Pay To Play In Newtown? Yes

To the Editor:

Should students who are involved in extra curricular activities (emphasis on extra) be required to pay a fee? I think so. Not all of our students are involved in school programs. Many are in boy and girl scouts, church youth groups, and other activities. There are also those who just sit in front of the TV or computer and contribute nothing (to the shame of their parents). I am not speaking for them. I speak for the kids who are contributing to society.

Most of these organizations charge fees for participation. Our taxes do not pay for these kids. I feel that if our young people are going to pursue something after school that they love, then they should be willing to help support it. We should cover much of the cost if it is school related, i.e., school sports etc. But it is good training for our kids to learn to support the things they love. There are those who can’t afford it and I think that scholarships should be available for them. I do believe that most kids in Newtown come from households that can afford to support their kid’s activities.

Why should the parents of those children who are involved in wonderful programs not sanctioned by the school board have to pay for the programs the board deems worthy?

Duncan Brown

7 Sycamore Drive, Newtown                          November 17, 2003