Well, David has joined the blogging world (http://fromcalmtochaos.blogspot.com/.) He stated that he would probably only have an entry a month- so that should be a real exciting blog to follow. Anyway, I am certain that what he does write will be quality material. He has been on a real writing rampage the past few days. For those unaware of his current mission, I will attach his recent article. I will say our e-mail has been busy with all the responses he has received.
Here 'tis
There has been a tremendous amount of positive publicity surrounding the Hoover High football program. They are to be commended for striving for excellence, and instilling the discipline and other qualities for success that are lacking in many youth programs. The policy manual for the Hoover Schools sets a high standard. It states, "The total school program focuses on developing each student as a competent, self-disciplined and self-directed learner of good character. Thus, emphasis is placed on teaching responsibility for one's behavior, modeling the behaviors desired of students, and identifying and resolving inappropriate behaviors.รข€¦ It is essential that all persons (students, school personnel, and parents) accept responsibility for their actions." This is commendable. But there is a glaring breakdown in the teaching of self- discipline and proper behavior when one considers the profanity that is used in the football program, not only by the students, but by school officials. The mayor of Hoover recently commented on this by saying that this was "football- not the Boy Scouts." What does he think high school students should be taught regarding profanity? With this type of leadership, one can hardly expect excellence. Civility toward one another is breaking down in our country, and the use of profanity is playing a large part. The policy manual for the Hoover schools correctly recognizes that profanity is out of place. In the transportation rules it says, "2. Students will not use profanity, offensive, or disrespectful language or gestures." Could someone tell me why it is wrong on the bus, but fine on the football field? Regarding student discipline under the heading of "Serious Misconduct" we find "24. using vulgar, obscene, or profane language, or use of racial slurs or epithets, in verbal or written form or in pictures," Of course profanity is not permitted in the classroom. Why is it more permissible on the practice field? And another item states, "28. assault of a student, teacher, or other school personnel(verbal or physical)" Some of what is being condoned as the discipline of football players is nothing more than verbal assault, but it is "ok" because it is tradition. Another interesting part of the policy manual states under the heading, "Inappropriate Discipline", "At any point in the discipline process, actions which are designed to control behavior through the use of humiliation, degradation, or verbal abuse of students shall not be tolerated. Any form of corporal punishment, including punitive physical contact, is prohibited." Why is this prohibited? Because you don't teach young people how to do right by doing wrong. I have worked with teens in several capacities- since I was a teen. I have reared sons, as well as a daughter, taught teens in Sunday school, worked with them at camp, took them on all sorts of trips, and yes, even coached them in baseball and softball. This is certain- they learn best by the example that we set and they are at their worst when they are told, "Do as I say, and not as I do." All it would take to correct this inconsistency at Hoover or any other school is for a few good parents, city, or school officials to speak up.
