Editorial-Jan. 27, 2005

Community service plan has potential

By: Mae Rhine
   We’re excited about a new program that explores having students who are suspended perform community service.
   South Hunterdon is one of 15 New Jersey school districts selected to participate in a program that will investigate community service requirements for students who are suspended.
   South got a $4,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Education to participate in the program, which will be overseen by the Rutgers University Center for Applied Psychology.
   The program will allow South to figure out whether to change how students who are suspended "serve their time."
   Most districts, including South, ban these students from the school and its activities, including classes, for a period of time, depending on the infraction.
   But instead of spending the time in a meaningful way, students often spend their "time out" watching television. The philosophy behind the grant is students can benefit during their time away from school by taking part in some sort of meaningful activity, such as service to the community.
   If South decides to go with the community service option, it must be in place by September.
   Meantime, the district will begin discussions with students, parents and community service organizations, which would become "partners." These "partners" must be identified before the program begins.
   It’s important South chooses its "partners" well — agencies that will provide students with meaningful service to the local community.
   South also must set goals and identify obstacles.
   A planning meeting will be announced in February, with community service agencies invited to join.
   We agree with Superintendent Lisa Brady that there’s a "lot of potential" in a program such as this. Last year, South suspended 23 students.
   If South goes with the idea of having suspended students perform community service, we think it would be beneficial for students to write a report about, or be prepared to discuss, what they did, what they learned, if anything, and their feelings about the service they performed.
   Having these students perform community service is a great idea. Think of the good students could do for the community and themselves while contemplating their "sins."