In response to “Ball Or Books,” let me tell you that had it not been for sports, I may have started hanging out in the “back of the school” doing things that aren’t supposed to be done. Sports are a way out for many kids. Sports increases self-esteem and time management which enables kids to get better grades. Even contemplating eliminating extracurricular activities is wrong. Kids need an outlet in order to improve grades and sports are the way to go. To take away that option only increases the chances of our children finding other outlets such as alcohol and drugs in order to escape. Let them escape on a ball field playing a sport and exercising their bodies as well as their minds. This, in turn, will improve their attitude and they will work more at getting better grades.