School Life with no Activities

[cchsmom]

My son attends CCHS and is a member of the band. There is a lot of discussion about the Athletics, but what about all the other activities that are also a part of the school. There are many scholarships given for music and arts and these kids will suffer just as much as the athletics. Do they get to transfer because of lack of band? This situation affects so many kids. The extra-curricular activites is a motivation for these students to get and maintain good grades. These children are being left behind.

[Just A Citizen]

I agree with you. The people of the district thought this was only about sports and sports only. Why couldnt they understand that there was so much more involved than that?

[2010parent]

My daughter is a senior at CCHS. She actually could have graduated in 2009 as she only needed 1 more course to graduate. At the time of scheduling we didn't consider that the levy would fail 3 times and she didn't want to miss all of those cool senior things that you hear about...homecoming, prom, senior night on the soccer field, football Friday nights, etc. As it turns out, she will not get any of these things unless the community and parents pull together and put on a prom for the kids. That's about all that's salvageable - unfortunately many of her friends have left the district, so it seems less important. She'll get through it but it is disappointing.

[mamajochky]

I have two sons, one is a senior at Westland, in band, would have been a Drum Major. The other was asked to be in WHS band as an 8th grader. He decided to give up football for band. Now he has neither.

My 8th grader made sure his homework was done so he could play football. It was that "motivation" he needs. Now what.

The difference I see, at least this summer, my children are "bored,"
I'm tired of the computer, I'm tired of the X-Box, I'm tired of the TV being on. I have given them "chores" to do while I work but I don't want their entire summer being dictated by chores.

I still don't have my Senior's pictures taken because I want at least one picture with his band uniform and we are unable to obtain the uniform for him to get those taken.

[amh27]

My GCHC Senior and Junior are still trying to figure this all out...too much time on their hands
...chores...tv...computer...hanging with friends only go so far
...working out trying to stay in shape...now moving our focus towards volunteer activities in the community and looking for jobs, which are hard to come by for teens....hopefully we can all come together in November and savage some of the activities for the 2010 class and restore the activities for the district.....

[austin]

Same story here. Two at GCHS and they're bored. They will be old enough to get jobs next summer, but this has kind of been a summer in limbo with all the work on the levy and all. They are fairly motivated students, so I think their grades will be okay, but they are deeply disappointed at the loss of their respective activities.

They were just so sure it would pass last Tuesday and I think they are still in shock. But of course, we prepared them that it might not and assured them that life would go on - just differently.

[cchsmom]

Austin, true these students were all prepared, they've been hurt before. I have done some checking in regards to taxes for homes in the SWCS and the Columbus Public School District, you would be surprised by the difference in property taxes. The SWCS taxes are much lower than the CPS. I moved from the CPS system about 5 years ago so my children could attend the schools in the SWCS district. I never anticipated this to happen to my kids. I have given many KUDOS to the staff at CCHS and their caring and concern for my children's academics and social skills. I believe the district also need to make senior citizens well aware of the fact that they are entitled to the Homestead Exemption (they do not pay taxes on the first $25,000 of their property). There are many discounts available to them. Help these children achieve!!!!

[cougarmomx3]

It is the same for my children. My son and youngest daughter have watched their sister compete in many things while being a student at Norton Middle School and Westland High school. Both are terribly upset that they will not have the opportunities that she had in the last 4 yrs. They were anxiously watching the count returns and looking more defeated as each number changed. My son said, "WHy mom, why would our neighbors do this to us?" While I know that classroom work comes first, I also know the value of belonging to a club, band, sport, or participating in any "EXTRA" at school. Looking forward to dances with their friend, games, plays, concerts. Its a hard pill to swallow. These things along with AP, tutors and good teachers are what gives us well-rounded adults later on. Hopefully, things will change and it will for the betterment of the kids.

[austin]

cchsmom and cougarmomx3, couldn't relate more than with what you both shared. It is indeed a hard pill to swallow. I just can't believe that our children will not have what we all took for granted - opportunity. Someone paid for all of us. I don't understand how others cannot understand the importance AND fairness of paying it forward.

[dlswyers]

My daughter graduated from Westland this past year. She participated as a wrestling statistician and played the violin in orchestra. Over the last two years of high school she received several awards in orchestra. These were voted on by her peers. This helped her to develop leadership and teamwork qualities that will be beneficial to her in life. It also taught her responsibility.
My son participated in the marching band as a freshman. He began band last summer and went to band camp. This was a great way for him to make friends before he entered high school which can be a stressful time.
I agree that a child's education is very important but so are the extra-curricular activities that develop qualities kids can use throughout their lives. There are things I had to learn in school that I have never used again.
I remember several years ago when another levy failed and we had to go to split sessions!! What a mess that was. The levy passed the next time it was put on the ballot. Maybe now since some parents will have to find a way for their child to get to and from school, their no vote may change to yes. Hopefully, we can work together and provide our kids with the same opportunities previous students have had.
If you get a chance, go on the SWCS website and read the great accomplishments our students have made over the past year that have been posted. It will make you proud and even more determined!

[austin]

dlswyers, my son was the statistician for a GCHS sports team last year and it was a wonderful, rewarding experience for him. It really boosted his confidence and helped his adjustment to high school. He is really, really going to miss doing that this coming year.

[cougar82]

How has the levy impacted me? What a question, however in our home, the question is how it impacted my family? To get her scholarship so she can continue playing her sport that she has played since 5 years of age, my daughter has moved in with her Grandmother. The girls have been really great. The Coach and his wife are really good people. My daughter, a Senior, is 2 hours away from us. It hurts but we know it's for her future. Her boyfriend knows it's for her future as was his choice to attend another school to get his scholarship. My other concern was for those girls involved in the local club volleyball league. To continue we would have to rent space and charge more for the fees. With the economy how can this be considered? We had 173 girls last year - some of them will not be able to afford another club. My youngest wants to play an instrument, my oldest was in drama. I know this is more than sports, it's about the kids enjoying their Senior years, Freshman excited about being in high school, Friday football, marching in the band, French dinner with Mrs. Somner. I am sure the teachers will try everything to make the kids comfortable but they cannot change the loss they will feel.

[mom2boys]

My oldest will be going to Park Street this year. My middle is in 2nd grade and my youngest hasn't started yet. I know that we will no longer have evening activities, spring festival ,PTA meetings etc since buildings will be closed after school. I'm not sure of everything yet. I'm sure we'll here it all when school starts .
This is the 2nd time in the 5 yrs. I've had a child in these schools that they have threatened to cut sports/activities if a levy doesn't pass. Last time it finally passed. I don't see that levy brought up I'm not sure what happened with that?
It's effected our life to the point I'm certain we won't be staying in this district. No, I haven't instantly put my house on the market or tried to get my kids into another district. But I won't be staying here for the duration of their school years and watch this happen every few years. Up until they are seniors like so many here are going through.
I have always defended Grove City. It gets a very bad rap! Most people I know that live in the area either homeschool or go to GCCS. We have family in Pickerington and I can't tell you the looks of horror I've gotten when telling people where we live. One lady looked shocked and said "but where do your kids go to school?" I guess they see the constant "continuos improvement"test scores They don't see we're dealing with 21,189kids and 31 schools to their 10,464 and only 11 schools!
I've seen on message boards of people new to the Columbus area people tell them to stay away from Grove City. Really? Grove city is the worse area you can tell them?!?!
Anyway, we plan to move within the next couple years. I hope we can sell our house.
I always support the schools. It is a reflection of the entire community. This one just can't get it right. It's too large. I'm sick of seeing our town on the news because activities are being taken...again. I just watched this 4 years ago!

[momof3]

Mom2boys is right on! I have lived in this district for 21 years. I have 1 graduate, 1 senior and 1 5th grader. I have watched this school district put my rural kids in a new school with new friends to make every time they move up. I have watched one go to a program that had kids from all of Franklin County and be told they are in the ghetto school district. I have seen excellent teachers move on to districts that will pay them what they are worth and still I stick around. I have volunteered in schools and have seen firsthand the dedicated teachers we have in this district, but I have to say this is the first time I have considered moving from this district. I watch the township I live in pass fire levy after fire levy, but school levies get defeated.
My senior will lose memories of a great senior year but even that is not my main concern. My 5th grader will not receive the education that this kid deserves because we will be losing so much more as each levy is defeated. I cannot think of staying here and watch the value of my child's education be undermined.