Extracurriculars: and I guess kind of life lessons I learned from them?

Extracurriculars should be required for all students. I've seen too many kids struggle in school and make poor life decisions, and I think that requiring extracurriculars could really help this problem.

Benefits of extracurriculars:

1. Incentive to keep grades up
In order to participate in any sport or team event, you have to pass your classes, so students will have a reason to keep their grades up and study.

2. Promotes school spirit
I understand that one of the biggest problems with extracurriculars is a lack of funding. Many extracurriculars have been cut over time because of this issue, but  schools with more spirit have been shown to also have better funding.

3. Helps students to get into college and furthermore get scholarships
College is no longer just about grades. You have to do more if you want to succeed. Colleges favor kids that are involved. Plus, having extra talents from extracurriculars would help students to get different scholarships.

4. Talent
Being good at something helps with attitude. Plus being talented is just more fun.

5. Gives students something to do
Students who aren't involved in things find other things to do with their time, and the other options that they find aren't always the best decisions. I've seen people who've quit their extracurriculars and have chosen to fill their time by drinking or even smoking weed, so extracurriculars give kids a positive way to fill their time.

6. Friendships
Extracurriculars bring people together and help to form lasting friendships.

7. Helps to develop character
Extracurriculars instill different characteristics that students otherwise wouldn't have. I've learned leadership, respect, responsibility, commitment, integrity, dedication, and that's just the beginning. I would not be the confident young woman that I am today if not for drill team.

8. Discipline
Having a good coach or teacher can do a lot. There are rules and guidelines that are enforced. Many students who struggle do not strict rules at home that must be followed, so being involved in an extracurricular gives them the discipline that they need.

There are so many options of extracurriculars for students. There's sports like basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, hockey, track, cross country, water polo, swimming, baseball, softball, football, and more. There's spirit groups like cheerleading and pom squad. There's drill team, band, orchestra, and choir. There's volunteer groups like KEYY club and support groups like AVID. If extracurriculars are required, old ones might be able to be funded again like car mechanics and other career oriented extracurriculars. Even volunteering at the local library everyday is better than nothing. Students should have to be involved in something. They can do recreational sports outside of school like dance, or they can get a job. There will be a waiver for students who are involved in outside of school activities, but otherwise, students need something to help them build a positive character and fill their time.
I don't think extracurriculars are going to be required anytime soon, but I know that a lot of parents read my blog. I think that you should get your children involved in school, and to the students who read my blog, you should get yourself involved.

127 more days.... Until then, keep calm and boomer sooner!