Mandatory community service irks some

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BY CAROLYN THOMPSON
cthompson@nwitimes.com
219.933.3229 | Tuesday, April 08, 2008 | (8 comment(s))

HIGHLAND | A proposal to make community service a graduation requirement, which would begin with the class of 2012, drew a heated discussion among parents and School Board members Monday.

The passion was high for more than two hours as the handful of parents in attendance, though friendly toward the idea of community service, said they were offended by it possibly becoming a mandate.

"Forced volunteerism is an oxymoron. You are taking something from the kids who want to do volunteer work," said Marianne Lee, parent of two high school daughters who volunteer.

Similar comments flooded the Administration Conference Room after the committee comprising administration, parents and students gave a PowerPoint presentation for the 2008 community service proposal.

In the plan, students must volunteer 48 hours of service and can spread out the hours throughout the four years of high school, equating to 20 minutes a week, according to Dave Bedka, a Highland High School teacher and committee member.

Students enrolling after their freshmen year will complete hours on a pro-rated basis, about 12 hours each year.

Kelly Gossman, school guidance coordinator, who is on the committee, said community service builds character and leadership and could foster personal and career development.

Lee was joined by Cindy Canner, mother of a high school senior, who said she was the voice of parents who could not come.

"We don't feel it should be pushed on us," Canner said, adding the parents' schedules would also be involved in transporting the students.

The committee collaborated with Hanover Central and Crown Point high schools who have the community service graduation requirement in place, Gossman said.

Hanover Central requires 75 hours for graduation and Crown Point mandates 60, she said.

Board members Luanne Jurczak and Larry Vassar embraced community service, but thrashed the mandatory clause. The duo suggested the committee do more research and get more information.

Jurczak also said the committee membership needs to reflect more parents.

The board requested more information and tabled the topic, which could possibly appear on the agenda of the April 15 School Board meeting, Carol Green-Fraley said.

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Noll Dad wrote on Apr 8, 2008 6:41 PM:

" To HoosierMom, you are correct. The emphasis should be on ISTEPs. My son went to St. John Bosco for K - 8 where the focus was on education and respect for one's peer and diversity. His third grade class scored the highest ISTEPs in the state that year, and six the top twelve in his gradutaing class at BNI were in that same class. By the way, The eighth grade class also had to perform community service. Uniforms don't make the student;the school and it's focus make the student. Every single day the principal let the students know (told them) he loved them and it showed with the commitment the kids had to the school. "

HoosierMom wrote on Apr 8, 2008 4:59 PM:

" My daughter is enrolled in the Technical Honors program, and will be a freshman this year. She is going to be busy enough completing high school AND getting her cosmetology license at the same time. My husband and I (yes, her parents are still married - to eachother) have raised her to be considerate, caring, and giving. We don't need her to do community service for her to learn these traits. As far as Bishop Noll, if you feel great paying extra for your kid to wear uniforms every day and do mandatory community service, that's your choice. If I wanted that for my daughter, I'd have sent her there. But for my child to be forced to do community service is going too far. The focus should be on raising ISTEPs and keeping our schools safe. "

Hanover parent wrote on Apr 8, 2008 4:13 PM:

" Hanover requires 75 hours, this is way to much, forty hours would seem to be enough. Community service is a good idea if you have the time and resources. Many of the 'Cedar Lake' parents & kids do not. My kids need to work as soon as they turn 16 to afford a car, prom, and save for college. Between school,keeping up grades,work, and possibly a sport or theater little time is available. Beginning with class 2010 a senior project is also required.ENOUGH. "

Its OK to Volunteer but, wrote on Apr 8, 2008 2:59 PM:

" It's great to volunteer for something but to force someone to work for free is slavery. "

Crown Point Mom wrote on Apr 8, 2008 12:02 PM:

" This was brought into crown point a few years ago, and the parents had no say. I agree with community service, my sons set out the garbage for the elderly, are helping out all the time, but that does not count for high school, this had gone overboard. Crown Point parents are not happy about the mandated community service, I would advise stopping it before it starts!! "

Noll Dad wrote on Apr 8, 2008 11:07 AM:

" I guess my son has been forced into slavery for four years running. At Bishop Noll Institute EVERY student is required to perform at least ten hours of community service per year. This year parents were also REQUIRED to perfornm at least ten hours of the same. Am I also a slave? I think this is a good idea. Let the kids see what it is like to help someone else by either reading to senior citizens or shoveling snow for someone who is unable. They can also work at the school at the concession stands. My son has had no complaints and has learned respect for others and volunteer work and charity in general. By the way, I too live in Highland. "

Forced Slavery wrote on Apr 8, 2008 10:30 AM:

" I thought Abe Lincoln put an end to slavery? Thats what this amounts to and if instituted deserves a legal challenge. "

Indiana resident wrote on Apr 8, 2008 8:49 AM:

" This might be a really good idea. So many kids are being raised as selfish, inconsiderate people being forced to do community service might help them understand that they are not the most important person. Everyone complains that the schools aren't teaching real life skills - this is a way to start, but of course the parents are only thinking of the burden to themselves in this. Wonder where the kids get it? "

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