Homeschooled students who reside in Collingswood are prohibited from participating in extracurricular activities (such as band, theater, and foreign language clubs) and athletics offered by our public schools. Why would we like to see this policy change?
TO BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY
The existing policy of exclusion runs counter to the spirit of inclusiveness, tolerance, and respect that is a hallmark of life in Collingswood. These families have strong ties to the community and their children have great friendships with other children within the school system. Allowing these children to be involved within their community would serve to strengthen those bonds.
TO PROVIDE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL STUDENTS
The top-ranking students graduating from Collingswood High School reported participation in an average of seven extracurricular activities or sports. Homeschooled students have limited access to comparable opportunities, which are often at a prohibitive expense. Equal access to these activities ensures all children in our community have the same opportunity to be well-rounded students and approach the college admissions and scholarship process on equal footing.
For more detailed information about our proposal, please visit letourkidsplay.com.
We hereby request that the board of education revise the current policy to allow for participation by homeschooled students in extracurricular activities and athletics offered at our public schools.
