As I hadn't gotten around to updating our blog, I felt it important to note that we ended up withdrawing Zane from ASA after the 3rd quarter. I felt he (we) were being harassed by the administrators of the school, and they were hell bent on doing everything they could to get us out. (Ex: Zane's behavior agreement had items he would get check marks for such as: running or chasing a pigeon.) Really? After going to the school and witnessing a group of kids playing keep away with a tennis ball, wrestling each other to the ground, and throwing the ball at each other as hard as they could; it was obvious to me we were in a lose-lose situation with this school.
So we obliged - and are much happier for it. It also makes me happy to know he wasn't expelled, though I still haven't gotten to see his school records from ASA.
It's a good thing that the EPA didn't have a Zero Tolerance Policy with regard to asbestos in ASA. Yep. Asbestos in Arizona School for the Arts. The school apparently didn't "know" they were supposed to have an asbestos management plan in place and the school tested positive for asbestos.
Oh lifes little ironies...
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Remembering Josh
I stumbled onto a blog today that made me weep for an hour. As a mother especially, I could connect with this mom and feel her pain and grief penetrate my being.
A year ago, their son Josh took his own life after facing expulsion from his school because of the Zero Tolerance Policy. His mother, a writer, used the blog as a way to work through her own questions/feelings/pain/memories, etc.
It made me think of Zane's tears and frustration. I can imagine how much harder it would be for an older boy. An older boy such as Josh, who was a regular, well-liked, good-looking kid who made a couple of pretty normal teenager mistakes and had his whole life in front of him.
How can we treat our children this way I wonder? Even now, the way Zane is being treated at school is breaking my heart. Where has our compassion gone? How have we stooped to treating our children like just a number? Just a test score? Just a drone who isn't supposed to ask any questions or ever make a mistake? They are kids.
I send virtual love and strength to Josh's family and understand the importance of Remembering Josh.
A year ago, their son Josh took his own life after facing expulsion from his school because of the Zero Tolerance Policy. His mother, a writer, used the blog as a way to work through her own questions/feelings/pain/memories, etc.
It made me think of Zane's tears and frustration. I can imagine how much harder it would be for an older boy. An older boy such as Josh, who was a regular, well-liked, good-looking kid who made a couple of pretty normal teenager mistakes and had his whole life in front of him.
How can we treat our children this way I wonder? Even now, the way Zane is being treated at school is breaking my heart. Where has our compassion gone? How have we stooped to treating our children like just a number? Just a test score? Just a drone who isn't supposed to ask any questions or ever make a mistake? They are kids.
I send virtual love and strength to Josh's family and understand the importance of Remembering Josh.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Zero Tolerance Stories of the Day
Mason Jammer:6-Year-Old Suspended From School for Making Gun With Hand
If this story doesn't make it glaringly apparent the the Zero Tolerance Policies in our kids schools is going WAAAAYYY overboard - I don't know what will... Jeesh.
Zero tolerance for federal mandates
If this story doesn't make it glaringly apparent the the Zero Tolerance Policies in our kids schools is going WAAAAYYY overboard - I don't know what will... Jeesh.
Zero tolerance for federal mandates
Friday, March 5, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
My thoughts...
I feel like I need to clarify my thoughts on this entire situation. I believe Zane's school did a great job. I understand their need to ensure the students and staff at the school are safe - and I respect that. It was a process that in our situation worked as it should - and I have tremendous gratitude and respect for the Governing Board of ASA.
I never disagreed with the suspension (though I believe him missing nearly 3 weeks of school in this situation was harsh). Zane broke a rule, and I have no doubt as he continues to grow and learn, he'll break more - but never one such as this!
In moving forward, I hope that the Board of not only Zane's school, but many schools, in this State and elsewhere, practice their due diligence in researching the current statistics and studies on the detrimental effects of the Zero Tolerance Policy. Adopt language in your school handbooks that allows for a learning curve when there is no danger or safety concern. Treat our children as you would like to be treated. There are numerous studies stating Zero Tolerance Policies do NOT make/keep our schools any safer.
We all must take something away from this. I have expressed to my son many times now that he did indeed break a rule and is now suffering the consequences from this mistake. I want him to be an accountable human being.
I would highly recommend every school board member to read the Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools Fact Sheet created by the Consortium to Prevent School Violence. It could be a very useful tool in amending and updating your schools current policies to ensure you are sending the right message to our future - the children.
At the end of the day, we were all just doing our jobs. The administrators, the Board, the media, and the mom standing up for her child. Now let's move forward to a more positive future - and hopefully one in which common sense will continue to thrive...
I never disagreed with the suspension (though I believe him missing nearly 3 weeks of school in this situation was harsh). Zane broke a rule, and I have no doubt as he continues to grow and learn, he'll break more - but never one such as this!
In moving forward, I hope that the Board of not only Zane's school, but many schools, in this State and elsewhere, practice their due diligence in researching the current statistics and studies on the detrimental effects of the Zero Tolerance Policy. Adopt language in your school handbooks that allows for a learning curve when there is no danger or safety concern. Treat our children as you would like to be treated. There are numerous studies stating Zero Tolerance Policies do NOT make/keep our schools any safer.
We all must take something away from this. I have expressed to my son many times now that he did indeed break a rule and is now suffering the consequences from this mistake. I want him to be an accountable human being.
I would highly recommend every school board member to read the Zero Tolerance Policies in Schools Fact Sheet created by the Consortium to Prevent School Violence. It could be a very useful tool in amending and updating your schools current policies to ensure you are sending the right message to our future - the children.
At the end of the day, we were all just doing our jobs. The administrators, the Board, the media, and the mom standing up for her child. Now let's move forward to a more positive future - and hopefully one in which common sense will continue to thrive...
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