No more brown bagging at Pennsylvania school
“No Bags” Policy at Tamaqua Area High School
What rules should a school impose after a false bomb scare? I honestly can’t give you a perfect answer but I can just about guarantee that Tamaqua Area High School’s new “No Bags” policy isn’t the right one.
Starting Friday, students at Tamaqua Area High School can only bring books, notebooks and things to write with to school. Book bags, purses and gym bags are banned.
…
“We hope by limiting the items that people bring into the building we can better ensure that our facility is secure for the safety of our students,” said Fred Bausch, Superintendent of the Tamaqua Area School District.
Brown bag lunches are actually still allowed, but they will be inspected.
School officials in Tamaqua say the “no bag” policy at the high school will be in effect for the rest of the school year. Superintendent Bausch said, “I say it’s unfortunate, but unfortunately, made necessary by the actions of a few.”
This policy was implemented after two false bomb threats. FALSE bomb threats. No bombs. The person making the threat did not actually have to bring anything into the school to make the threat.
If the school receives another bomb threat while this policy is in effect will they do anything at all differently? Of course not. So they have implemented a fiercely inconvenient policy that will not prevent future bomb threats nor affect their responses to them. Sheer idiocy.
(Tip credit to Opinion Journal)
I can see this rule preventing kids from geting large bombs past security and into the building.
I cannot see this rule preventing kids from phoning in bomb threats.
Then again, if a kid REALLY is determined of bombing his or her school, this rule will only force kids to get creative (strapping a bomb onto his or her body, placing a bomb in a car and driving into the school).
I wonder how the adolescent females will feel carrying their tampons in their hands all day long at school. Isn’t this time of their development difficult enough without foolishness like this rule?
As usual, there’s a logic free zone here…apparently the administrators think that making bags vanish will magically prevent anyone from phoning in a bomb threat. Many five year olds could detect the flaws in that logic, but obviously it’s too much for this bunch of educrats.
I wonder how many of the taxpayer’s dollars were eaten in the high-end meetings it must have taken to arrive at such a marvelous security plan?
I actually teach at a school with a similar (though slightly less draconian) policy.
Kids can have bags and backpacks, provided they are mesh or clear plastic.
Unless you are on one of the sports teams, in which case you get to carry your school-issued opaque bags.
And girls, of course, can carry an opaque purse, since you never know when they might need to carry feminine products.
Which means, of course, that the policy is completely irrational and absurd.
And it is why we teachers find ourselves, at least once a term, being told via the PA to become “bag nazis” and inspect the bags our kids carry, sending violators to the office — and in the process swamping the administrators with 200-300 violators (10-15% of the student body).
Needless to say, I don’t think the bag policy makes sense or contributes anything worth while to the security/safety of the school.
And don’t even get me started on other dress code issues!
What about the band/orchestra kids and their instruments? Just as easy to sneak a bomb in. Of course, forcing a kid to carry a musical instrument without its case is a lawsuit waiting to happen, since they’re very delicate objects.
Like Bill said, it’s a logic free zone, pure and simple.
I was paranoid enough about my instrument when it was IN the case.
Although, y’know, instrument cases themselves can be used as a weapon. Just ask my dad (I broke his nose with mine when he scared the bejeezus out of me).
This justifies not allowing the kids to bring books to school at all; they keep an extra set in the classroom.
Some kids are not allowed to wear sweaters or coats in school. I’ve also hear of the bathroom stall doors being removed, especially in the boys room. A similar approach is never cleaning the bathroom. It’s a health problem for kids but, it reduces school liability.
http://www.childadvocate.org/1b_teacherletters.htm
It boggles the mind. These kids have rights that are being systematically stripped and trampled. It’s an utter outrage. I am very glad I don’t have school age kids because I’d be livid if anyone ever searched my kids person or property without a warrant. I don’t care what they’ve done, these things are protected. Every time a school handcuffs a kid, or treats them with such open disdain and mistrust, it kicks our constitution down several notches making this country more restricted and less free. The US is one of the least free countries in the world these days (among so called civilized nations). It’s such a typical government style response to a specific problem to not deal with it at all, but to claim the ‘need’ to punish everybody by taking something away from all of us - usually some form of our rights. How does reducing our rights solve something? Does anyone else see a pattern here?
Apparently disallowing bags hasn’t solved anything. Gee what a surprise. Parents need to be rising up in droves, showing up at these schools and screaming bloody murder. You know why? Because if they don’t things are going to keep getting worse every single day. It will get exactly as twisted and sick out there as we let it get. Do you really think it would be this out of control if mass quantities of Americans were shouting about it? Well, it’s not going stop on it’s own. We HAVE TO put the breaks on this. Get vocal, kids and parents alike. The alternative is too ugly to risk. If this keeps up it won’t even be legal to complain in the not so far off future.
THEN what will we do?
Mr. Superintendent, please… could you consider one exception? How about for one big douche bag?
Well, as of May 17, 2004, the Tamaqua Area School Board is now proposing a dress code. It should be passed by June. From mcall.com…..
“The board also held the first reading of changes to the uniform dress code, which will mandate students from kindergarten to 12th grade dress similarly in a white or navy blue shirt and tan or navy pants with brown or black shoes. District officials are pushing the code because they believe clothing is being used in Tamaqua schools to establish social cliques and show socio-economic differences among the student body.
The board, if the policy is adopted, expects less distractions in the classroom. Aside from the base dress code, shorts and jeans would be banned. Girls would be permitted to wear knee-length or longer skirts, but only in tan or navy blue. The skirts must be an A-line style. Shoes must be close-toed and boots and sneakers would be banned.”
Keep in mind, the school district does NOT bus “town children” older than sixth grade. Some must walk through town (over a mile) to get to school. No boots allowed? It is nothing for us to get 5+ inches of snow at any given time during the winter months.
No shorts? When school begins, we are still having 80 degree days.
Also, this is a poor as dirt school district. Many children rely on hand-me-downs or the Salvation Army for their clothing.
Should be fun!
This unfiorm rule for tamaqua is so unfare. I hope the parents contact the aclu for a class action suit if it passes. if not i will.
Well–I hate to tell ou Brooks–It is going to pass. The school board is quite sneaky. They _have_ already passed the first reading. The second reading will be held the third Tuesday in July. That gives parents until August to come up with the uniform.
And there is NO plan to fund uniforms for the needy!!!!!!!!!!!! Is that even legal?
The same school board/admin. that is doing this to “curb” bullying, sat up front at the June 21st meeting, laughing and making fun of a girl dressed in Goth garb. Nice.
Yes, our School Board (for the most part) has obviously already made up its collective mind. They made revisions, but still WITHOUT community involvement - I know of NO parents, students (other then Student Council) or community members who were asked for input).
Granted, there is also already a lawyer who has agreed to take the case (to repeal the code when it is passed) as well (pro bono, thankfully), but guess whose money will be funding the school board’s defense? Ours. How ironic is that? We are fighting against this policy that the school board is going to pass against our will, and then WE have to pay to defend their bad decision?
I hope that everyone remembers all of this when it comes time to vote - better yet, BEFORE that, so that we have some truly civic minded citizens (people who will remember that they are supposed to be representing the community) to challenge the current school board. Perhaps our school board (most, not all) has gotten far too comfortable in their positions and with the belief that they will be eternally re-elected, because NO ONE RUNS AGAINST THEM. Why should they represent us when we re-elect them no matter what they do? Time to stand up, people - time to shake things up a bit.
Personally, I do not think that a church group should be running a public school district anyway - currently we have 5 of 9 school board members from the SAME church - after two retire and the two new ones step in, we will have *7* of 9 *from the SAME church* running our school district. Goodbye Theory of Evolution, hello “Fact” of Creationism ONLY.
Even if you are deeply religious, you know that no one church should be running any public school, no less an entire district. The uniforms are only step one in this church group’s plan for our children.
Also, I want to say that I was IMMENSELY proud of our local youth on Tuesday. I was proud to see you there and I was proud to hear you speak out.
I know I’m a bit odd, but I love seeing our teens and kids being themselves - I think they are all incredible and beautiful when they express themselves.
I thought our Goth couple was gorgeous and wish they’d been heard. I think Mr. Wittig would have gone a LONG way towards healing student/administration rift if he’s allowed her to speak - despite it being “not her turn”. I think he and the school board really missed a golden opportunity with that. What a shame.
As for the bags to prevent false bomb threats, quite honestly, if a student wanted that badly to bring a *real* bomb in, they’d carve out a book to conceal it. Even a PARENT could figure that one out.
Who is going to check every single book coming into the school?
Also, is the school going to subsidize clear bookbags? With regular bookbags, one will last at least one school year. The clear plastic bookbags are so shoddily made that one student needs two or three to get through a single school year!
Perhaps Mr. Miller will also be selling these clear bookbags at his store. I notice he still voted on the uniform issue despite a CLEAR conflict of interest. I was told that Mr. Miller is a good man, but his actions currently speak otherwise. His actions say that he is representing his wallet and NOT the people who elected him. Very well, Mr. Miller. I plan to respond loud and clear at the next election and will not only boycott “The Company Store” but will encourage others to do so as well - for as long as you continue to vote “yes” on the uniform issue.
well if u ask me this is very stupid. It is not fair that girls were not allowed to carry purses. Come on they have to get over the fact that girl have personal problems, and about this dress code…Give us our own rights. I dont see wants wrong w/ a pair of jeans and t-shirt. What is so wrong with that. i could see if their shirt was to short and u couls see their stomach, but this is going too far. I attend tamaqua area and this is going to be my first year og high school. It’s bad enough that i’m going to a new building but having to make sure i have the RIGHT cloth. School is for education and our parents do not pay taxes for thier kids to go to a public school for uniforms. If the parents wanted them to wear uniforms they would be in a catholic school.
So, who is not going to be wearing a uniform? I know approx. 50 students who are going to refuse. And what do you think will happen to those not dressed to code?
Should be exciting.
TAMAQUA AREA SCHOOL BOARD DOESN’T CARE WHAT THE COMMUNITY THINKS. L.WITTIG AND R. KINDER ARE THE REAL BULLYS.DO THE KIDS HAVE ANY INPUT, IS THIS NOT A DEMOCRACY? YES IT IS! BUT IF IT FALLS ON DEAF EARS,THEN WE ONLY HAVE OURSELVES TO BLAME.
WE MUST BAND TOGETHER AND LET ARE VOICES BE HEARD.
TAMAQUA A NICE PLACE TO LIVE
IF WE ALL STICK TOGETHER
SEPT 8 7:00 AM THERE WILL BE A PEACEFULL PROTEST IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL ALL IS WELCOME
well i am a student at Tamaqua High so just let me keep everyone up to date at what is happening. The vote was passed for the uniforms as well as a revised bag policy. the bags this year will be all clear, and purses have a maximum size (i dont know the dimmensions but i can tell you its not very big) also all sports bags must be clear and you may not bring them out of your lockers during school hours. this is a public school, shouldnt it be up the public to decide whats good for the students? well i geuss the school board doesnt think so since above 90% of the parents and students disagreed with what the school board is doing. from what i have heard over 100 parents plan not to buy the new “uniforms” and just send their kids to school without them. one of the board members then proceeded to say “well if 400 kids dont abide by the dress code then 400 kids will be sent home”. now the first week of school you are “supposed” to wear the uniforms so that the school officials can determine whether or not your uniform is acceptable. i do not know of 1 person who has said they are wearing their uniform that entire week. i know i am not wearing mine the first week. the real trouble will come the 2nd week when it becomes manditory. im not really sure what will happen now, but if this issue is not resolved peacefully, im afraid it will turn semi-violent. students will be suspended and expelled left and right and i wouldnt put it past the kinder and bausch to have police gaurding the front of the school. i also read an article saying that parents can pick up a form for religous exemption, and after carefull review and if they qualify they can be exempt from the uniform policy. now let me get this straight, they are making all the students dress alike to curb bullying and harrassment, but if this is true then there will be 15 or so students that will be dressing differently then the other 700. so this whole thing will be pointless if the dress code was all about bullying because of the clothes others wear.
Well Tamagua School Board did a real snow job on Hazleton School Board. Guess What? They’re looking at the same dress code for Hazleton for 9/2006. As a
parent, I asked for a survey of parents and students, and was told absolutely not. It’s horrible to think that there is zero tolerance toward our youth. If someone doesn’t like the way my daughter dresses then that’s the person’s problem. But, no, not in this area. It’s the problem of the student and her parents. No wonder the kids leave the area after graduation and never come back. Joann