McCallion
Quest
How far is
Too Far?
Finding the balance
between conformity and freedom is the key
By: Stephanie Richards, Editor
The past two years have been a period of change for everyone, every society, every country, our whole world. Sadly, after the September 11th terrorist attacks, the recent war against Iraq and gang violence, we have found ourselves living in an enclosed life with security surrounding every inch of our world . A world where security is now heightened… everywhere, 24/7. Even in our school, certain rules that have arisen are connected to most of these main events. But no coloured shoe laces? Locked doors during class times? Is this all really necessary? According to many students and parents alike, some of these precautions are not. And now we ask: How far is too far?
Included in this ensemble of new school rules is the dress code. No coloured shoe laces, no bandanas and now, having one pant leg rolled up and one down is certainly frowned upon. But most of us students, do not understand the importance of these precautions. Of course, the reaction or the answer we all get when we ask why, is gang violence. But what is gang violence? Is it the way you dress, or the way you act? According to many parents and teachers, they both influence the picture you portray. But what if you see them as a simple fashion statement and didn’t know the significance behind what these things were and wore them anyway? Simple. You will most likely be asked to change into more appropriate clothing and, depending on the seriousness of the symbolism, perhaps you may have to face a suspension or, in the most extreme case, you may even face being expelled. The ‘gang’ symbolism is the biggest concern and is generally understood by the students, but still some clothing restrictions remain a blank in their minds.
We have recently just changed the time of school entry from 8:10 to 8:15 because of the excessive socializing before homeroom classes. Although this sounds like a logical and reasonable request, this might be a frustration to students who will now have a longer time outside during unbearable weather. The lack of 5 minutes will also provide less time to get all their books before getting to their homeroom classes. However, the staff see it as a positive change and one that benefits both them and the students.
There has also been a change in the late policy at school. Before, students arriving late went directly to the office and were given an admit slip by the secretaries. The new change now has late students going directly to homeroom classes if they arrive at school after 8:25 but before 9:00 am. Late students will now be disciplined by their teacher’s discretion. Anyone amassing 6 lates however, will be subject to a school detention given by one of the administration. I generally like this new rule, seeing as we are not processed through the guidance area if we arrive late; after the morning announcements.
We have also established a new “locked door policy” at our school. During class times, side doors are locked and during lunch hour, classroom doors are locked as well. Many parents find this rule unappealing because of the picture the locked doors portray. According to some of these parents, the locked doors are going one step too far. It gives the picture that our school is uninviting and it gives off the impression that our school is dangerous if it requires locked doors as a security measure.
As many students already know, the school year is coming to a close, and graduation ceremonies and dance is near. The grade 8 graduating classes are certainly looking forward to this grand event. According to the school website, the school board requires police security at this type of celebration. Again, us students must wonder if it is simply a matter of security or a matter of trust. But we again must consider those events that have happened at past graduations, dances or other celebrations at other schools. In my opinion, it is a very good security measure to be enforced. Hearing about the past events and violence at other schools, this is one precaution no one should complain about at all. There is one thing we cannot take for granted or that we cannot complain about. That is our safety. And if our school is willing to look out for us, we should be grateful, not resentful.
At first glance, rules and their enforcement are certainly something students do not look forward to hearing. Rules create a change to our lifestyle, therefore being a positive or a negative change depending on the lives we lead. However, security is one issue that needs to be explained more thoroughly to get the message out to the students. Most students do not understand the seriousness of these precautions and rules and the fact that some involve potential suspension, is going a little bit too far. If expelling, or even suspending someone is the right way to go in enforcing these issues, then a proper and thorough explanation is in order. Some of the rules we have implemented are good for our safety and our well being but locking doors and punishing people for wearing certain shoe lace colours are providing negative images of the way our school is perceived by both the student and parent communities. Rules are always going to be a part of our lives, but so is living with a touch of freedom. Finding an appropriate balance between the two will prevent us from going too far one way or the other. We need to find that balance here at McCallion.