STERLING – Amboy school district Superintendent Jeff Thake said sports and other extracurriculars are “very important” to an education.

Kids who are more involved in school activities outside of the classroom do better academically, Thake said, find themselves in trouble less often, and are more likely to enjoy their school experience.

But, these days, being able to play a sport or in the band usually costs money to students and their families. Most districts have adopted fees over the years to help cover the costs of extracurricular activities and programs.