Dear Middle School,
As I pen these thoughts, my son is on the court playing basketball for his middle school team. It’s his inaugural season, and many of his teammates are in the same boat. We respect the coach’s rule that prohibits parents from attending practices, so we dutifully drop him off on the designated nights.
This week, there are three home games. As his parents, we long to be there cheering him on. We’ve always made it a point to support our kids in every activity they participate in, and we’ve been doing this for over two decades.
However, with ticket prices at $5 per person per game, it quickly adds up. For our family of four, that totals $20 per game, translating to $60 this week alone—about 40% of our weekly grocery budget.
How can the cost of admission be so high? We live in the most economically challenged city in Virginia, where the unemployment rate hovers around 9.3%. The average income here is just $20,132 a year, which breaks down to approximately $9.68 per hour before taxes for full-time workers.
Our local schools have implemented the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program to provide free breakfasts and lunches, primarily because many families struggle to make ends meet. I often attend PTA meetings where the emphasis is on “parent involvement.” We do our best to support our school, teachers, and the community at large.
But perhaps it’s time to consider the community’s reality. If parents can’t afford to attend games, how can we expect to fill the stands and show our support? Our children are the future of this community, and we must find more inclusive ways to engage families so they can be positive role models and support their children in their pursuits.
Sincerely,
A Parent Who Can’t Be in the Stands Cheering for the Team
This article was originally published on Oct. 1, 2016. For more insights, check out this other post on home insemination kit.
In summary, the cost of attending school events can be prohibitive for families facing financial hardships, highlighting the need for communities to consider more affordable ways to encourage parental involvement. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can support our children’s growth and success.