Extracurricular options Because of their size, public schools are often able to offer a variety of extracurricular activities for students in sports, music and special interest clubs. And because public schools usually compete with other similarly sized districts, many opportunities for competition exist. HSEHS boasts academic teams competing in state and national contests such as Mock Trial and We the People, says Richards. Meanwhile, FSH offers several visual and performance arts programs, foreign language groups and academic clubs. Indianapolis Public Schools offers an Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) which provides a curriculum that helps cadets develop life-long leadership and decision making skills. The JROTC program is currently available to students in grades 9-12 at five IPS schools.
Developing community
opportunities and other enriching activities, says Director of Public Relations and Community Outreach Suzanne Rothenberg. “Not all of our students have a safe, supportive and stimulating environment to return to after school,” she says. “Through Club Phoenix, students have access to adults who can help them succeed. It’s important for public schools to offer programs like Club Phoenix as a way to take extra measures to ensure that students continue to grow and thrive academically, socially, mentally and physically,” explains Rothenberg.
All children should have the opportunity to feel a part of a community and local schools address that issue in various ways.
All children should have the opportunity to feel a part of a community and local schools address that issue in various ways. At Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township, Club Phoenix is a program designed to help students with academic assistance, community involvement
In addition, many public schools have programs that allow students to give back to their community. “Student leadership and service opportunities abound at all grade levels at HSEHS,” says Richards, “whether it be dance marathons for Riley Children’s Hospital, food drives for local pantries, walkathons or school supplies collection for African schools.” Community service is a critical part of the education model at Hamilton Southeastern Schools, as Assistant Superintendent Dr. Beth Niedermeyer explains, “We strive to provide experiences and help students discover their own unique talents both in and outside the classroom.”
Given the wide variety of options available in public schools today, students have multiple opportunities to grow socially, emotionally and academically during these important years of their development.
JANUARY 2014 // INDYSCHILD.COM
37