Sharon school directors may have started a local trend: tougher academic standards for students to participate in extra-curricular activities.

The higher standards in Sharon took effect this year. Sharpsville school directors are considering changes for next year, and Tuesday a West Middlesex school director asked his colleagues if they should do the same.

Director Dale Shrawder said he would like the board to consider it.

And Assistant High School Principal Larry Ellison agreed, saying he would like to see tougher academic requirements for participation in all extra-curricular activities, including field trips. "We need to make education a priority," he said.

High School Principal Russell Ridenbaugh said district officials looked at adopting a stricter policy about 10 years ago but decided to stick with the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association standards that all Mercer County schools were using.

Ridenbaugh said playing a sport is the only thing that keeps some kids in school and it could be damaging to take that away.

Superintendent Al Jones said good coaches should also act as counselors and encourage their athletes to keep up their grades.

Under the PIAA standards, a student must be passing four classes to play sports. Technically a student could be failing required courses and still participate.

Beginning this school year, Sharon students participating in sports and other nongraded extra-curricular activities must meet the PIAA standards and must be passing English, math, science and social studies. Students who are failing must attend after-school study sessions if they want to continue participating in activities.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at:
kgarrett@sharonherald.com