Student Suspended When Dad Calls Him From Iraq.
April 18, 2008 4:36 AM Subscribe
Brandon Hill, suspended for taking a call from his Father who is serving in Iraq, is back in classes at Copperas Cove High School.
The sophomore received a two-day, out-of school suspension after he received a phone call from his father who is serving in Iraq.
When asked about the situation, The Copperas Cove district superintendent, said: "The incident in question occurred almost two weeks ago and has been resolved."
--
Resolved: Brandon Hill has returned to school, but still has the black mark on his record. His mother wants it removed. She said the school will not address her request to have it removed from her son's record.
Hmmm... Could emailing the principal help?
Dr. Carol Saxenian -- saxenianc@ccisd.com
CCISD Superintendant Rose Cameron says the school “has a (grievance) system in place, and it’s a good one.”
On the same day that Patricia Hill met with Saxenian, CCISD students — many of whom have parents in the armed forces — were let out of school early to welcome troops home, a school closure for which Cameron lobbied the state.
“We do stand up for our military,” Cameron said, adding that miscommunication had played a role in the April 3 situation. “We want to do what’s best for our students, and we want to provide a safe and effective learning environment.”
She noted that likely thousands of the district’s students have cell phones.
“I would encourage every parent that has an issue or a question about something that happened at school to please come to us.”
Dr. Carol Saxenian -- saxenianc@ccisd.com
On the home front, Patricia Hill said her husband calls home about once every week, with some calls dropping almost immediately, but says the frequency of their communication makes no difference.
“Even if my husband can call us three times a day, does that mean that those calls are not important to my sons? Does it mean that he still has to wait for weekends to contact his children because the school does not want the students on the phone? The way I see it, every call is important coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. It might be their last, and it might not.”
She said at the encouragement of other troops in Iraq, she is now trying to get similar policies changed. As of Monday, she had already written senators, congressmen and Vice President Dick Cheney to make her case. She will continue to do so.
CCISD Superintendant Rose Cameron says the school “has a (grievance) system in place, and it’s a good one.”
On the same day that Patricia Hill met with Saxenian, CCISD students — many of whom have parents in the armed forces — were let out of school early to welcome troops home, a school closure for which Cameron lobbied the state.
“We do stand up for our military,” Cameron said, adding that miscommunication had played a role in the April 3 situation. “We want to do what’s best for our students, and we want to provide a safe and effective learning environment.”
She noted that likely thousands of the district’s students have cell phones.
“I would encourage every parent that has an issue or a question about something that happened at school to please come to us.”
Dr. Carol Saxenian -- saxenianc@ccisd.com
On the home front, Patricia Hill said her husband calls home about once every week, with some calls dropping almost immediately, but says the frequency of their communication makes no difference.
“Even if my husband can call us three times a day, does that mean that those calls are not important to my sons? Does it mean that he still has to wait for weekends to contact his children because the school does not want the students on the phone? The way I see it, every call is important coming from Iraq and Afghanistan. It might be their last, and it might not.”
She said at the encouragement of other troops in Iraq, she is now trying to get similar policies changed. As of Monday, she had already written senators, congressmen and Vice President Dick Cheney to make her case. She will continue to do so.
This post was deleted for the following reason: please don't do this here. -- jessamyn
Matt -- I will make certain to send future posts to you first for editing.
posted by caveat empress at 4:46 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by caveat empress at 4:46 AM on April 18, 2008
The point is you're asking us to be your lynch mob, regardless of what happened, and yes, I view 200 people emailing someone as akin to a lynch mob.
posted by cavalier at 4:50 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by cavalier at 4:50 AM on April 18, 2008
I dunno about this one. We need more background information.
For example, the news story says
"But Pat Hill says before leaving for Iraq, her husband had made a special arrangement with the assistant principal. "He had spoken with Mr. Fletcher," she says. "He thought there was an agreement understood that if he called either Joshua or Brandon at school, that everything was fine.""
Now that changes things. If the man truly had made prior arrangements for an exception to the cell phone rule to be made, that is the key issue for me.
But the fact is that cell phones aren't allowed in school. Dad knows that, kids know that. And while I feel for the family, the guy is calling once a week - it isn't like this was the only phone call in 6 months.
posted by k8t at 4:52 AM on April 18, 2008
For example, the news story says
"But Pat Hill says before leaving for Iraq, her husband had made a special arrangement with the assistant principal. "He had spoken with Mr. Fletcher," she says. "He thought there was an agreement understood that if he called either Joshua or Brandon at school, that everything was fine.""
Now that changes things. If the man truly had made prior arrangements for an exception to the cell phone rule to be made, that is the key issue for me.
But the fact is that cell phones aren't allowed in school. Dad knows that, kids know that. And while I feel for the family, the guy is calling once a week - it isn't like this was the only phone call in 6 months.
posted by k8t at 4:52 AM on April 18, 2008
This post was here.
posted by chillmost at 4:54 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by chillmost at 4:54 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
> it isn't like this was the only phone call in 6 months
The only phone call in six months would be totally worth a two day suspension.
posted by dabitch at 4:55 AM on April 18, 2008
The only phone call in six months would be totally worth a two day suspension.
posted by dabitch at 4:55 AM on April 18, 2008
Oh, and here are more details:
The kid got punished earlier in the day for texting a friend from this "not allowed" cell phone. As a result, mom IM'd dad in Iraq saying that he needed to talk to the kid. Therefore Dad called kid at school.
As usual, sounds a lot fishier and more complex than the original post/news story claims.
posted by k8t at 4:57 AM on April 18, 2008
The kid got punished earlier in the day for texting a friend from this "not allowed" cell phone. As a result, mom IM'd dad in Iraq saying that he needed to talk to the kid. Therefore Dad called kid at school.
As usual, sounds a lot fishier and more complex than the original post/news story claims.
posted by k8t at 4:57 AM on April 18, 2008
My email:
OMGlol u r a assh*le y u b liek dat if u wuz mi principle mi dad go apesh*t on ur arse but dat wuz f*cked up wut u did 2 dat kid branden lolol he jus want 2 talk 2 hims pops an ur all "NO WAI - GET OUTTA HEAR" dont u have no hart lololol the kids just tryin 2 talk 2 his dad IN IRAQ but u kik him out of clazz wtf is up wit dat i will hax ur computer if kin find ur IP u gone down assh*le we are anonymouse nevar forgit we took down ron paul and ur next so u better back ur systems up cause weer comin for U b*ttmuncher mr pricple man i have a virii that make ur harddrive spin backwards kinda like ur ass-b*ackward way of teachin kidz rite and rong in summashun F U LOLOLOLOL!
posted by BeerFilter at 4:57 AM on April 18, 2008 [5 favorites]
OMGlol u r a assh*le y u b liek dat if u wuz mi principle mi dad go apesh*t on ur arse but dat wuz f*cked up wut u did 2 dat kid branden lolol he jus want 2 talk 2 hims pops an ur all "NO WAI - GET OUTTA HEAR" dont u have no hart lololol the kids just tryin 2 talk 2 his dad IN IRAQ but u kik him out of clazz wtf is up wit dat i will hax ur computer if kin find ur IP u gone down assh*le we are anonymouse nevar forgit we took down ron paul and ur next so u better back ur systems up cause weer comin for U b*ttmuncher mr pricple man i have a virii that make ur harddrive spin backwards kinda like ur ass-b*ackward way of teachin kidz rite and rong in summashun F U LOLOLOLOL!
posted by BeerFilter at 4:57 AM on April 18, 2008 [5 favorites]
This is not what Metafilter is for.
posted by EarBucket at 5:00 AM on April 18, 2008 [8 favorites]
posted by EarBucket at 5:00 AM on April 18, 2008 [8 favorites]
Hmmm.... could toning down the axegrindy outragefilter editorializing, inclusion and bolding of principal's email address, and rhetorical questions concerning the contacting of said principal perhaps extend the longevity of this and future posts?
The article is really lacking in information, so I can't really formulate an opinion on the whole situation until I learn more. Got any supplementary links?
Chillmost: After an inquiry regarding the deletion of a comment I made in another thread, all three admins told me that they are cracking down on insta-thread-shitting comments that predict that the outcome of a thread will not, as they say "wendell."
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:01 AM on April 18, 2008
The article is really lacking in information, so I can't really formulate an opinion on the whole situation until I learn more. Got any supplementary links?
Chillmost: After an inquiry regarding the deletion of a comment I made in another thread, all three admins told me that they are cracking down on insta-thread-shitting comments that predict that the outcome of a thread will not, as they say "wendell."
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:01 AM on April 18, 2008
caveat empress I note that this is your first post.
When this is deleted it will be because of three things.
1. Publishing an email address and inciting a group response is just not a very reasonable way to go about things -- particularly on the front page.
2. The length of your post is about the same as the article: that ought to suggest that you have written way too many words.
3. Editorialising the way you have sets this up as OUTRAGEfilter, again, not a very successful way to present any material you've found on the web.
Try keeping your emotions out of it. But really, this is a low hanging fruit local news story, without, I suggest, much interest to very many people. Better luck next time.
posted by peacay at 5:02 AM on April 18, 2008
When this is deleted it will be because of three things.
1. Publishing an email address and inciting a group response is just not a very reasonable way to go about things -- particularly on the front page.
2. The length of your post is about the same as the article: that ought to suggest that you have written way too many words.
3. Editorialising the way you have sets this up as OUTRAGEfilter, again, not a very successful way to present any material you've found on the web.
Try keeping your emotions out of it. But really, this is a low hanging fruit local news story, without, I suggest, much interest to very many people. Better luck next time.
posted by peacay at 5:02 AM on April 18, 2008
Anyone's cell phone call could be the last. I'm sorry about this kid's situation but unless there really were special arrangements made, the kid and father violated the rules that apply to everyone.
I've about had it with the glorification of the military. Here on Long Island, a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan was awarded the Medal of Honor back in the fall. Now the family is trying to get the high school renamed for him. The beach where the SEAL had worked as a lifeguard already was named for him. So is the Post Office. The father says that if the high school isn't named for his son, then renaming the middle school would be okay but adds:
"But Murphy said if that were the decision, the school board would first have to agree that the high school would never be renamed in someone else's honor.
"The question comes if they decide to name the high school after a former superintendent, does he sit on the same plateau or a plane equal to Michael?" Murphy said. "I told the board that except for naming the high school after a president, it would do a disservice to Michael's memory."
I am sorry about this family's loss but they are not the only people who have lost children or other relatives, in war or elsewhere. They are not entitled to having everything everything focused on themselves and their son, and neither is that kid entitled to special treatment because of where his father is.
posted by etaoin at 5:02 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
I've about had it with the glorification of the military. Here on Long Island, a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan was awarded the Medal of Honor back in the fall. Now the family is trying to get the high school renamed for him. The beach where the SEAL had worked as a lifeguard already was named for him. So is the Post Office. The father says that if the high school isn't named for his son, then renaming the middle school would be okay but adds:
"But Murphy said if that were the decision, the school board would first have to agree that the high school would never be renamed in someone else's honor.
"The question comes if they decide to name the high school after a former superintendent, does he sit on the same plateau or a plane equal to Michael?" Murphy said. "I told the board that except for naming the high school after a president, it would do a disservice to Michael's memory."
I am sorry about this family's loss but they are not the only people who have lost children or other relatives, in war or elsewhere. They are not entitled to having everything everything focused on themselves and their son, and neither is that kid entitled to special treatment because of where his father is.
posted by etaoin at 5:02 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
Unless it was an iPhone this post doesn't belong.
posted by srboisvert at 5:04 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by srboisvert at 5:04 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
Ah, should have previewed. Thanks k8t, that's what I expected.
In my high school, texting and general use of cellphones was not allowed during school hours. I figured this school had a similar policy, he broke it, and now Some People are up in arms because THE SCHOOL HATES 'MERKIA.
Perhaps the best way to circumvent this problem would be for the father to call the school office and request to speak to his son. The office would then call him down, the student could talk to his father, and then return to class.
Not a big deal.
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:04 AM on April 18, 2008
In my high school, texting and general use of cellphones was not allowed during school hours. I figured this school had a similar policy, he broke it, and now Some People are up in arms because THE SCHOOL HATES 'MERKIA.
Perhaps the best way to circumvent this problem would be for the father to call the school office and request to speak to his son. The office would then call him down, the student could talk to his father, and then return to class.
Not a big deal.
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:04 AM on April 18, 2008
I flagged this post as it's (intentionally?) misleading and inflammatory as well as contains some poor woman's email who may or may not deserve to be letterbombed about this. We don't do that here, back to Fark with you.
posted by LunaticFringe at 5:07 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by LunaticFringe at 5:07 AM on April 18, 2008
It looks likes a hoax, and the only question is whether caveat empress is a victim of the hoax or one of the perpetrators. Which determines whether this earns a week's timeout or total bannination. Hey, I was taken in by a bogus story myself this week (the German Astronomy Nerd) but I didn't turn it into a personal Call to Action for all of MetaFilter.
posted by wendell at 5:13 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by wendell at 5:13 AM on April 18, 2008
But the fact is that cell phones aren't allowed in school. Dad knows that, kids know that.
furthermore, dad should know what time it is in texas and whether his kid will be in school at that time
posted by pyramid termite at 5:14 AM on April 18, 2008
furthermore, dad should know what time it is in texas and whether his kid will be in school at that time
posted by pyramid termite at 5:14 AM on April 18, 2008
CitrusFreak12 has got it right, Cell phones are disallowed in schools because they interrupt class. Students are not in school to chat on the phone.
posted by dabitch at 5:15 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by dabitch at 5:15 AM on April 18, 2008
One could equally argue that the soldier's actions were "Anti-Education" given that he called his child on the cell phone during his school hours in full knowledge that his son had already violated school policy by texting during class. That's the problem with arguing that the school was "Anti-Military" for making this action. And to accuse the school of being "Anti-American" would be to conflate Americanism with militarism, which certainly would give fodder to those countries who believe the US to be bellicose and aggressive.
posted by lleachie at 5:15 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by lleachie at 5:15 AM on April 18, 2008
EMAIL IS NOT ENOUGH. WHAT IS HER HOME ADDRESS. LET US BRING PITCHFORKS AND TORCHES!
posted by rmd1023 at 5:16 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by rmd1023 at 5:16 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
I've noted that EarBucket mentioned above that this is not what MetaFilter is for. I'd just like to add:
This is not what MetaFilter is for.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:20 AM on April 18, 2008
This is not what MetaFilter is for.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:20 AM on April 18, 2008
Ridiculous, but it matters so. little. that this is on his record. It's time to let it go.
posted by agregoli at 5:20 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by agregoli at 5:20 AM on April 18, 2008
This is not what Metafilter is for.What's that you say? Sorry, I can't hear you over the street justice.
posted by Servo5678 at 5:21 AM on April 18, 2008
EMAIL IS NOT ENOUGH. WHAT IS HER HOME ADDRESS. LET US BRING PITCHFORKS AND TORCHES!
*grabs torch, rope, pitchfork, and flask full of vodka*
"Were are we going?"
"To some principle's house to get justice for a student who was caught without a hall pass."
*drops pitchfork, lights rope with torch, takes long drag, hits the flask... and goes home disappointed again*
posted by three blind mice at 5:21 AM on April 18, 2008
*grabs torch, rope, pitchfork, and flask full of vodka*
"Were are we going?"
"To some principle's house to get justice for a student who was caught without a hall pass."
*drops pitchfork, lights rope with torch, takes long drag, hits the flask... and goes home disappointed again*
posted by three blind mice at 5:21 AM on April 18, 2008
Half the students at the school have at least one parent in Iraq. He is not a special snowflake.
posted by ColdChef at 5:21 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
posted by ColdChef at 5:21 AM on April 18, 2008 [2 favorites]
IRONY: Person posts someone's email address one MeFi front page - does not even have their personal email address in MeFi profile.
posted by absalom at 5:23 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by absalom at 5:23 AM on April 18, 2008
Yes! I'm with tbm! It's the principal of the thing!!!
what?
posted by yhbc at 5:26 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
what?
posted by yhbc at 5:26 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
From the student handbook:
"Cellular Phones and Pagers
With the exception of telecommunications devices in privately owned vehicles parked on school property, the District prohibits students from possessing telecommunication devices, including but not limited to paging devices and cellular phones, while on school property from the time the student first arrives on campus until the time the student leaves campus at the end of the day."
posted by k8t at 5:27 AM on April 18, 2008
"Cellular Phones and Pagers
With the exception of telecommunications devices in privately owned vehicles parked on school property, the District prohibits students from possessing telecommunication devices, including but not limited to paging devices and cellular phones, while on school property from the time the student first arrives on campus until the time the student leaves campus at the end of the day."
posted by k8t at 5:27 AM on April 18, 2008
Nothing beats a debate about an incomplete set of facts in a thin local news story!
posted by brain_drain at 5:29 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by brain_drain at 5:29 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
This is Metafilter, not Fox News.
posted by lonemantis at 5:33 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by lonemantis at 5:33 AM on April 18, 2008
One more step in the farkification of Metafilter.
posted by mygoditsbob at 5:33 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by mygoditsbob at 5:33 AM on April 18, 2008
Yes! I'm with tbm! It's the principal of the thing!!!
Principal, principle, it's not worth burning up this torch. Let's party.
*passes flask to yhbc*
posted by three blind mice at 5:33 AM on April 18, 2008
Principal, principle, it's not worth burning up this torch. Let's party.
*passes flask to yhbc*
posted by three blind mice at 5:33 AM on April 18, 2008
Flagged as axe-grindy.
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 5:37 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 5:37 AM on April 18, 2008
Total lack of sympathy here, even before clicking through. Flagged.
posted by KirkJobSluder at 5:38 AM on April 18, 2008
posted by KirkJobSluder at 5:38 AM on April 18, 2008
One more step in the farkification of Metafilter.
My plan is nearly complete, mwahahahahahaha!
*farts*
posted by Pollomacho at 5:39 AM on April 18, 2008
My plan is nearly complete, mwahahahahahaha!
*farts*
posted by Pollomacho at 5:39 AM on April 18, 2008
cavalier writes "I view 200 people emailing someone as akin to a lynch mob."
You do? Really?
You view "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances" as "akin" to the "illegal execution of an accused person by a mob"?
You think an email disagreeing with a public official's act is "akin to"
Maybe opinions like yours are why democracy seem no longer to work.
posted by orthogonality at 5:39 AM on April 18, 2008
You do? Really?
You view "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances" as "akin" to the "illegal execution of an accused person by a mob"?
You think an email disagreeing with a public official's act is "akin to"
members of the mob dragged him out of a hospital window, paraded the struggling man through the streets of Salisbury to the small green in front of the county court house. There, Williams was hung from a tall maple tree in the court house yard. As the crowd continued to grow, William's body was cut down from the tree, dragged to a nearby lot, and set ablazed (sic).Really?
Maybe opinions like yours are why democracy seem no longer to work.
posted by orthogonality at 5:39 AM on April 18, 2008
EMAIL IS NOT ENOUGH. WHAT IS HER HOME ADDRESS. LET US BRING PITCHFORKS AND TORCHES!
First, check and see what kind of countertops she has. All LIEBERAL TROOP HATERS have granite countertops. Someone needs to peek in her windows for confirmation.
terrible post. just terrible
posted by peacecorn at 5:42 AM on April 18, 2008
First, check and see what kind of countertops she has. All LIEBERAL TROOP HATERS have granite countertops. Someone needs to peek in her windows for confirmation.
terrible post. just terrible
posted by peacecorn at 5:42 AM on April 18, 2008
This is why students shouldn't be allowed to make posts.
No, see, it's funny because the post is about a student so it's like the OP is biased and I'm a student and so y'know I was being facetious so it's funny right? Right? OH GOD WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME NOOOES I LOVE 'MURIKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:43 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
No, see, it's funny because the post is about a student so it's like the OP is biased and I'm a student and so y'know I was being facetious so it's funny right? Right? OH GOD WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME NOOOES I LOVE 'MURIKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA...
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:43 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
With the exception of telecommunications devices in privately owned vehicles parked on school property, the District prohibits students from possessing telecommunication devices, including but not limited to paging devices and cellular phones, while on school property from the time the student first arrives on campus until the time the student leaves campus at the end of the day.
I have to say, I really hate rules like this. Surely we should trust our high schoolers enough to allow them to use cell phones at appropriate times of the day -- lunch, between periods, free periods -- and we should assume they have good enough judgment to know when a call is important enough to interrupt class for (stepping into the hall to take the call, of course). Blanket bans and prohibitions like this just really bug me, as it punishes the responsible because dealing with the actually guilty is too difficult.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:45 AM on April 18, 2008
I have to say, I really hate rules like this. Surely we should trust our high schoolers enough to allow them to use cell phones at appropriate times of the day -- lunch, between periods, free periods -- and we should assume they have good enough judgment to know when a call is important enough to interrupt class for (stepping into the hall to take the call, of course). Blanket bans and prohibitions like this just really bug me, as it punishes the responsible because dealing with the actually guilty is too difficult.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:45 AM on April 18, 2008
It's important that the kid receive EACH AND EVERY call from his father, because back before there were ubiquitous cell phones military brats used to commonly just die of sadness and lack of fatherly contact when their fathers were on TDY.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 5:46 AM on April 18, 2008 [3 favorites]
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 5:46 AM on April 18, 2008 [3 favorites]
Surely we should trust our high schoolers enough to allow them to use cell phones at appropriate times of the day -- lunch, between periods, free periods -- and we should assume they have good enough judgment to know when a call is important enough to interrupt class for (stepping into the hall to take the call, of course).
You've never met a high school student, have you?
posted by brain_drain at 5:49 AM on April 18, 2008
You've never met a high school student, have you?
posted by brain_drain at 5:49 AM on April 18, 2008
That was a first post. She'll get the hang of it.
Surely we should trust our high schoolers enough to allow them to use cell phones at appropriate times of the day
You think so?
Heh.
posted by pracowity at 5:49 AM on April 18, 2008
Surely we should trust our high schoolers enough to allow them to use cell phones at appropriate times of the day
You think so?
Heh.
posted by pracowity at 5:49 AM on April 18, 2008
Rock Steady, as someone who teaches at the university level, where students are told to please put away their phones, but they do not, I can't imagine what it would be like at a high school.
While I could care less if the university students aren't paying attention due to cell phone use, I do know that when the phones ring, as they inevitably do at least once per class, we lose instruction time.
posted by k8t at 5:51 AM on April 18, 2008
While I could care less if the university students aren't paying attention due to cell phone use, I do know that when the phones ring, as they inevitably do at least once per class, we lose instruction time.
posted by k8t at 5:51 AM on April 18, 2008
You've never met a high school student, have you?
I've been a high school student, actually. A responsible one, who always ended up having nice things taken away from me when my idiot classmates would screw things up. I know the vast majority would end up abusing the freedom -- so punish THEM, not everyone.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:52 AM on April 18, 2008
I've been a high school student, actually. A responsible one, who always ended up having nice things taken away from me when my idiot classmates would screw things up. I know the vast majority would end up abusing the freedom -- so punish THEM, not everyone.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:52 AM on April 18, 2008
Rock Steady: No. Trust me. The vast majority of high schoolers should not be trusted to make that decision. Hell, I'm in college now and the students are rude enough to text nonstop during class, in plain sight of the professor, blatantly not paying attention and disturbing those around them with the ticatacktictictacktickitytack noises of the god damn cell phones. A few of them even take calls during class, apparently having learned to whisper in a sawmill.
For the professors who actually regulate cellphone usage in their class by stating that if they see a cell phone they will take it, as soon as the class is over it's like smokers getting off a plane; everyone whips it out and starts chirping or hammering away. The younger generations are even worse (aren't they always?).
My high school used to have a zero tolerance policy for cellphones; if any teacher saw you with one, it was confiscated and a parent had to go to the principal to get it back. My sophomore year they changed their policy to one very similar to the high school in the article. You can have it, but we don't want you using it until school is out. That is entirely reasonable, and you know kids are going to use them between classes anyway (I did).
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:52 AM on April 18, 2008
For the professors who actually regulate cellphone usage in their class by stating that if they see a cell phone they will take it, as soon as the class is over it's like smokers getting off a plane; everyone whips it out and starts chirping or hammering away. The younger generations are even worse (aren't they always?).
My high school used to have a zero tolerance policy for cellphones; if any teacher saw you with one, it was confiscated and a parent had to go to the principal to get it back. My sophomore year they changed their policy to one very similar to the high school in the article. You can have it, but we don't want you using it until school is out. That is entirely reasonable, and you know kids are going to use them between classes anyway (I did).
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 5:52 AM on April 18, 2008
While I could care less if the university students aren't paying attention due to cell phone use, I do know that when the phones ring, as they inevitably do at least once per class, we lose instruction time.
Professional business people have important meetings interrupted by cell phone calls all the time, and I don't see the economy suffering... oh, wait.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:54 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
Professional business people have important meetings interrupted by cell phone calls all the time, and I don't see the economy suffering... oh, wait.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:54 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]
And, it amazes me how much excessive angst is displayed over "black marks" on school disciplinary records. Unless your kid manages to get himself expelled, no one is going to care. And if your kid does get himself expelled, that line in the database is likely the tip of the iceberg of his problems.
Rock Steady: Given that about half of adults can't be trusted to turn the damn things off in a theater or an important meeting, why should we trust adolescents to exercise superior judgment?
posted by KirkJobSluder at 5:56 AM on April 18, 2008
Rock Steady: Given that about half of adults can't be trusted to turn the damn things off in a theater or an important meeting, why should we trust adolescents to exercise superior judgment?
posted by KirkJobSluder at 5:56 AM on April 18, 2008
The vast majority of high schoolers should not be trusted to make that decision.
I know. I hate punishing the small minority for the behavior of others, though. Oh well, I've got to get back to work before this post gets deleted anyway.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:56 AM on April 18, 2008
I know. I hate punishing the small minority for the behavior of others, though. Oh well, I've got to get back to work before this post gets deleted anyway.
posted by Rock Steady at 5:56 AM on April 18, 2008
Surely we should trust our high schoolers enough to allow them to use cell phones at appropriate times of the day --
Seriously? We can't even trust adults to know to shut off their phones where they're inappropriate - movies, concerts, church, while driving, etc.
posted by rtha at 5:59 AM on April 18, 2008
Seriously? We can't even trust adults to know to shut off their phones where they're inappropriate - movies, concerts, church, while driving, etc.
posted by rtha at 5:59 AM on April 18, 2008
« Older 202 Lines About 101 Computers | Gasoline for that fire? Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
Just making sure, it's saxenianc@ccisd.com right?
I'll email saxenianc@ccisd.com
posted by mattoxic at 4:41 AM on April 18, 2008 [1 favorite]