THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 24, 1994 TAG: 9407220227
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
A requirement that a student must maintain at least a D average to participate in extracurricular high school activities this fall is not an unreasonable demand. In fact, it is rather shocking that the standard is so low and only now has been instituted.
The new standards also will ban from school activities any student who fails a course, regardless of overall average.
Two years from now the required average will go up, limiting extracurricular activities to those with C averages or above.
School Superintendent Richard Trumble said students, as well as their coaches, band directors and others, will be given progress reports. That certainly is fair to the students, who will have a chance to work on their grades before it's too late.
There will be those who argue that it is better to let students play sports or march in bands, despite their grades, if it will keep them in school. However, what difference does it make if they stay in school and learn nothing?
Under the new rules, students entering high school will know what is expected of them. If they want to play ball, be involved in the band or choral groups or any other extracurricular activities, then they must keep up with their school work.
The world already has too many people who think they can do only what they want to do without taking any responsibility. Perhaps the new Portsmouth school policy will help young people understand that you can't have it both ways in life.
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH SCHOOLS
by CNB