<p>Mmmm, S, I agree the new headline accentuates the 'sensational' part of the story and is not in keeping with your original intention. Since you are a well known poster in a well known location, perhaps you ought to appeal the 'edit'. As a sensational headline, it's not a good look for you or a D applying to insanely selective schools.</p>
<p>As a 'vent', it's completely understandable.</p>
<p>Kiddly asked: "Is there another side to the story here?" </p>
<p>I wish I knew and hope to find out as there was NO indication of any negative issue or problem last year, nothing until she went to confirm the date this year. The reason given was vague and when attempting to get specifics from the faculty member, the only ones mentioned were: not taking care of the space/theater perhaps in terms of leaving it as found each day, that it was extra or too much work for the faculty though the kids did it all on their own and there was no direct in person supervision but when questions came up they were asked permission or that type of thing, and lastly that he perceived the cast of this musical as a "clique" though outside this endeavor they are not all close friends but did bond while working on this collaborative project and actually the cast is practically the same as the school's select choir and it is not like we are calling that group a "clique" that the faculty runs (or any other EC group or team that also bonds when working on a project), and lastly that the theater kids in this group (which are basically our main principal theater kids in the school) were negative last year when they heard the choice of school musical for the spring which as Wizard of Oz (though this is totally unrelated to the cabaret itself, only same kids, but they would have voiced their views on the unpopular choice regardless if there had ever been a student run musical revue earlier in the year). That is all I know thus far. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<h2>Cheers wrote: "Venting Vs Headline Story </h2>
<p>Mmmm, S, I agree the new headline accentuates the 'sensational' part of the story and is not in keeping with your original intention. Since you are a well known poster in a well known location, perhaps you ought to appeal the 'edit'. As a sensational headline, it's not a good look for you or a D applying to insanely selective schools.</p>
<p>As a 'vent', it's completely understandable."</p>
<p>Roger, to be honest with ya, I feel as Cheers does. I never meant it to be some announcement or this type of thing. I realize anyone could have read it before as well but I posted it on a parent forum to vent to my forum "friends", not really to get attention from all readers of all the forums on here. The way it reads now sounds like a news story that way more folks will open up to see what happened. I did not even post this on the musical theater forum where I am a regular. I am regretting it now as I did not expect it to be featured or garner attention outside of the parent group so much. Maybe there IS a reason why I have rarely started a thread and I just forgot it.
Susan</p>
<p>I am a newbie-ish infrequent poster, but I admit it makes me hesistant to participate if what I write could be changed without acknowledgement or my input. Roger, how about at least adding a note to the title indicating the original title and your hand in the edited title - or, better yet, return the title back to its original and honor Sooz's requests.</p>
<p>Based on SoozieVT's request, I de-featured the story. I DO think that this is one of the most fascinating stories I've seen here in quite a while, and that many other readers would find it equally interesting and perhaps worthy of sharing their views on. Clearly, it has generated a lot of interest from a spectrum of our members.</p>
<p>We don't really have a mechanism for acknowledging title edits - we don't get them all, but we do try to change titles that aren't keyword based or explanatory of the content. We do this to make threads easy to find for current readers and for members who use the Search function.</p>
<p>Any edits to the content of a post ARE flagged with an "edited by" and "edit reason" to avoid a poster's meaning being changed surreptitiously.</p>
<p>I think "A Vent" is a much better title. We all get frustrated with our children's school, and I think it is valuable for us to see that this happens at all types of schools, for all types of kids. How this plays out, we won't know. I am hoping that when you talk to the one teacher who wants to discuss this situation you will get to the bottom of the reason they are not supporting this venture. It may be that the teachers simply do not want one more thing on their plate. They have their list of what they want to do, have to do this year, and they are not interested in stretching beyond that. It may be for other reasons. And I am hoping that something can be worked out. Not only would it give your daughter a venue to put something together that she loves to do, but also bring something to the school and community that it does not often get.</p>
<p>Well sometimes schools have policies concerning school sponsored vs student sponsored activites.The reason only school sponsored activites are accepted is because the teachers can organize them better and arrange them to suit their own schedules or give a fairer representation to all students . Sometimes cost is involved.</p>
<p>My suggestions are merely a means of coping with not getting what one wants. One door closes, another opens.One must put on a cheerful face sometimes.What do you say to your child,'go mope around until they give you what you want?' I have no doubt there are some who use this tactic as well.(But this would NEVER happen in my house!!My cheery daughter would get hysterical laughing if I mentioned it!) </p>
<p>Oftentimes actor/actresses are very egocentric. So a suggestion to put on a cheery face and go read to the blind may not go over very well. Then again, some actors/actresses may put all their spirit into it and be the most dramatic, passionate blind reader there ever was., Maybe learning sign language could open doors to unimagined possibilities.Youth is a time of experimenting and trying new things. </p>
<p>More power to you if you want to spend your time fighting about this. If you have won other battles there, maybe you will win this one too.-I'm outta here!!! Good luck!!</p>
<p>A really good teacher would be highly supportive of a student-sponsored production. Most good teachers bemoan the lack of initiative on the part of many students, and have nothing to fear from student-led activities.</p>
<p>I don't see this is as a battle. Hopefully there is an issue that can be resolved. Otherwise it is another frustrating example of why schools often move outstanding kids towards the mean rather than giving them opportunity to flourish. I see this all of the time, and is one of my own favorite vents when the subject of teachers and unions comes up. I believe that unions exacerbate this situation. It was also one of my biggest disappointment to find that this also happens at top, selective private schools. The main reason that I am paying exhorbitant tuitions for my children at private school and going through the transportation wrangles to get them there and back is because this school offers my kids more opportunities to be outstanding. And then to find that some of the teachers and staff have the same mentality that limits these opportunities is maddening to me. As I told Susan, I am ironing out some wrinkles that simply should not be there in my son's artistic endeavors at his school. We won't get everything we want, but I am reasonably sure we'll get this straightened out. However, I shouldn't be involved at all; the situations are really quite simple and the problem is that some of the teachers and staff are inflexible, unimaginative, have egos at stake when they should not and are unwilling to think or act outside of the box even when there are no dire consequences beyond the usual risks and the result of following the action can be sheer excellence, something the school touts. In our very large, unionized public high school I can understand why it is difficult to draw outside of the lines, but in a school that supposedly encourages this sort of thinking, it is really puzzling and disturbing. Not that I condone it in the public venue; I feel that is a major drawback of public schools as I have said before.</p>
<p>Jamimom, I truly only meant it to be a vent from one parent to another group of supportive parents, many regulars on here, not as a featured news item for all who open CC. The idea of featured threads, in my view, are best when there is a common topic that would help all such as "what is the ideal number of school to apply to?" or "how does one write an activity resume?" or "what to do on a college visit". I hope my thread can be mostly for the parent forum and can be titled "a vent" cause that is all I meant it as, not for this degree of attention, and thought it would be a supportive discussion of points of view for a day or so. </p>
<p>BHG...you are right about there could be policies regarding student run vs. school run activities....but again, this was NOT a new initiative but rather one that was done once, apparently to my knowledge quite successfully with positive feedback from a range of school and community members (til now I guess). </p>
<p>I respectfully must say that while your feedback is good advice, it really is not the situation. She is NOT moping at all. In fact, while taken back by the attitude and "treatment", she wanted to handle it on her own by trying to find out what the issues were and attempting to discuss and work them out. Anyone would do that. She never ever attempted to fight it and to the contrary, does NOT wish to do it if it is not going to be supported or cause a big problem or make life worse at school in some way. She is definitely NOT moping. And we are definitely not spending out time "fighting" it. Did you see us call or go into the school? We tried to AVOID that. My D does not WANT that. The teacher said he would not discuss it but wants her parents to come in. I think I must respond to that and cheerfully left a message saying I heard he wanted to meet with us so let's set up a time. I definitely don't see that as confrontational. He never told her NO. She is trying to find out if it is "NO" or "we need to work this out"...it is VERY unclear. She only knows he is not that keen on the students doing a show again. So, it is not like we even know the final "decree" or if it is off. She needs to find out (if she could but he said he does not want to talk to students about it, just the creator's parents), because she needs to know whether to keep going on the plans which were on target with tasks to be done in the coming two weeks before it begins (and before she starts hell week with her current show), and if this is not happening, she is already working up ideas for an alternative activity tonight! So, while your advice is wise, it does not quite fit the reality of what is going on at my house.
Susan</p>
<p>Roger, I did not see your post before I posted just now. But I agree and basically find it disconcerting as a teacher myself to think of teachers not encouraging such initiatives. If there were some concerns on their end (had no idea there ever were til now), naturally those should be addressed but it came across as their not wanting there to be a student run endeavor again, despite the very positive outcome and feedback last year that brought positive attention to the department. College admissions offices are even saying they like seeing high schoolers take initiative. My D did not do this for college but when I think about college applications and all since we ARE immersed in them at the moment, and I think that that attribute is one they are looking for, it is irksome when a school tries to thwart that sort of thing, don't ya think? </p>
<p>Even when they said my kid could not have math this year, I found that irksome as they would be HURTING her in college admissions to not let her have math. It is things like this, that I find, perhaps because I am in education myself, disconcerting. It is the opposite of how I was as a teacher. Thankfully, our GC is a person who is the opposite of a roadblock type but one who is a thinker outside the box and advocates for kids right and left in these situations. He has made a difference in my kids' lives there and he is willing to take any flak from those who don't think that way because he CARES about kids. Believe me, when the principal tried to oust him last year, the entire community came out in droves to support him. Now the principal is out. We need more educators like him who truly put the kids first and encourage and support their learning drives. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>backhandgrip--Before giving advice, read the posts. It is clear that you haven't read them by the comments you make. You entirely miss the point. You are being incredibly condescending.
Susan--You are much more diplomatic wth BHG than I would be. I'm sure your D will thrive. Like you I become frustrated with teachers that refuse to respect my children (who have earned their respect), while demanding respect because they are adults. If through the joint efforts of your daughter and you, one adult can become enlighted, you will have made a change in the world.</p>
<p>Susan, I've just read all through this thread after being away for a couple of days. You've gotten lots of good advice from lots of people here, and some quite ridiculous comments as well. I have to agree with fosselover here about BHG's comments. She obviously hasn't read things through, and if she has, then her comments are doubly irritating and off-base. In any case, those of us who have been around even for a short while know that you're a kind, good-hearted person on these forums and that you simply wanted to vent about an annoying situation. We've all been in similar situations through the years with our kids' schools and it is incredibly annoying when we see teachers stifling student initiative. I hope you and your D can get it sorted out satisfactorily and I'll also take time here to wish her every possible bit of good luck on her auditions and applications this year. She has a great future ahead of her.</p>
<p>Well Foss, you are baiting me.I read the post and I am entitled to my opinions as much as you are.(So THERE too!)
So Sue you are looking for everyone here to agree with you and support you.I do see it as a battle. You can fight it or move on. You can have meetings with principals, argue, demonstrate, gather petitions, write letters, get people fired, or just complain here.Venting is complaining, right? Unless your daughter is on the school payroll I just don't see how you can win. A decision has been made.You could possibly get what you want after lobbying but then would there be animosity with the teacher or teachers? Would it be worth it then?</p>
<p>The thing is Sue, this is such small stuff. Your daughter could organize HER OWN production company with her background! And I bet if you put as much effort into fighting this as into grant writing she could even get a grant from your state for her own new endeavor!Personaly, I would let my child enjoy her school years and her youth.I would let her learn her own lessons dealing with administrators and teachers and not get involved. Sometimes in senior high, the teachers don't want the parents involved, they want the kids to lean how to handle things themselves. I'm sorry but I have to go now and will not be on again today. Good luck.</p>
<p>Because I did share this with parents on this forum, though regret it with the current title in particularly, I will follow up because you guys were kind enough to offer advice/support.</p>
<p>The teacher just returned my call that I had in where I simply said I heard he wanted to meet with us and I was calling to set up a time. He said he did want to meet with us and my daughter as well and we set up during her lunch period on Monday (the kid is basically never free otherwise). He commented to me that my D did not want him to meet with her parents but he did. I mentioned that I am perfectly willing to meet and particularly whenever a teacher asks me to, I shall, but I did agree with my D that she and the cast should have been able to work out whatever issues he had to discuss about their production (an aside....as some of you said, next year in college, she will indeed have to do that). He agreed that she was quote "a big girl" but he needed to talk to the parents. I also mentioned that I am not sure why this is only between him and our family because this is not like an issue my D is having in class where you conference with the parents but this is actually a collaborative group project and it affects about a dozen kids and their families who all have been planning on doing this for two months. I admitted that of course she is the creator/producer/director of the show, basically the leader, but otherwise it is not an individual thing but he said, well, yes, cause she is the leader of it. Fine, no problem. By the way it was a FRIENDLY discussion as we have ALWAYS gotten along and truthfully I always try to be supportive when I can be and if I have a concern I voice it but try to "work it out". He said he was not happy with the show on his end and there were things that would have to be worked out. I responded that it is perfectly understandable that if he had concerns that they be addressed. Then for my own understanding I just asked him if I had this "right" and paraphrased....you have concerns and want to work them out and if that can happen, they can do the show or in other words, the show is not necessarily OFF? He said that was correct and that "I would love to see her do the show." Now, that is EXACTLY how I WISH it had been handled with my daughter in the first place. She said he came off very annoyed and said he did not want them to do the show though never said they could not and it was all vague but in a very condescending way. It was never....I would love for you to do it but we need to meet to iron out issues that I saw last year. She got the opposite impression and the manner was really in a very negative way as if she felt she was in trouble rather than being supported. In fact, it was very unclear whether the show was off or if he just wanted to work out some things. That is why when she went in yesterday, she asked to meet with him to see if they could work out whatever it was or to determine if the reason he wanted to meet with the parents was to work it out or to inform them why they could not put on a s how again this year. I did inform him that she had worked a LOT on it for the past two months, has written it, compiled music from around the country, has laid out money, and it was best that we ARE meeting ASAP as she has stopped the process until she knows if it is going to happen and actually was ready to make librettos, CDs and other tasks to be ready as soon as her adult production is over to begin this one as the rest of the cast expected that start date (and it needs to be then in order to have the show when it fits into everyone and the school's calendar), and in another week, she is entering hell week for her other show which means she is almost 24/7 in another city. He agreed, that we need to work it out now cause of the timing. So, of course, I do not know what issues he will bring up but only know the ones he mentioned to my D which in my view are ALL surmountable. </p>
<p>I think this step needs to happen whether they do it or not. If they allow them to do it given whatever constraints or issues are resolved, I will have to see if she still wants to...I mean she definitely wants to do it (or would never have gone to him yesterday to ask if they could meet to work it out) but I know does not want to do it if it becomes a struggle or does not have their support in a way that will make the experience difficult to do and still work with them in all the other areas she does. It needs to be pleasant or it won't be worth it as she does not want to cause ANY problems. Also because they came across as highly discouraging them from doing it, she already started to change gears last night with a new two person musical that she was going to try to get the rights to and was starting to get excited at THAT prospect. So, now we'll just have to see if this can either be worked out and if the feeling of support if they move forward is there, or else if she chooses to change gears and do this smaller musical on her own and perform it on their stage or another one. </p>
<p>I so wish they had handled it differently with the children though. If he had only said, "I would love for you to do it again but we need to have a meeting to discuss issues that have to be ironed out first." THAT I definitely could understand (even if I don't understand some of the issues he might bring up like the relationship between the kids discontent with the choice of school musical and how that had to do with this cabaret at all). </p>
<p>So, thanks for your support and suggestions. The tone of the call was pleasant (which I knew it would be and I try to be on my end even if I have some bad feelings here). I wish the tone when talking to the kids was that way as it clearly was not and really was spirit killing. Besides the tone itself, I am still feeling a bit disconcerted as to them discouraging this venture rather than being supportive, as long as kids follow whatever guidelines they impose. </p>
<p>In any case, no matter what, I am curious to hear their views and to have my opportunity to express mine from an adult point of view. Though I do believe that the students, particularly seniors, should be able to have an opportunity to sit down with their teachers to discuss such a thing and my point of view is that it is NOT OK to tell students "we have no interest in meeting with students about this" under any situation but particularly when it is a student run endeavor. That is the whole point. They are trying to take initiative and responsibility here and should be able to discuss or negotiate in a responsible fashion and IF that breaks down, then maybe ask their parents to come in (and not just the parent of one kid but the whole point is that it is a student COLLABORATION, not an individual kid's school issue). </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>BHG:</p>
<p>Soozie began the thread as a vent about a teacher who refuses to deal with the students and demands to meet with parents. So there is no question about letting Soozie's child fight her own battles. As well, this seems to be entirely between that particular teacher and the students, rather than the school's administration. Other teachers, the principal, the GC are not involved, so it is not Soozie and her D up against the administration.I think that Soozie has the metaphor right: she's hit a roadblock. But she has not hit a wall (and sometimes, walls can come down, too--look at the Berlin Wall).
Finally, this need not be a battle. I agree that since the teacher has DEMANDED to talk to parents, and refuses to deal with the students, a meeting needs to be set up so that all sides are clear about what is involved. Perhaps, the roadblock will turn out to be a brick wall, and Soozie's D will decide that it is not worth trying to work within the school set up, and will consider other alternative venues for her production. The teacher should be made to realize, too, that he cannot stifle his students' enthusiasm, involvement, creativity and STILL depend on them to do their best for him: he needs them, too.
Soozie's D is interested in a career that will involve a lot of collaboration, negotiations, as well as creativity. This is a learning experience for her--one I, hope, will be very valuable in the long run.
Telling her that the alternative to mounting a student production is to deliver meals on wheels is basically telling her to give up on her passion, one that she seems to have great talent for. Is that what Soozie and the teachers should be telling her? Is that what children should be learning from adults? And do we know that Soozie's D is not involved in community service anyway?</p>
<p>Soozie:</p>
<p>I was writing my post while you posted yours. It sounds much more promising than earlier. Whether it is because your D misinterpreted the teacher's tone or whether he has had a change of heart (though still some concerns), still, there seems to be a possibility that the show can go on. Let's keep our fingers crossed. As well, perhaps your D will learn something from this: not that she is incapable of handling things herself because of her youth, but that sometimes, when things start off badly between two interlocutors, it is easier all around to get things done by bringing in a third party.</p>
<p>It wouldn't suprise me if some of the negative ramifications of denying the show dawned on the teacher, causing a softening of his position. This could be particularly likely if word about the decision had started to spread around the school. It seems highly unlikely that your daughter misinterpreted positive feedback from the teacher so badly that she turned "great, let's do it with a few ground rules" into "no way". ;)</p>
<p>I'm glad this seems to be moving off dead center. Good luck!</p>
<p>BHG....my point is that your advice is good advice for certain situations but does not FIT the situation here. We are NOT fighting it AT ALL. We did not go into the school to talk to anyone about this. The teacher REQUESTED that we come in to discuss this production with him, even though I don't see a need for a parent conference, HE does. Nobody is petitioning or anything REMOTELY like that. Further, you have the FACTS wrong in that he has NOT SAID NO. It was all VERY unclear. He said he was not into them doing it again but never said they could not do it. My D therefore went back and tried to see if he would meet with her and the other kids to see what they could work out or if the whole thing was off or what. She wanted to work this out on her own without parents as she is taking that level of responsibility, as well as we were not involved AT ALL last year and from everyone else's perspective, it was seen as a rousing success. Apparently for these two staff people, it wasn't for them. </p>
<p>BHG, I am NOT looking for everyone to support me here. I did NOT vent TO THE SCHOOL. I came on a parent forum on which I have participated for OVER TWO YEARS with some long term parent "regulars" who I find to be some of the best parents and most intelligent, involved supportive parents I have ever met, with an array of perspectives, to have a chance to just get it out and that was it. I did not vent to anyone at my school and in fact, have not spoken to anyone locally BUT my child and husband! Your references about us "trying to win" is very far off the mark. In fact, my D DOES NOT WANT TO DO IT IF THERE IS NO SUPPORT THERE because it won't be worth it and she has to work with the staff on other performing arts endeavors and this was merely a volunteer thing on her end, not a required thing by far and it involves countless hours of work daily for months, so she only wants to do it if the situation at school is pleasant all the way around. So, I don't think you get what is truly the case here. </p>
<p>In fact, she just called from school during homeroom to ask me to bring two things when I get her today as she is not home until 11 PM today as she has dance troupe rehearsal all afternoon in one city far from us and then rehearsal for an adult theatrical production in another city far from us and then home to sleep and return to that city every day after this. Basically she forgot her cell and wanted me to bring a promo poster for her current musical to hang in her dance studio. I told her of the meeting set up and that the teacher said he'd love for them to do it if they can work out his concerns and how all that differed from how/what he said to her which she agreed. She is going to see the meeting through and then decide if she is still going to even do it because as I said, she only wants to do it if it is with a positive feeling all the way around. Further, she has gotten very excited about this other show she changed gears on yesterday when she thought her musical revue she wrote was not going to happen. She is actually saying she almost would rather do this other musical because of the flexibility with her time and there were some plusses about this option. She will decide after Monday's meeting. </p>
<p>BHG, please be aware that I am not looking for agreeement here and welcome all points of view. I just do not think the advice you are giving fits the situation if you had read it. It is good advice if it were a situation such as the one you are describing. </p>
<p>Alwaysamom, thanks for your kind words. This is NOT a huge deal and frankly NOT a NEW experience here in our family. It just was a disconcerting one and I have rarely brought up anything like this on a forum or ever started a thread. I guess when it happened, I turned to this fine group of parents just to kind of have a way to throw the ideas back and forth. It is just one more thing in life that we have had to deal with all the time and not as big as I guess it is sounding here because I made a "venting" thread over it. It surely is not the big deal in our life right now. But when you have a kid who has worked hard on something that already met with great success, that affected a lot of other kids who loved it too, it is hard to see such efforts thwarted by educators and not encouraged. It is perfectly fine if educators have concerns and want to work them out but that is NOT how they came across to the kids and it is not ok, in my opinion, to tell kids you are NOT willing to meet with them to discuss it. I continue to support the music department at our school and always try to WORK WITH teachers, because as I said, I am a teacher myself by profession. But as a parent, nobody likes to see their child's "spirit" broken. To have a child say, "at my school, my gifts are lamented, not celebrated" does dishearten me. To have her say, "I felt like I was being reprimanded quite harshly over what was my proudest accomplishment" and "my spirit has been dampened"....all do tug at a parent, and I believe would tug at BHG too who is a caring parent herself. THAT'S ALL THIS IS. I wish I had not posted it particularly because the title of my thread has been changed....it had been "a vent" meant for the parent forum. Last night it was a featured thread on all of CC with a new title. I came back on it today because I feel like I "owe" my fellow parent forum regulars a follow up because they took their time to offer a supportive ear and lots of wise advice. </p>
<p>Susan</p>
<p>I did not see Marite or Roger's posts before I just posted. But Roger, I don't think my D misinterpretted him. He also flatly stated, "I am not interested in meeting with the students." He told them he was not into them doing it but never said no, she had that part clear. It was NOT clear that he might be willing to work it out....As well, he never said he would like to see them do it if it can be worked out, but was quite negtaive. I think the tone with me was different because I am a parent and there is no way he was going to talk like that to me. He only said "I would love for her to do it" after I asked for clarification if our meeting was to see if we could work out whatever issues he had with the show and that in other words, it was not necessarily off. </p>
<p>I also believed from day one when he told her this at the beginning of the week, that he would want to meet with us if for no other reason as to inform us personally why it was off (if that were the case) because he would HAVE to know we or others would NOT be pleased. There is no way he would assume everyone was fine with saying no this year. This endeavor is part of the heart and soul of my kid (let alone the other kids but not quite to the same degree). My D was also quite baffled as until this week, she always tells me, Mr. X and Ms. Y LOVE me. And also they do need her there. Last year, Mr. X encouraged her to go for the state scholarship for jazz, on vocals...and was the only vocalist to win it. He has encouraged the jazz band teacher to have her sing with jazz band, whereas up til then she was pianist. Ms. Y. wrote a rec for her. We are not talking contentious here though this latest thing is definitely not a good feeling. Perhaps it WILL work out. But again, if the whole deal is going to have any negative feelings or lack of support, she does not want to pursue it....it is a huge committment that frankly is unbelievable to many that she would even fit in considering she also is in ECs every single night on top of what would be daily afternoon rehearsals, and on weekends and has 8 college apps, audition prep for 8 schools, plus 8 upcoming college auditions commencing as soon as this ends, not to mention prep for All States, and on and on....prep for her piano diploma, etc. Because she is so passionate about it and driven, she wanted to do it but not if it is going to be such a big problem. She is already starting to think that doing The Last Five Years musical has benefits with her time and flexibility. When one door is close to closing, she already was spinning her wheels to make a new initiative. As said before, they can't keep her down. It is not about winning, it is about pursuing her passion. It is not about finding something to do. She has plenty to do. She enjoyed writing the show. She loves to create. She could even use it next year in college. She had a wonderful successful production she led last year so had this experience thankfully, already. It would be a shame to not do it again, not so much for her sake but the other kids will be disappointed and most of them do no theater outside of school, like she does. Kids were thanking her left and right last year for GIVING THEM an opportunity. </p>
<p>Someone mentioned community service. She turned it into community service, in part, by making it a benefit for the American Cancer Society. She also sold ads for her program. In fact, her new musical was going to be a community service endeavor for National Honor Society. So much for that. She also sees performing for the community audience as a form in itself of community service. </p>
<p>Susan</p>