There might be a variety of reasons that we are seeing an increased lack of discipline in students, especially in the halls and during “down time”. We have not had a good spell of winter weather, it is the middle of mid-term testing, we had two assemblies since returning to school, and we have had many days off of school (17 for break then another day for MLK the next week, 2 days off next week for grading) could all be contributing factors. The reason for the increase in activity is important but more important is that students need to stop this risky and impulsive behavior that is putting themselves and others at risk. Some of the behavior we are seeing includes students running in the halls, pushing, slapping, group hugs, and other reckless behavior. Overall our school is filled with a great group of students and I don’t mean to indicate that students are trying to be malicious but they are placing themselves and others in danger. In the past month, we have had two students end up going to the hospital because of horseplay. A young lady before break had a concussion when students table-topped her and a 6th grade boy this week ended up with a compound fracture when a group of students insisted on hugging him. We have talked to the students during school and removed times that less supervised and risky. I am asking for your help in discussing what proper behavior for students entails. If you could reinforce our request we would be most grateful. We ask the students to remember to be respectful (keep their hands and feet to themselves), be responsible (walk in the hall, don’t jump down steps, don’t slap high fives, give hugs, block the hallway, etc.), be safe (watch that they are not entering a situation that involves risk of injury) and be caring (watch out that other students don’t get injured – think of others than yourself, report injuries to the main office or an adult, immediately). thank you in advance for partnering with us to ensure the safety of all students.
