Dear Middle School,
As I sit here, my son is out on the field, playing soccer for the middle school team. It’s a new adventure for him and many of his teammates. However, there’s a catch—parents aren’t allowed at practice. We dutifully drop him off for his Sunday night sessions when requested.
This week, there are three home games, and as parents, we long to be there. We’ve never missed an event our kids have participated in during the past 21 years. However, at $5 a ticket for each game, attending as a family of four means shelling out $20 for each match, totaling $60 this week. That’s nearly 40% of our weekly grocery budget.
Seriously, how can $5 per person per game be justified? We live in the poorest city in Virginia, where the unemployment rate sits at 9.3%. The average income per capita is only $20,132. If you break it down, that translates to roughly $9.68 an hour before taxes for the average worker here. Our schools have even turned to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program just so kids can have breakfast and lunch, since most come from low-income backgrounds.
I’ve attended PTA meetings where the message is always about parent involvement. We do our best to support our school, teachers, and community. But, maybe it’s time for a reality check. Have you considered the reasons behind the lack of parental involvement?
If families can’t afford the entry fee, bleachers will remain empty. Our children are the future of this community and require our support to thrive in every aspect of their lives. Let’s find a more accessible way to encourage attendance and involvement, so we can cheer for our kids as they pursue their passions.
Sincerely,
A Parent Who’s Missing from the Bleachers
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In summary, while we strive to support our children’s sports and activities, the financial burden can make it tough for some families to participate fully. It’s crucial for our community to recognize these challenges and find ways to foster a more inclusive environment.