Growing up, I always dreamed of being part of the vibrant activities at Dover High School, especially the marching band. As a homeschooled student, I juggled my studies with an undying passion for music, eagerly awaiting the day I could join my peers in the marching band and experience the thrill of homecoming. However, my hopes were dashed when I was told by the high school principal that "homecoming is a privilege for those who attend in the building." Meanwhile, online students, who also study at home, are welcomed with open arms.

This exclusion sends a deeply hurtful message. It says that homeschoolers like me, who study under the same educational standards and in the same community, are somehow less deserving of these valuable opportunities. This policy not only deprives us of cultural and social experiences essential for our development but indirectly questions our commitment to education and community.

The National Home Education Research Institute reports that over 3.5 million students are homeschooled in the United States, a number that continues to rise each year. In communities across the nation, homeschooled students contribute significantly to local events, participate actively in sports and arts, and enrich schools' cultures with their diverse perspectives. Dover, known for its inclusive and forward-thinking residents, should echo these values in its treatment of all students.

Furthermore, it has been established by numerous studies that extracurricular activities greatly enhance students' academic success and social skills. Homeschoolers, just like traditional students, benefit from these engagements, which can be crucial to securing scholarships and college admissions.

What we seek is straightforward: a change in policy that allows homeschooled students to participate in extracurricular activities such as the marching band and events like homecoming at Dover High School. This inclusion would not only enrich our own lives but also bring new talents and perspectives to the school's culture.

I urge the school administration to review and revise its current policies. Let's work towards a more inclusive approach that recognizes and celebrates the diverse tapestry of our learning community.

Please sign this petition to call for fair and equal access for all Dover students, ensuring that homeschoolers enjoy the same opportunities to participate and thrive.

instead of leaving homeschoolers out of these special life activities, Dover could adopt a co-curricular/extracurricular hybrid for marching band and choir, and for homecoming they can adopt an independent resident guest waiver, requiring parental sign off, emergency contact validation, and a standard behavior covenant. They will effectively address all district liability and safety protocols without enforcing arbitrary social prerequisites.