Re:Programming, Extra! Curricular Types.

Part 1: Deemed Extra! by definition, designation...resignation                                                                

"Above and Beyond!" Yet another quote (exclamation mark usually implied) that I elevate here, in the context of roles, in the process of educating our young, working together even when we can't be, in building both "strong minds and bodies", promoting all the educational "taxonomies" (main categories of things we are collectively trying to germinate, cultivate), in helping each and every one of them to reach their "full potential" (a word combination that becomes about as welcome as "fingernails on a chalkboard" to the recipient student), with the end goal of getting them to aspire, even to find themselves on the list of the "Best and the Brightest", an annual offering of names associated with high achievement in the classroom and perhaps in some other, less prestigious, nonetheless worthwhile endeavors that are associated with the school setting. Those that may occur within the regular school day or are "in excess of the expectations of it; in addition to it". Those that may not even be initiated by the participants who may, at first glance, under-appreciate the value of "extracurriculars" in further building their self-confidence, if not their transcript, for college admissions. In the past two posts I covered the critical roles of parents and teachers in promoting P.O.T. (go back a few posts for clarification, elaboration, as needed), in the context of a stellar organization, one which features both intra- and inter-play among the adults instrumental to their children's development..."bettering the lives of children in education, health and safety" (PTA, 125 years in the making😊). 

Before and After: A term we, regardless of what station in life we are in, whether as students, teachers, or parents, have come to associate with various kinds of "proficiency" tests, which frequently incorporate a baseline or "before" sampling, as well as repeated samplings "after" lessons, even a full curriculum, has been delivered. But here, in the context of "programs" that are less strictly aligned with core curriculum, those that usually occur either prior to or following the normal school hours where both students and staff are required to reside. Those that require, for their very existence, let alone POT, require, at the very least, a few 'willing' participants and at least one adult to keep them company, to at least keep a casual degree of supervision...otherwise referred to as "coaches, advisors, and/or sponsors" -- who may or may not be already employed by the local school districts who elect to "hang around after hours". This, in order to promote "extracurricular activities". Those that include sports, drama, clubs, community service organizations, music, chess, forensics, and too many others to list here. Those that might eventuate for the participants in "extra credit" and these days, for their parents, in addition to transportation to various destinations yet unknown, may require "pay to play" and, for the supervising adult or coach, a small stipend ("small" when you really figure out how many hours most of them put in, similar to most teachers)...all of which, when fully considered, bring about a measure of...

Mutual Appreciation, Satisfaction: As in surveys of both participants and their advisors, coaches, parent 'volunteers'😟, on behalf of each other (sounding a bit like the PTA gig?), who consistently endorse such participation as "well worth my time". A process which, for many, began as a 'designation', as in "you're gonna' join something; we don't care what it is, but you're not gonna' just sit around playing video games after your homework, even if we have to pay a fee..." which proceeded for many through a time of 'resignation' ("all right, I'll do the one that requires the least amount of...") and which, with sufficient time and distance, may even be experienced as celebration ("I'm so glad I did it; glad I thought of it!"). At least one of affirmation, that will probably, if other surveys and my personal/professional experience are also points of reference, be repeated by even the most reluctant of participants, on behalf of future gens😀😟. 

Part 2: Detention to...suspension (?!)