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DEL.ICIO.USDear Clayton County parent…
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Here’s a letter Clayton County Superintendent Barbara Pulliam sent on April 1. I suspect it stems at least in part from a recent case at Forest Park High School where a teacher was assaulted. (There’s an earlier thread on this. See ‘One Teacher’s Very Bad Day.’)
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you know we are concerned about the safety of our students in all of our schools. High school principals and I have met and have talked about the many safety concerns we have concerning our children. On Monday, April 11, as students return to school, they will find some differences in procedures that they will need to follow in our high schools. Our goal is to deter the occurrence of violence involving staff and/or students. We also intend to prevent the presence of drugs and/or weapons on school grounds.
In order to do this, we have proposed the following new procedures for our high school students:
Once students have entered the school building all outside doors to our schools will be locked to prevent entry or unauthorized re-entry into the building. (This procedure will not affect exiting the building.) There will be a main entrance identified at the front of the school so that all visitors and guests will be directed through this entrance. Students who use exits inappropriately may find themselves unable to get back in the school building unless they enter through the front doors of the school.
All visitors/guests to our schools are directed to the main office where they will be given a visitor pass or guest pass if necessary. Students or adults who are found to be in our schools without registering in the front office will be asked to leave the building. If they do not leave the building, they will be treated as trespassers on school property.
We will increase the level of vigilance that we currently have in our schools by doing the following: 1) administrators, teachers and security persons and other volunteers will patrol our halls and grounds during instructional time; 2) all staff and security will be in the halls and around the outside of the building during class changes; 3) all school staff will be in the halls before and after school; and, 4) our schools will conduct locker checks and book bag checks if there is reasonable suspicion of students who may do harm to staff, students, or school property.
In addition, at the April 11 meeting of the Clayton County Board of Education, I will be asking the Board Members to take action regarding the use of canines to assist staff and building security in performing random checks for drugs, alcohol, and other unauthorized paraphernalia. I will also seek the use of metal detector batons to scan students and areas in the inner and outer perimeters of our buildings when there is reasonable suspicion.
It is our hope that the combination of these measures will help reinforce our ability to keep our students safe, our staff safe, and our schools safe. But I must emphasize that the greatest assistance in ensuring a safe learning environment is you, the parent/guardian.
Please have conversations with your student around making good choices; conversations about making good decisions. If they know or have reason to believe that someone is coming to their school or is in their school to do harm to another student or staff member, they should report it to a school administrator immediately. If they have heard conversation about someone who is going to do harm to students or staff in their school, they need to report it to a school administrator at once. And finally, if there is some type of physical altercation in their school, please help them see the wisdom of moving in the opposite direction of the activity. In doing this, they allow staff to get to the site to stop the altercation as quickly as possible.
Students who engage in disruptive behavior in the Clayton County Public Schools will be dealt with per Georgia school laws and the School District’s discipline code and policy. We will apply it consistently and judiciously, but we will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of students and staff.
I would add that if you have any questions about anything that has been stated in this communication, that you contact your child’s principal, and then if necessary feel free to contact my office.
Sincerely,
Barbara M. Pulliam, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By smithy
April 5, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this
It’s really sad that this kind of letter even has to be written and sent, not to mention the lengths to which the school must go in order to prevent the thugs and drug dealers from taking over the school and assaulting the teachers and staff. It is precisely that kind of “student” who should be kicked out of school and either sent to boot camp or jail, whichever is more appropriate, and let the other children who DO want to learn remain in an environment where they can do so without the constant distractions of criminal behavior.
By majelix
April 5, 2005 01:35 PM | Link to this
You reap what you sow.
Continue to disrepect the students and treat them like criminals, and they will continue to act as expected.
By Jack
April 5, 2005 01:49 PM | Link to this
Respect is something that is EARNED not just given. They continue to act like criminals , they also reap what they sow.
By BG
April 5, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this
If parents would raise their children to be respectful of authority and demand respectful behavior from them at home and at school, then this would not be so prevalent an issue. Those who respect their teachers, receive respect from their teachers. Unfortunately, there are too many who have not been taught the meaning of respect. It begins at HOME. I have too often witnessed parents curse out teachers in front of their children - THIS is a big part of the problem. Teachers cannot do this alone.
By Brittney
April 5, 2005 02:13 PM | Link to this
I am newly out of high school and even in 2003 kids were getting worse and worse. some coming in high from drugs at 8am… some coming in with alcohol on their breath… I do not feel that we reap what we sow… because of the kids that feel the need to bring drugs into the school and because of the kids that want to cause harm(columbine) then we have no choice but to take action and be more secure and aware. Rules should be harsher and if you are caught doing something illegal or harmful then you should be punished(bootcamp..alternative school..whatever) We need to take action now and figure something out because there is no telling what it will be like when I decide to have kids or anyone else my age. There are so many things that kids get away with now, it’s rediculous. No one teaches kids respect and discpline. Teenagers feel they can run others and it needs to be stopped. No one is polite or proper anymore. Maybe we should bring paddels back into the school system. Seemed to work back then. But then again so many people are “sew happy” now-a-days schools and parents are afraid to show discipline.
There needs to be a change in schools and public~or it can only get worse.
By cindy
April 5, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this
About time they did something. Clayton county schools are out of control. my nephew doesn’t even want to go to the bathroom because the older kids are in there beating up on the smaller ones. Next year my son nor my nephews will be in the crappy school system.
By majelix
April 5, 2005 02:32 PM | Link to this
It’s a two way street (therein lies the difficulty): have the schools earned respect from the students?
The vast majority of students are well behaved; such prison tactics as locked doors, random privacy invasions, and metal detectors are applied to the good and bad alike.
Of course they disrespect Authority if their only contact is with Authority insulting.
By kw
April 5, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
I am a graduate of Forest Park High School and it saddens me to see that my alma mater keeps ending up in the headlines in an unflattering light. Granted, the kids in school then were just starting to get bad. I think parents these days need to get a better handle on their kids and stop using school as a baby-sitiing service. I have heard so many times that there are parents who feel the teachers give too much work for their kids, so much that it interferes with their softball, baseball, whatever. If more parents would discipline their children and put education first, we wouldn’t have near as many problems as we do now. Too many kids are not raised to respect their elders and have absolutely no mannters at all. It started getting bad when they took discipline out of the school system. Too many people want to sue over stupid crap. I for one will spank my children if the situation calls for it.
By Angie
April 5, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
This is a community effort. It’s easy to point the finger at Principals and their adminstration, but when you don’t take the time to train your children at home, then there is little they (teachers)can do. There’s too much time spent disciplining children and not enough time teaching. Parents get busy at home being parents…it’s your job!
By Brittney
April 5, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this
Yes the schools probably need to be more respectful, but they are there to teach the kids and to have them prepared to go out to the real world or college. The locked doors are not bad- even at my high school, where they tried to be “prim and proper” we still had kids from other schools that would come in and sit in classes with their friends that went to the school and would disrupt class. so there is an upside to locked doors. When kids think they can skip school and just come back in-that will stop that as well. Bottom line is authorities need respect from kids if the kids want to be respected. And respect begins in the home. There are so many people that try to be their child’s friend instead of parent and they do not teach them morals and respect. Maybe when the parents wise up and be better parents and stop worrying if they discipline they will have DFCS at their door. Parents be parents and kids will be respectful and will earn their respect at school and from other authorities.
By BG
April 5, 2005 03:03 PM | Link to this
“Of course they disrespect Authority if their only contact is with Authority insulting” What a cop out. Do you honestly believe that all authority figures that children encounter at school are insulting? This is an easy excuse to whip out and it is not defensible nor is it true. You sound like a parent or a student who needs an excuse to me. You GET what you GIVE.
By Jennifer
April 5, 2005 03:29 PM | Link to this
When I graduated from high school back in 1994, we had the same security measures outlined here. All of the doors locked automatically after closing except for the main entrance, and the one hallway leading from the main entrance to the office was monitored by a security guard.
It’s not necessarily about making school a prison, but it curbs skipping school and helps to monitor who is entering and exiting the school at all times.
Also, principals & teachers have monitored the halls during and between classes for years, and certainly when I was in school. What’s new about that? It’s just spelling out to the parents what is already done. Kids are much more likely to get into trouble unsupervised, so the policy just makes sense (although it’s more of a burden on teachers, who should be focused on teaching).
We also had drug dogs patrol both the lockers and the parking lots (dating back to my middle school years), and our student handbook spelled out that we were subject to search at any time on school grounds if they had a reason to suspect that we were doing something illegal—and this was without a metal detector (clothes, bags, everything); we’re talking about a true search.
These aren’t new policies, and Clayton County is certainly not unique. We had the exact same rules, and my high school was a “good” school in Virginia!
When you’re housing 2,000 students and charged with their care and protection for 8 hours a day, it just makes sense that you would have security measures in place. I’m all for Clayton sending this letter. It emphasizes to parents the importance of talking to their kids about making good decisions—what’s wrong with that? Shouldn’t kids know what the rules are? It’s a sign of respect to spell out the school rules and expected behavior. The students need to show respect and follow them. If they’re not breaking the law or getting into trouble, these rules will have no impact on them whatsoever.
By April
April 5, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this
It’s sad to say, but I can not wait until this shcool year ends. My child is a 6th grader in Clayton County and when you already have the violence of gangs present it’s a bad situation. Unfortunately, when the Senate and Congress decided to give children the ability to report child abuse, regardless of what the parents seen as discipline, that’s when the trouble started. It’s a must that we (the parents and community )take charge of our kids again. If we continue at the rate we’re going now, there won’t be any teachers willing to teach our kids. Removing Prayer was the worst thing that ever happened to our school systems.
By majelix
April 5, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this
BG: “You GET what you GIVE.”
Well, yes. That’s exactly why responses to continued disciplinary issues should not be solely punitive or restrictive in nature.
Jennifer: “If they’re not breaking the law or getting into trouble, these rules will have no impact on them whatsoever.”
Do only criminals benefit from search warrants?
This is largely an argument about where to draw the line, but there also seems to be an adversarial (or at least condescending) tone towards the students. Is that the kind of enviroment we want to foster?
By Jennifer
April 5, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this
majelix,
What you call an adversarial/condescending tone towards students, I call clearly spelling out rules and consequences. When I was in school, we were told, in no uncertain terms, lockers are NOT your possession. They remain school property, and may be searched at any time. If a principal is tipped off that there may be a knife/gun/drugs in said locker, they have the right and responsibility to search it.
As for my comment about the rules not impacting them, I’d rather have a student be searched and find out that they don’t have a weapon than to have the administrators and security personnel scratch their butts and do nothing in response to the tip and have someone get stabbed. What I was try to say is that, for the most part, kids are good, and if they are doing the right thing and behaving, they will largely be unaffected by the rules—they’ll merely help keep the bad apples in check.
Since we HAVE to educate everyone, even those who don’t want to be there & make that clear in as many ways as possible, the schools have the responsibilty to keep everyone in check, which means that they must do what is in their power to maintain order and control in the building. I can guarantee you that a “let’s all respect each other” approach will NOT curb their behavior.
By Lashell
April 5, 2005 04:38 PM | Link to this
Too many of us are working two jobs and teaching our children materialism and capitalism, instead of respect. My children attend schools in Clayton County and I am shock to see kids in elementary and middle schools carrying cell phones, but if you drive down the streets you see house lined with foreclosure and bank owned signs. This is not a school problem, it is a home problem. Knocking your child upside the head is not discipline, not giving in to their every materialist whim is discipline. So, instead of rushing out to buy our children some rappers’s shoes or clothes, or video game; take time and teach your children the real meaning of life. I am pulling my daughters out of Clayton County schools because of the message they are getting from other children, it’s important to look good, than be good
By Don
April 5, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this
The situation in Clayton County and many other school systems is yet another reason that parents and students would greatly benefit from the expansion of school choice that would be at the center of a voucher system. That the Clayton Superintendent has to write such a letter and many school systems, even those in rural areas, deem it necessary to have their own police forces to address criminal activity on campus speaks volumes about the dire circumstances of many public schools. The argument that we just need to pour more money into public education is a bogus one because the end result will be more of the same. Vouchers would allow parents to have a reasonable level of choice and discretion over what school environment would be the most beneficial for their children. I suspect that, given the choice and the means with which to make a choice, many parents would opt not to send their kids to schools that require this level of security just to keep order and ensure the physical safety students, faculty, and staff. School choice already exists for the wealthy. Vouchers would open up opportunities for those who come from more modest circumstances.
By Wendy
April 6, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this
There is a general lack of respect for anyone in Clayton County. I moved there 3 years ago and can’t wait to move out. I’ve never in my life experienced such dis-respectful attitudes anywhere else. If parents have this lack of respect than their children will also. I was always taught that you respect your elders, no matter what. Even in school I respected my teachers, that is what is expected. I have to agree with Jennifer we are required to give everyone an education no matter what. Teachers at my school wished they could screen out the “bad apples”, but since we can’t only have serious students in school, they have a responsibility to protect as best as possible all the students and faculty. This is similar to all our new regulations and security procedures at airports, etc since 9-11. The schools must do something. If they sit there blindly then it is only going to get worse. Would you rather your child get searched, and have to “stay” in school or get stabbed, shot, or high in school. The choice is yours? It’s not about respect as much as it learning to grow up and be a responsible adult. We all have to do things we don’t want to do, well students have to deal with a few rules too. The other chioce would be anarchy. And you should know where that would lead to.
By WB
April 6, 2005 08:50 AM | Link to this
“School choice already exists for the wealthy. Vouchers would open up opportunities for those who come from more modest circumstances.” It isn’t just the wealthy who have school choices. I went to a private school and by no means is my family wealthy. Both my parents worked two jobs to send me to a private school, and I myself had an after school job. Vouchers undermine the efforts put forth by parents to send their children to other schools. And if you give a child who demonstrates no respect for authority the “opportunity” to attend a “better” school, will that child magically be changed? No. That child will only bring the same attitude to the “better” school.
By smithy
April 6, 2005 09:05 AM | Link to this
Lashell - I agree with you on every single point, except one. Teaching kids about capitalism is a good thing - it shows them the value of a good education and the benefits of making something of yourself. It’s the materialism that is destructive, because they learn nothing about the fact that it takes hard work (or should) to get the things you want. It’s giving them everything they want without ever teaching them the value of working to get it that’s wrong.
majelix - your preoccupation with “respect for the children” shows me that you’re probably a child yourself. Kids today are no different than they were when I was a kid in the 70’s, but they certainly have not been taught the value of respecting their elders and adults in general, which is nothing but parental failure. I think some of the other posters nailed it. Parents need to spend more time being parents and less time trying to be their child’s friend. Children need discipline and limits, and without those they are just floundering little people with sense of self. I feel sorry for the teachers of today. They are fighting a losing battle when the children in their classes are never taught respect in the home to begin with.
By LaShell
April 6, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this
Capitalism is not bad, but I’m talking about the type of capitalism taught in today’s society. The one that teaches children to all the money they can without the regard to other people. The type capitalism which says you need rims on your SUC, a McMansion, and bling bling to be considered successful in this country.
By Jeff
April 6, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this
Georgia was 50th out of 50 states in SAT scores… Clayton County had the lowest SAT scores in the state of Georgia.
What would happen if principal “Batman” from the movie “Lean on Me” came to Clayton County and clean up the schools? Students who were not interested in learning would be kicked out.
As long as criminal behavior is tolerated in schools, the education system will suffer.
Excuses won’t cut it and will get you nowhere. It’s time to be tough on the students who are causing trouble, while being respectful and protective of those wishing to obtain a good education.
A former Forest Park High School student…
By Erin
April 6, 2005 11:32 AM | Link to this
Parents with children in Clayton County/ or Residents of Clayton County!! This is a public service announcement!! You are responsible for the quality of education in your school system. You ARE powerful and hold so much weight when it comes down to the well being of your children. I keep hearing individual situations on all these posted messages… when in fact…it’s a community issue. If you care enough to post a message…that’s the beginning of an organized group of parents, alumni, and residence of Clayton County that care enough to see CHANGE!! Make change happen…it is within your grasp. Demand the results that you want as a whole. I’m a resident of Henry County, and Clayton is right in my backyard, literally. I would love to see this community come together for the best for your children and your future in this county. It is POSSIBLE!
By peggy
April 6, 2005 12:47 PM | Link to this
I graduated from Forest Park Senior High in 1968. We had our trouble makers, kids who skipped school, disruptive in class and when you were told to go to the office the teacher did not escort you there, you went and took your punishment. Children today lack respect for authority:teachers, principals, and their parents and most of all respect for themselves.Its time we get back to basics of respect for ourselves and those around us.If we don’t there isn’t much hope for the world. Your high school days are suppose to be the most fun you can have.Have fun and enjoy those days, you can only revisit the past, you can’t change it….
By cb122
April 6, 2005 01:15 PM | Link to this
There is an inherent problem with todays society. No one is taught the value self discipline much less the value of respect for others or yourself. look at the role models children have today. It’s no mystery why there are issues with todays children It’s not the parents it is the latest media darling that has the most bling or the best Crib. Once parents get off of this “my precious little darling is an angel” trip and start really Raising their children things might get a little better. Sure when I was a teen I did some things that I wasn’t supposed to, but I was raised to understand there was a consequence to my actions. That is what I believe is missing in todays world.
By Ginny
April 6, 2005 01:36 PM | Link to this
I graduated from FPHS in 1969 when jeans/slacks for girls was not allowed, boy’s shirt tails had to be tucked in their pants, ears and noses weren’t pierced. Crimes commited inlcuded smoking and skipping class. If you were caught doing something, you were punished by parents and the school. I hate Clayton County and plan to leave as soon as possible. The county’s administration is the focus of many jokes and negative comments. It’s time to leave.
By Kimberly
April 6, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this
My husband and I live in Clayton county and we intend to move to another county by the time our daughter reaches school age. I am not impressed with the schools or the school board’s antics.
I hear that many teachers who are employed in Clayton county are trying to find employment in other school systems. I see the kids on the bus stop each morning and, by virtue of their appearance alone, I can’t imaging how things will be in the next five years.
By BRITTNEY
April 6, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with many of these statements. I myself do not live in Clayton County but I can tell you that where I am living is getting as you all describe. The kids today have no respect for anyone. They are quick to curse an adult out if they do not “feel” respected anywhere-anytime. Parents are too worried in todays society about working-buying their kids whatever they want-material things and being their kids friend instead of authority figure. Parents are so scared to disciline these days because kids will go and tell someone “my mom whipped me” they don’t nother to mention “I may have been caught with a cigarette or smarting off to her” i know we need to be cautous for those who are really being abused but we also need to teach our kids respect. I am 20 years old and married and when I decided to have kids you better believe they will be spanked or grounded if it calls for it. No I will not spank them so hard it leaves bruises but they will know respect and politeness. It has gotten so out of hand that I do not blame schools for having metal detectors and searches or what not. Some precautions have to be made. I do not want my kids to be victims of a school shooting,etc. When I was in high school we had locked doors-searches, etc.I used to think Good gosh do they not trust us or what? But now I see-no they didn’t and kids didn’t give them a reason to. I knew kids that would come in high or drunk and when lockers were searched they ALWAYS found drugs and my school was bracnd new and tried to “high class”! All I am saying is-parents need to teach their kids respect and manners. There are some that still do but a majority do not.
By Carrie
April 6, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this
I love it…“you reap what you sow.”
How do you define respect? Being free to roam the halls, torment people, skip class, and terrorize faculty? Most kids who think their teachers and administrators are “disrespecting” them are the EXACT ones who are the instigators of measures like the ones mentioned in the Superintendent’s letter. Trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of “mean” teachers, but you get respect if you GIVE respect. The students who are screaming “disrespect” are…almost every time, the ones who just got busted for doing something they weren’t supposed to be doing.
Hats off to the Clayton County School Board for taking the measures that, sadly, are necessary to ensure safe public schooling.
By Wendy
April 6, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this
I didn’t know that they airport was “disrespecting” me and “treating me like a criminal”. I thought the metal detectors, baggage searches, and picture ID were for my safety and the safety of the other passengers. Oh wait, they are for my safety!!
Guess what - it never goes away. Your place of work will often have a security guard and may have metal detectors. Your desk, your work e-mail, and your work phone all belong to your boss. Your time belongs to your boss. If you have a locker, that probably belongs to him too. My boss can read my e-mail and look through my desk. And why not?
It’s not “disrespecting” someone to create rules for the lowest common denominator. It’s called life…
By Shelethia
April 7, 2005 09:22 AM | Link to this
I think that it’s a good idea that the schools are trying to make it a safe environment for everyone, but at the same time don’t make the students feel like they are in prison. It is sad that everyone has to suffer because of the few that choose to act a fool in school.
Also, another problem stems from the overcrowded schools. The county continue to allow builders to come in and build new subdivisions and apartments, but neglect to provide schools that can accommodate these new students who are moving into an already overcrowded school system. This leads to more pressure on the teachers as well as the students.
By lanette plummer
April 7, 2005 10:25 AM | Link to this
I agree wholeheartedly with the superintendent. Teachers need to get combat pay for the work they do today. If parents would only realize that their child’s education starts in the home! Many parents don’t know what the inside of their child’s school looks like and won’t know until Johnny gets into trouble and the parent(s) has to go to the school to get him reinstated. I truly believe that most of the behavior problems in the schools stem from the child’s home, ie. no discipline, absentee parents, failure to set boundaries, lack of parenting skills, lack of family support, lack of interest in the child’s education, and lack of rules in the home.
By Jen
April 11, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this
As good as these procedures sound, someone did not take into account 5 of CCPS’s 8 high schools have multiple buildings. This makes it very difficult to move between one building and another if a student is called to the main office, the attendance office or the guidance office. This should be very interesting!
By thomas
April 11, 2005 03:39 PM | Link to this
If you are looking for a good solution to the problem ask the right people. Ask the assistant superintendent Linda Tannner what she thinks about classroom management and school management at the middle school and high school level. She is one of the best administrators in the county.