Our children represent the future of our community, and we need to find a way to rally together, support them, and encourage their pursuits in life.
Let’s acknowledge that it’s tough out here. If you’re looking for more insights on similar topics, check out this post on community engagement. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make a Mom provides excellent kits for those interested. For more detailed information on fertility and pregnancy, the CDC offers great resources.
In summary, let’s work towards creating a supportive environment for our children—both on and off the field.
Sincerely,
A Parent Who Can’t Be in the Bleachers Cheering for the Home Team
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