Here is a positive trend that every school should embrace: Club Time in place of study hall. According to Phil Kramer, Principal at Jefferson Middle School in Dubuque, IA, a newly created class schedule will create the opportunity for more students to be involved in what was once considered extracurricular activities: student organizations.The kinks are still being worked out and he admits that it still being determined how many times per month clubs will meet, but the concept is solid just the same. Kramer explained that Club Time is important because it allows students to socialize, identify causes and choose to work together and build leadership skills. "Our hope is that every kid will be involved in some type of club," he stated. Students that prefer to attend study hall will still have that option.
One of the groups that will be affected by the new Club Time mandate is the Jefferson Hillhawks Junior Optimist Club. Upon learning there was a new class schedule being proposed, Club President Maryann Flury and Vice President Taiana Butler proactively started campaigning for clubs to be included. This is exactly the type of leadership skills that Junior Optimist Club members learn from being involved.
I think Club Time sounds like a great way to involve even more students in positive activities and help them develop an attitude of community service. How about you?
