Subject line: Student Concerns Regarding School Rules
To: koroshetzs@norwalkps.org
Dear Ms. Koroshetz,
I am Leila Saint-Amand, and I am currently a junior at Brien McMahon High School. Being a student here has reinforced in me the idea that you have to speak up when you want things to get done. There are various groups within the school, such as the Peace Project and SCF, that strive to help the community by raising awareness for human trafficking and other human rights issues, but individual student acts to bring about change aren't something I see often. And, wanting to be a student who is actively involved in the school climate, I can no longer stay silent on what is a big part of maintain the bonds between students, staff, and the administration: school rules.
Rules exist to keep everyone safe and happy. But what happens when rules can no longer function efficiently? A number of high school students, myself included, have some concerns regarding the rules that exist. Some students break the rules due to ignorance, unable to understand what is expected of them, and others because they find the rules illogical. Many mean no disrespect to their teachers or or other administrators. They're simply trying to get by in a way that works best for them. Blindly following every rule, even the ones we students find to be illogical, is just an empty promise of deference to authority. And that, unfortunately, undermines one of the principles of the school: Being respectful.
Mutual respect is an important part of maintaining a good school climate, but when students are dissatisfied with the rules that govern them, it becomes harder to maintain that respect.
For example, many students (and even some teachers) have issues regarding the 10/10 rule. The only time a student is allowed to leave a class is when there is a high probability of a lesson being taught, and in order to leave, they must get a pass signed by the teacher, taking learning time away from themselves and their classmates, and possibly disrupting the chain of thought of a lecturing teacher. Of course, the 10/10 rule is not the only one which presents
difficulties for students and staff.
The difficulties and uncertainties associated with the administration of certain school rules, especially in regards to the 10/10 rule, the H-policy, passing, and study halls should not be overlooked when considering what helps Brien McMahon students to be respectful, make good decisions, help others, and strive for success.
For further information regarding these issues, please read my blog post “Why Should
We? With a Firm Conviction, Expose the Truth” at http://emptytower.blogspot.com/2014/10/why-should-we-with-firm-conviction.html. If you have any questions or comments, please email me back at this address or leave a comment on my blog.
Thank you for taking
the time to read this. I appreciate your concern for the voices of students.
Sincerely,
Leila Saint-Amand
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