" T&C:The "amount of EFFORT you put into anything = the level of accomplishment". Yes, I certainly agree. There is, however, some other big issues in the case of this prize/reward trip to Catalina Island for just "some" of the 8th graders. Remember, some kids can work their tails off for a 2.8gpa and others breeze through with a 3.8. It's relative to each student. And then of curse there are the special-ed/504/IEP students. With that said, I don't have a problem with families personally setting up a reward system of their own. That's their personal choice. I have an issue with such extravagant gifts/rewards set-up through the public school system that excludes others on this, what some call, an educational experience. Remember Science Camp? They all got to attend that educational experience.
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" Ms. Pritchard: "Those that were "left behind" were only so because they didn't try hard enough!" I respectfully and wholeheartedly disagree with you. There are many students that try very hard just to obtain a 2.5. Some of these kids are even gifted students (and without any behavior issues). BUT, that is another issue.

I disagree with this trip as it is an extravagant prize/reward promoted through our public school, using our teachers and resources in order to fulfill this extravagant reward for "some" students. And then even those are chosen by lottery. It's not right or fair.

Some call this an educational trip and not just "fun in the sun" even though the schedule includes activities like kayaking, wall climbing and hikes (sounds like fun!). If the trip is an educational trip then the 8th graders should all be attending so as to enhance their education equally. If this is a prize/reward trip then each family should be handling their own extravagant prize/reward on their own time and complete dime (without the public school). It should not be the public schools job to promote, set-up and reward with extravagant gifts. One would think that is these times parents would start to "get it" when it comes to these over-indulgences, but we still see these extravagant lifestyles even in todays economy, crisis and with the narcissistic behaviors some complain about. These choices should be up to the individual family, not the school. The schools are having a budget crisis as it is, with all kinds of other issues. This prize trip should not be on the agenda.

One more very important thing... we should all support the return of Science Camp. It's just criminal that this long standing valuable tradition is no longer available to all students. Please speak out on behalf of returning Science Camp, a valuable educational trip for ALL of our students.

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" I absolutely believe that the amount of EFFORT you put into anything = the level of accomplishment in the end! I listen to the Tokay High teens get on the Route 4 bus when school is out and their language and conduct most times is horrible. What a shame they choose to be left behind. No respect, no politeness! They think life is a joke! When they enter the real world they will know what life is really like! This is the time they should be reaching for goals that will ensure they are not left behind! "