Dear Middle School Community,
As I type this, my son is out there on the soccer field, playing for his first year on the school team. It’s an exciting time for him, as well as for many other kids experiencing their first taste of competition.
We’ve been adhering to the coach’s rule about parents not attending practices, but we always make sure to take him to his Sunday night sessions. This week, though, we face a dilemma with three home games scheduled. As devoted parents, we want to be there for him. We’ve never missed an event in our children’s lives, having supported them through over two decades of school activities.
However, the reality is that tickets cost $5 each for every game. For our family of four, attending just one game would total $20, and for three games, that amounts to $60. This is nearly 40% of our weekly grocery budget. How can $5 per person, per game be justified?
We live in a community facing economic challenges; our city has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. The average income here hovers around $20,132, translating to about $9.68 an hour before taxes for those fortunate enough to have jobs. Many families, including ours, rely on programs like the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for school meals, underscoring the economic hardships surrounding us.
At PTA meetings, the recurring theme is “we need more parent involvement.” We are eager to support our school, teachers, and this wonderful community. Yet, it’s essential for you to recognize the factors behind the absence of parents in the stands. If the cost of admission is prohibitive, it’s no wonder attendance is low.
Our children are the future, and we must find better solutions to ensure we can be present and supportive in their endeavors. Let’s work together to cultivate an environment where all families can cheer for their kids, helping them lead fulfilling and healthy lives.
Warm regards,
A Parent Who Wishes to Join the Cheer in the Stands
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Summary
Attending your child’s sporting events can be a financial burden for some families. The cost of tickets may prevent parents from showing support, especially in economically challenged communities. It highlights the need for schools to consider more inclusive practices that allow all families to participate in their children’s activities.