Students' "community service" shouldn't sound like a punishment

I was very thankful to be asked to sit in on the LRHS Senior Oral Boards! I didn’t realize how much of a rewarding experience this was going to be. 

One thing I promised to address was the community service requirement. While most didn’t have a problem doing it, it was the wording that caused hard feelings.  In a young person’s eyes, you see “community service” and that makes it look like it’s connected to doing something wrong. I heard, “When you’re on probation or in trouble, you get community service,” and I completely agree!

I submitted a letter to the school board asking for this to be changed from Community Service to “Community Contribution.” Using Community Contribution makes it sound like you’re giving back to your community, not that you’re in trouble and HAVE to do free work as punishment.

I’m still waiting for a reply, but just something I wanted to share and hopefully get some support on. 

Thank you!

Deidre Ellsworth

Nespelem