It is quickly becoming an alarming factor as to the damage
that is taking place in dance/drill teams and other extra-curricular programs by
"well meaning" parents who are anxious to "get involved".
Unfortunately, some parents tend to view the drill team activities in a manner
of self-esteem as opposed to what might be best for their daughter, team or
school. Another tendency is that some parents feel they can "second
guess" the director similar to a "back seat driver" when the
director is the professional, with the background and experience to make a
decision with the team's best interest. The shoe would be on the other
foot if a dance/drill team director were passing judgment on the manner in
which an auto mechanic were to install a muffler or change a transmission on her
car.
The result of these minority of parent complaints has turned
administrators to view extra-curricular activities with a furrowed brow.
Instead of improving the program and increasing special privileges, we are
quickly losing ground that has taken over a decade to gain. I emphasize
that I am speaking of a minority group of parents because the majority are
either quietly supportive or passively indifferent. The high standards of
excellence and discipline that were accepted and supported in the 60's or 70's
are being replaced with a down - play of self discipline and pride in
one's self.
I challenge the silent majority to come forward with a fierce
roar in defense of not yourselves, but of the standards that we as students of
an earlier generation took pride in achieving with enthusiasm. We accepted
the tough moral, ethical, physical and mental standards that were driven home
each day in our participation of extra-curricular activities. If parents
do not take that positive stand, and the negativism continues to penetrate, I
see in the next decade that dance/drill teams will be an "endangered
species". School administrators will find an instant solution to the
negative feedback disband the source of the problems -- dance/drill team.
Write those positive letters praising your school program and its leadership.
How very rare it is that an administrator might hear a positive note from a
parent instead of a complaint - and how much good would it create?
Think about it... and, think long and hard... because the
reality is here and now. We are losing ground quickly and losing the
talented and dedicated directors that are so valuable to our profession as well
as spoiling the realism that our children must see.
Signed,
A concerned parent and a former director from Texas
|