Wednesday, May 9, 2012
censorship
Scott Watson
Mrs. Koch
English Honors 2
March 18, 2012
Title
Long ago when the United States was first starting out, it was unique as a country because of the fact that our government gave its citizens exclusive rights towards freedom of speech. Over the years many different forms of communication have appeared, whether it be through the phone, or mail. Along with these advancements in communication came new ways to express your opinions. With the creation of the internet, the United States entered completely new territory. Originally the internet was very small, but now its single handily one of the most important pieces of technology ever created. With the introduction of video hosting web sites and social networking, people are literally a post way from each other. Along with these connivence's, the internet is also a powerful tool within America’s classrooms. However, many schools block student’s access to vital information, citing that many web sites that student’s read as interruptions to the classroom. By doing so, many schools violate what our forefathers set out to do so long ago. Instead of giving students the information they often need, they often censor web sites indiscriminately, often ignoring the actual content on the web sites. Because of this,,instead of protecting students from disruptful web sites, more often than not, the consequences usually cause more harm then not censoring the web sites in the first place. But also along with this form of censorship, there are many more forms of censorship. Literally anything could be censored; clothes, ideas, and books could be considered worthy of a ban.
Schools often censor web sites because they contain information on one or more subjects that the school deems harmful to students. The information could be about drugs, guns, or anything illegal or unimportant to learning. However, schools usually neglect to examine the web sites thoroughly. For example, some schools block Wikipedia’s article on Tobacco. Students who are trying to learn about Tobacco’s long history are unable to do so. If the school moderators had given a quick look through of the article, they would’ve seen that there was very little if any information that students could use for unlawful means. Another example of this relates to Minnesota school district. When Doug Johnson wanted to show his class an educational web page about the effects of atomic testing, the web page was blocked because the information inside of it was about a chain of islands called the Bikini Islands. When schools begin to use internet censor programs, the programs don’t take into effect the actual information pages contain, instead depending only the title and keywords in the pages. It’s not uncommon for information to be inaccessible to teachers, especially when it has anything to do with things considered controversial.(Wagner, Mitch)
Another form of censorship that schools enforce is that students are not allowed to wear certain types of clothing to school. Some examples of clothing that schools don’t allow include clothes have chains on them, clothes with provocative holes in them, clothes with patches, pajama pants, shirts advertising alcohol or tobacco, among others. Many students could be considered opinionated and exercise their first amendment by wearing their own shirts. Many consider wearing a shirt advertising Bud Light the same as wearing a Cardinals shirt. However, schools consider these kinds of shirts detrimental to learning and don’t allow them. A popular trend is having holes on your pants. The holes are often made in the jeans where the quads are and on the knees, and sometimes on the butt or crotch of the pants. While there is a common agreement that provocative clothing disrupts the classroom, most schools have zero tolerance policy towards holes and don’t allow them anywhere. Brad Matthewson was a junior who was sent home twice and who faced trouble after he wore shirts advertising gay pride. In response to anger towards the censorship, the principle of the school said that people might become offended by Matthewson’s shirt. However, matthewson said that no one had complained to him about the shirt. When he asked pressed the matter further, he was told that he still wouldn’t be allowed to wear the shirts because the school feared that the shirts would spark controversy. Because of this censorship, the American Civil Liberties Union has come to Matthewson’s defense.
The final form of censorship that schools impose on their students is the censorship of books that the schools deem hurtful towards the learning environment. An example of this would be Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer. Written 1876, the use of derogatory terms for African Americans is a common sight within the book. Because of the changes concerning civil rights within American in modern times, the use of such terms could be considered very inappropriate within the classroom. However, the authenticity and the literature value contained within the book wouldn’t be the same if it were edited. Another series of books that occasionally come under fire is the Harry Potter series. One elementary school would not purchase Harry Potter books, saying “They knew that they would get complaints (because of the witchcraft themes), so they didn’t buy them.” There have also been events in which students have gotten in trouble for reading religious texts within the school, and it’s not limited to certain religions. The fear of students learning controversial information, or of parents become angry over what the school allows their children to read can cause schools to ban important and vital books from the curriculum. Books can be used as very important tools within the classroom and the use of controversial material can be some of the most effective ways for students to learn. It’s not uncommon for religion to appear in history class, no matter what the time period that students are studying. this general education may come under fire because of parent’s complaints. Instead of outright banning the reading of religious texts, students should be given the choice of not hearing about other religions before the material is presented. This way students that don’t want to hear can be satisfied, and others who want to learn are able to do so. (Kelly, Melissa)
While many schools began their censorship policies with good intentions, in the end they only cause more grief and annoyances then what they would’ve gone through without the censorship at all. Often times students are unable to access information because the school deems it controversial, or that it goes against the learning environment. However, it could be argued that students in highschool should be allowed to access many things that they aren’t. It’s up to individuals and their maturity, but it could be considered unfair for students who need information to be denied it simply because others are to immature to access it. Along with internet censorship, students should be allowed to express their ideas, regardless of whether or not others consider it offensive. If students are blatantly trying to be offensive, that’s a different story. the final form of censorship that should be reviewed are the bans put on certain books. Students should never be unable to read literature or ideas from the past. The ideas that our country were founded on included freedom of speech, soemthing that schools shouldn’t be able to regulate.
Wagner, Mitch. How the Internet Harms Schools. 2010. Computers World. May 8, 2012.
Kelly, Melissa. censorship and Banning in America. 712educatiors. 2010. Secondary Education. May 8, 2012.
my trip
Scott Watson
Mrs. Koch
English honors 2
March 14, 2012
The Suite Life
It’s an everyday occurrence for a teenager to look at something, only to look away with the realization that they don’t have the money to buy it. But always hopeful, teenagers wait for the day that they’ll be given the opportunity to prove themselves to be mature enough to get their own money. They pray for the time when they would be considered enough to travel on their own, buy their own things, and learn things they want to know. Being a teenager myself, I can only think of getting enough money to go on a vacation of my choosing. I would visit different countries, try out different things, and meet new people.
The first place on my stopping list would be Japan. Spending some of my money, I would sail across the ocean to visit. Once there, I would find a nice hotel to stay in. But as soon as I would book myself in, I would immediately be visiting across the country. I would meet and learn about the culture, and I would spend most of my day eating the various cuisine the country would have to offer me. After some time, I would leave the cities and begin to move inland, towards the mountains. By myself, i would adventure into the wilderness, seeking out any small villages that still existed.
After spending time on the beaches of Japan, I would go to visit Russia. After landing there, via plane, I would take time to explore the vast lands of the country. In the cities, I would spend money doing traditional Russian dances inside of the countries’ many dance clubs. Outside of these festive activities, I would spend time learning about Russia’s long, rather bumpy history. In Moscow I would look at the city’s famous architecture, taking note of the crazy looking domes that are atop many of the city’s buildings.
Upon a quick tour of Joseph Stalin’s memorial, I would move on to France. After a long rail road ride, I would exit the train and open my eyes to Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I would travel the streets, walking into bakeries, sipping fine wines, and enjoying the local beauties. Beneath the Eiffel Tower, I would sit and watch the world around me pass by.
With my stomach full of bread, and my mind a bit dizzy from Paris’ delicious wines, I would travel to the grand country of Germany. I would sample every single piece of sausage that would be offered to me, and drive cars at screaming speeds on the Autobahn. Taking a tour in Berlin, I would travel to the Berlin Wall and imagine the history that lay around me. Looking around, while listening to Pink Floyd, I would walk up and down where it used to be. I would eventually ask for a tour of Germany’s famous car owners stores, taking looks at some of the best automotive technology in the entire world.
As soon as I would get my first speeding ticket from the German police, I would head out of the country, taking a float over to Great Britain. As soon as I would land, I would go visit Big Ben, London’s famous clock tower. Thoughts of the Hunchback of Notredame would pop up in my head as I would look at the tower’s clock hands ticking away. After some time looking at London’s beautiful clock, I would seek out someone who could teach me the history of the Famous English band, The Beatles. With my vacation money I would slip the teacher some money, convincing him to give me some memorabilia. With my new found merchandise, I would go visit parliament. I, being the history junkie I am, would take the time to stand in awe at the sheer amount of importance around me as I would stand inside of English parliament. I would realize that monarchs, noblemen, knights, and all other English heroes could have stood in the very spot that I would be.
Soon I would travel to the beautiful and mysterious deserts of the Middle East. Moving deep into the deserts, I would look for cities to spend my time in. renowned for the natural recourses of the lands around them, I’m sure that i wouldn’t be disappointed with what the cities’ many stores would have to offer me. Perhaps I would take a stroll within the cities markets, looking for the perfect kinds of exotic fruits to taste. One of the major religions within the region, islam, has a long and diverse history that has effected many things in the world today. Without a doubt, at some point during my adventures in the Middle East, I would be given the opportunity to learn about the contributions that Muslim culture has made. But eventually my times traveling around the Middle East would come to an end, and with it, I would turn my sights towards Northern Africa.
At this point in my worldwide travels, I’m sure my taste for locations near the equator would still be strong. Traveling South from the Middle East, I would go Egypt. Littered with literally an endless amount of things that have historical value, Egypt would have the most to offer along my travels in my opinion. My first stop would be in the streets of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Just recently, massive protests were had to end the the rule of the country’s president. Feeling the air within the city would be an experience that I would never forget. Comparable almost to a revolution, the feeling patriotism within the country would most likely be very apparent. Leaving the city behind, I would travel to the Great Pyramids. Taking a tour as soon as possible, images of myself being Indiana Jones would begin. Ancient curses and deadly traps would be behind every corner. At this point on my trip, much of my money would probably have been spent on traveling expenses. But there would be nothing stopping me from enjoying authentic Egyptian delicacies. After experiencing what Egypt had to offer me, I would begin moving back North towards Italy.
Rationing the money that I have left, I would spend a portion of it quickly within Italy. Stopping first in Rome, moving towards the ancient Colosseum. Standing in the stands, I would look down in the area where battles, that put gladiators against each other, were fought. Leaving this place, I would stop into any bakery within sight and enjoy delicious breads and many different foods. Pizzas, spaghettis, and pasta would all fall before me during my crusade to ingest all of Italy. But Italy wouldn’t be Italy if it wasn’t for the country’s love for Soccer. before I would leave the country I would stop to enjoy a game of futbol. Renowned for their soccer players, italy would display the greatest sportsmanship and skill the world as to offer when it comes to the sport. After many goals and hours of yelling chants with the crowds, my time in italy would be over.
I would end my tour at the western tip of Canada. There I would enjoy Canada’s beautiful wildlife. Taking time to hike around the country, I would take note of Mother Nature’s beautiful effect on Canada. Of course, I would go the largest Ice rink in Canada to show the natives my unbelievable skill and prowess on the ice. With out a doubt, soon all of Canada would know and fear me, “The Loud, Proud, American Mouth.” I would truly earn the last edition to my title because of my inability to control my words in the heat of battle. None the less, self control, or not, my time spent dazzling the crowds would be the most enjoyable out of my whole trip.
One day, I will enjoy my responsibilities as an adult. No matter how hard the road gets, or how impossible things might seem at some point, I will appreciate the privileges
that are given to adults. Even if that means I won’t be sipping wine beneath the Eiffel tower, or driving an Audi on the Autobahn, I will still be in complete control of my life. Whether or not I have enough money to take train rides through Russia, or to stay in five-star Japanese Hotels, I will still enjoy what I have regardless. In the end, no matter what happens, when I’m an adult, I’m going to live like it’s the sweet life.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Package deal
Scott Watson
May 1, 2012
English honors 2
Mrs. Koch
A Package Deal
Every house has it’s own problems and quirks that it’s owner comes to eventually accept. The wooden floor may creak in certain spots, the basement laundry room may be prone to the occasional spider epidemic, and the bathroom door frame might be chewed by the owner’s puppy. While these household “attributes” may be considered negative additions to the house, the owner may come to terms with them, perhaps even thinking affectionately on them. But what were to happen if the house owner needed to sell the home? How could they make possible buyers feel the same way about the house’s flaws like they do? With intelligent wording and a bit of charm, any household seller can make buyers fall in love. Despite the fact that my own home may have a “few” things “wrong” with it, I know exactly how I would put my household into the curious buyer’s heart.
Welcoming those who are interested into my house, I would first show them the living room/kitchen. This room is a combination of the two and is a perfect example of where a family-get-together should occur. A mixture of a stylish living room furniture side-by-side with country styled kitchen decor, perfectly harmonized. The hardwood flooring may at first seem creaky and to have the occasional scratch, however I would assure the buyer by explaining the quality and workmanship put into the flooring. Oak flooring, stained by my father so that it would last a life time, would assure buyers that the flooring wouldn’t need to be replaced and that the occasional spill wouldn’t effect the beauty of the floor. Next I would point out the handwork that had been put into the decorations on the walls. Beautiful handmade wooden signs, masterful paintings, and vintage kitchen utensils used in America’s early history hang on the walls. One may at first believe the decor to be a bit odd, however they would quickly come to appreciate the uniqueness of the decorations, making the kitchen/living room even more appealing.
Guiding everyone along, I would take them to the basement. Stepping around, buyers may note that the flooring is all tile. Although the flooring could easily be broken or cracked by someone determined enough, I would ensure buyers that the flooring could easily be replaced and installed. But regardless, I would explain that flooring in the basement would be mainly for displaying the beauty that tile has over wood. Formed in clay by hand, heated over several thousand degrees, and placed in ice water to harden, the tiles are perfect examples of household applicable art. After this, I would point to the massive television on the TV. Although I’ve come to live with the fact that remote controller only works if it’s pointed at an extremely awkward angle towards the TV, I’m sure the buyers will require an explanation. Moving the TV a few inches diagonally would fix the problem, and doing so would only take ten minutes. If I’m asked why I haven’t already done this, I’ll simply answer, “It’s been up there like that for three years, it’s not good to break a tradition.” With a smile, the buyers would follow me out of the room.
Going outside into the backyard, buyers will immediately noticed that pure beauty of the nature surrounding them. High above us, the trees will look down at us, showering the area in leaves. Small local wildlife will scatter at our approach. The grass will sway in waves in the direction of the wind, not taking notice of us. The more snobby buyers will immediately notice the small ditch in the corner of the yard, as well as the chunk missing from the largest tree in the yard. I will immediately calm them by telling them of the old apple tree that used to rest in the corner of the yard, up until the day it unexpectedly began to dry up and die. Everyone will appreciate the story behind the tree. As children, I would explain, my friends and I were in the backyard playing with fire works. Usually monitored, one day my mother wasn’t home. On that day, my friends and I made a cocktail of fireworks, all slammed into one. Lighting it, the tree soon paid for our antics. Flying up, the fire works immediately brutally ravaged the trunk of the tree, ripping off it’s limbs. Although my story could be considered unfortunate for the tree, I’m sure any potential buyers will appreciate the unnatural ugliness of the tree, relating with the childhood stories behind it’s scars.
After the tour, I will close my doors as the buyers walk away. Although my house has many things about it that some may considered weird, or unattractive, behind everything is a reason. With some smooth explaining, anything scar, scratch, or inconvenience can be explained in a humorous or emotional way. There should be no reason why a person shouldn’t appreciate the history behind something, especially something as intimate as a house. But sometimes things about a house aren’t easily accepted at first, anything is possible with time. Despite this, any potential buyers of my house should keep in mind that if they buy my house, it includes all the attractive things, as well as every single quirk that they can imagine. In other words, they get it all. Good and bad. To put it simply, it’s a package deal.
May 1, 2012
English honors 2
Mrs. Koch
A Package Deal
Every house has it’s own problems and quirks that it’s owner comes to eventually accept. The wooden floor may creak in certain spots, the basement laundry room may be prone to the occasional spider epidemic, and the bathroom door frame might be chewed by the owner’s puppy. While these household “attributes” may be considered negative additions to the house, the owner may come to terms with them, perhaps even thinking affectionately on them. But what were to happen if the house owner needed to sell the home? How could they make possible buyers feel the same way about the house’s flaws like they do? With intelligent wording and a bit of charm, any household seller can make buyers fall in love. Despite the fact that my own home may have a “few” things “wrong” with it, I know exactly how I would put my household into the curious buyer’s heart.
Welcoming those who are interested into my house, I would first show them the living room/kitchen. This room is a combination of the two and is a perfect example of where a family-get-together should occur. A mixture of a stylish living room furniture side-by-side with country styled kitchen decor, perfectly harmonized. The hardwood flooring may at first seem creaky and to have the occasional scratch, however I would assure the buyer by explaining the quality and workmanship put into the flooring. Oak flooring, stained by my father so that it would last a life time, would assure buyers that the flooring wouldn’t need to be replaced and that the occasional spill wouldn’t effect the beauty of the floor. Next I would point out the handwork that had been put into the decorations on the walls. Beautiful handmade wooden signs, masterful paintings, and vintage kitchen utensils used in America’s early history hang on the walls. One may at first believe the decor to be a bit odd, however they would quickly come to appreciate the uniqueness of the decorations, making the kitchen/living room even more appealing.
Guiding everyone along, I would take them to the basement. Stepping around, buyers may note that the flooring is all tile. Although the flooring could easily be broken or cracked by someone determined enough, I would ensure buyers that the flooring could easily be replaced and installed. But regardless, I would explain that flooring in the basement would be mainly for displaying the beauty that tile has over wood. Formed in clay by hand, heated over several thousand degrees, and placed in ice water to harden, the tiles are perfect examples of household applicable art. After this, I would point to the massive television on the TV. Although I’ve come to live with the fact that remote controller only works if it’s pointed at an extremely awkward angle towards the TV, I’m sure the buyers will require an explanation. Moving the TV a few inches diagonally would fix the problem, and doing so would only take ten minutes. If I’m asked why I haven’t already done this, I’ll simply answer, “It’s been up there like that for three years, it’s not good to break a tradition.” With a smile, the buyers would follow me out of the room.
Going outside into the backyard, buyers will immediately noticed that pure beauty of the nature surrounding them. High above us, the trees will look down at us, showering the area in leaves. Small local wildlife will scatter at our approach. The grass will sway in waves in the direction of the wind, not taking notice of us. The more snobby buyers will immediately notice the small ditch in the corner of the yard, as well as the chunk missing from the largest tree in the yard. I will immediately calm them by telling them of the old apple tree that used to rest in the corner of the yard, up until the day it unexpectedly began to dry up and die. Everyone will appreciate the story behind the tree. As children, I would explain, my friends and I were in the backyard playing with fire works. Usually monitored, one day my mother wasn’t home. On that day, my friends and I made a cocktail of fireworks, all slammed into one. Lighting it, the tree soon paid for our antics. Flying up, the fire works immediately brutally ravaged the trunk of the tree, ripping off it’s limbs. Although my story could be considered unfortunate for the tree, I’m sure any potential buyers will appreciate the unnatural ugliness of the tree, relating with the childhood stories behind it’s scars.
After the tour, I will close my doors as the buyers walk away. Although my house has many things about it that some may considered weird, or unattractive, behind everything is a reason. With some smooth explaining, anything scar, scratch, or inconvenience can be explained in a humorous or emotional way. There should be no reason why a person shouldn’t appreciate the history behind something, especially something as intimate as a house. But sometimes things about a house aren’t easily accepted at first, anything is possible with time. Despite this, any potential buyers of my house should keep in mind that if they buy my house, it includes all the attractive things, as well as every single quirk that they can imagine. In other words, they get it all. Good and bad. To put it simply, it’s a package deal.
Friday, March 23, 2012
lockers
Scott Watson
March 21, 2012
English Honors 2
Señora Koch
Title
Señor Watson: Thank you for having me today Mrs. Pitter!
Señora Pitter: Its my pleasure, I’m glad to see that the student body has taken some time together and sent you to me.
Señor Watson: Well as you know, recently there was a search of the student’s lockers in the hope of finding drugs or some other paraphernalia. Did you support this?
Señora Pitter: Yes, I did. In fact, I was the one who initially organized it.
Señor Watson: I see! What was your reasoning behind this?
Señora Pitter: The office is constantly getting reports of students who are possibly under the influence of drugs. After a while of getting reports, I decided it should be time that the lockers be searched.
Señor Watson: Some would say that that would be against students’ rights. Any comments?
Señora Pitter: When students decide to go to Civic Memorial, they agree that they won’t bring anything or perform anything considered illegal on school grounds. So, when its suspected that students are storing illegal drugs in their lockers, which is technically school property I’ll remind you, it’s the school’s duty to retrieve the drugs and punish those students who broke the rules.
Señor Watson: I never thought of it like that. However, many students feel as if they’ve been violated by these searches. As I’m sure you know, girls hate their purses and whatnot being rummaged through; and boys feel the same way about their things. What do you think about how the students feel?
Señora Pitter: It’s my job as principle to connect with my students and help them to achieve their highest goals. It hurts me when my students feel like they do right now, however, it’s also my job to make sure that nothing harmful happens to them. If students were allowed complete privacy in their lockers, then how could we regulate and stop students from storing and selling drugs from their locker. Ultimately, my goal is to protect my students.
Señor Watson: Even if that means they get upset?
Señora Pitter: Sadly, yes.
Señor Watson: I think I’m beginning to understand why the searches happened. May I ask, how effective were the searches?
Señora Pitter: Of course I can’t tell you any names, but there we’ve uncovered quite a few pieces of contraband. I hate to say it, but there was a quite a few more pieces then when we searched the lockers in November.
Señor Watson: And what do you think this shows?
Señora Pitter: From what we can tell, drug trafficking and storage is on the rise at Civic Memorial. From many student’s points of views, these actions are invisible, so when we search through lockers they feel confused and don’t understand why its happening. But from the administrative point of view, we know pretty accurately what’s going on around the school. In the end, the fact that these actions are on the rise only shows that more searches are necessary.
Señor Watson: This quite a startling statistic, even I didn’t know the extent of why these things were happening. Perhaps if the students realized why these drug searches are so necessary, they’d understand. Is it possible that you could inform them?
Señora Pitter: I see no reason why it’s not. I didn’t realize how upset the students were getting until they sent you to me. It’s amazing how long a little bit a communication can go. However, we obviously can’t realize any names of students who have been caught doing anything illegal.
Señor Watson assumed so. One last question if I( may?
Señora Pitter: Be my guest.
Señor Watson: What is the punishment for being caught doing something illegal on school grounds. I’ve heard anything from students being put in ISS to being sent to the county jail.
Señora Pitter: There is some truth and some lies in that. Depending on the severity of the actions performed, we usually only suspend students from CM. Repeat offenders that are expelled if we deem it necessary. And if the actions are worse, then we may have the police come immediately if necessary.
Señor Watson: Mrs. Pitter, it was my honor coming today. You’ve helped me come to realize quite a few things today. I hadn’t even thought how big of a problem we had at our school and how necessary it is for us to take action against it. Thanks to you, the school body will be hearing from me very soon.
Señora Pitter: I’m very happy that you came to me today so that I could answer all of yours and the student body’s questions. Believe me, a principle feels good when she knows that her students are willing to come to her with their problems. I know that often times it seems the administration does things without a purpose, but the action being taken against illegal things at our school is one-hundred percent necessary. Once again, thank you for coming.
After today, my eyes have been opened to all the problems at my own school. I had never even began to think about how bad it was. If the students were to stop complaining for a minute, they;’d be able to stop the problem that was causing the administration to search our lockers. While it may be against our freedoms t have our lockers searched, one needs to take themselves away from the situation nd then to look at the situation gin. There’s a bigger problem here then what we originally thought. I had once thought that Mrs. Pitter had no right right going through my own locker, but now I think a little bit differently. I still don’t really like the thought of it, but I don’t like the thought that druggies around the school are what are the actual problem. If the student body hadn’t selected me for this opportunity, I may still be in the ignorance I had surrounded myself in. It’s actually really obvious now how many people around her use their lockers as storage, to hide things away from the administrations eye. In the end, I learnt a lot of things today from Mrs. Pitter, and for the rest of my life I’ll never estimate how far a little bit of communication can go.
March 21, 2012
English Honors 2
Señora Koch
Title
Señor Watson: Thank you for having me today Mrs. Pitter!
Señora Pitter: Its my pleasure, I’m glad to see that the student body has taken some time together and sent you to me.
Señor Watson: Well as you know, recently there was a search of the student’s lockers in the hope of finding drugs or some other paraphernalia. Did you support this?
Señora Pitter: Yes, I did. In fact, I was the one who initially organized it.
Señor Watson: I see! What was your reasoning behind this?
Señora Pitter: The office is constantly getting reports of students who are possibly under the influence of drugs. After a while of getting reports, I decided it should be time that the lockers be searched.
Señor Watson: Some would say that that would be against students’ rights. Any comments?
Señora Pitter: When students decide to go to Civic Memorial, they agree that they won’t bring anything or perform anything considered illegal on school grounds. So, when its suspected that students are storing illegal drugs in their lockers, which is technically school property I’ll remind you, it’s the school’s duty to retrieve the drugs and punish those students who broke the rules.
Señor Watson: I never thought of it like that. However, many students feel as if they’ve been violated by these searches. As I’m sure you know, girls hate their purses and whatnot being rummaged through; and boys feel the same way about their things. What do you think about how the students feel?
Señora Pitter: It’s my job as principle to connect with my students and help them to achieve their highest goals. It hurts me when my students feel like they do right now, however, it’s also my job to make sure that nothing harmful happens to them. If students were allowed complete privacy in their lockers, then how could we regulate and stop students from storing and selling drugs from their locker. Ultimately, my goal is to protect my students.
Señor Watson: Even if that means they get upset?
Señora Pitter: Sadly, yes.
Señor Watson: I think I’m beginning to understand why the searches happened. May I ask, how effective were the searches?
Señora Pitter: Of course I can’t tell you any names, but there we’ve uncovered quite a few pieces of contraband. I hate to say it, but there was a quite a few more pieces then when we searched the lockers in November.
Señor Watson: And what do you think this shows?
Señora Pitter: From what we can tell, drug trafficking and storage is on the rise at Civic Memorial. From many student’s points of views, these actions are invisible, so when we search through lockers they feel confused and don’t understand why its happening. But from the administrative point of view, we know pretty accurately what’s going on around the school. In the end, the fact that these actions are on the rise only shows that more searches are necessary.
Señor Watson: This quite a startling statistic, even I didn’t know the extent of why these things were happening. Perhaps if the students realized why these drug searches are so necessary, they’d understand. Is it possible that you could inform them?
Señora Pitter: I see no reason why it’s not. I didn’t realize how upset the students were getting until they sent you to me. It’s amazing how long a little bit a communication can go. However, we obviously can’t realize any names of students who have been caught doing anything illegal.
Señor Watson assumed so. One last question if I( may?
Señora Pitter: Be my guest.
Señor Watson: What is the punishment for being caught doing something illegal on school grounds. I’ve heard anything from students being put in ISS to being sent to the county jail.
Señora Pitter: There is some truth and some lies in that. Depending on the severity of the actions performed, we usually only suspend students from CM. Repeat offenders that are expelled if we deem it necessary. And if the actions are worse, then we may have the police come immediately if necessary.
Señor Watson: Mrs. Pitter, it was my honor coming today. You’ve helped me come to realize quite a few things today. I hadn’t even thought how big of a problem we had at our school and how necessary it is for us to take action against it. Thanks to you, the school body will be hearing from me very soon.
Señora Pitter: I’m very happy that you came to me today so that I could answer all of yours and the student body’s questions. Believe me, a principle feels good when she knows that her students are willing to come to her with their problems. I know that often times it seems the administration does things without a purpose, but the action being taken against illegal things at our school is one-hundred percent necessary. Once again, thank you for coming.
After today, my eyes have been opened to all the problems at my own school. I had never even began to think about how bad it was. If the students were to stop complaining for a minute, they;’d be able to stop the problem that was causing the administration to search our lockers. While it may be against our freedoms t have our lockers searched, one needs to take themselves away from the situation nd then to look at the situation gin. There’s a bigger problem here then what we originally thought. I had once thought that Mrs. Pitter had no right right going through my own locker, but now I think a little bit differently. I still don’t really like the thought of it, but I don’t like the thought that druggies around the school are what are the actual problem. If the student body hadn’t selected me for this opportunity, I may still be in the ignorance I had surrounded myself in. It’s actually really obvious now how many people around her use their lockers as storage, to hide things away from the administrations eye. In the end, I learnt a lot of things today from Mrs. Pitter, and for the rest of my life I’ll never estimate how far a little bit of communication can go.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
loceker search
Scott Watson
March 21, 2012
English Hnors 2
Señora Koch
Title
Señor Watson: Thank you for having me today Mrs. Pitts!
Señora Pitts: Its my pleasure, I’m glad to see that the student body has taken some time together and sent you to me.
Señor Watson: Well as you know, recently there was a search of the student’s lockers in the hope of finding drugs or some other paraphernalia. Did you support this?
Señora Pitts: Yes, I did. In fact, I was the one who initially organized it.
Señor Watson: I see! What was your reasoning behind this?
Señora Pitts: The office is constantly getting reports of students who are possibly under the influence of drugs. After a while of getting reports, I decided it should be time that the lockers be searched.
Señor Watson: Some would say that that would be against students’ rights. Any comments?
Señora Pitts: When students decide to go to Civic Memorial, they agree that they won’t bring anything or perform anything considered illegal on school grounds. So, when its suspected that students are storing illegal drugs in their lockers, which is technically school property I’ll remind you, it’s the school’s duty to retrieve the drugs and punish those students who broke the rules.
Señor Watson: I never thought of it like that. However, many students feel as if they’ve been violated by these searches. As I’m sure you know, girls hate their purses and whatnot being rummaged through; and boys feel the same way about their things. What do you think about how the students feel?
Señora Pitts: It’s my job as principle to connect with my students and help them to achieve their highest goals. It hurts me when my students feel like they do right now, however, it’s also my job to make sure that nothing harmful happens to them. If students were allowed complete privacy in their lockers, then how could we regulate and stop students from storing and selling drugs from their locker. Ultimately, my goal is to protect my students.
Señor Watson: Even if that means they get upset?
Señora Pitts: Sadly, yes.
Señor Watson: I think I’m beginning to understand why the searches happened. May I ask, how effective were the searches?
Señora Pitts: Of course I can’t tell you any names, but there we’ve uncovered quite a few pieces of contraband. I hate to say it, but there was a quite a few more pieces then when we searched the lockers in November.
Señor Watson: And what do you think this shows?
Señora Pitts: From what we can tell, drug trafficking and storage is on the rise at Civic Memorial. From many student’s points of views, these actions are invisible, so when we search through lockers they feel confused and don’t understand why its happening. But from the administrative point of view, we know pretty accurately what’s going on around the school. In the end, the fact that these actions are on the rise only shows that more searches are necessary.
March 21, 2012
English Hnors 2
Señora Koch
Title
Señor Watson: Thank you for having me today Mrs. Pitts!
Señora Pitts: Its my pleasure, I’m glad to see that the student body has taken some time together and sent you to me.
Señor Watson: Well as you know, recently there was a search of the student’s lockers in the hope of finding drugs or some other paraphernalia. Did you support this?
Señora Pitts: Yes, I did. In fact, I was the one who initially organized it.
Señor Watson: I see! What was your reasoning behind this?
Señora Pitts: The office is constantly getting reports of students who are possibly under the influence of drugs. After a while of getting reports, I decided it should be time that the lockers be searched.
Señor Watson: Some would say that that would be against students’ rights. Any comments?
Señora Pitts: When students decide to go to Civic Memorial, they agree that they won’t bring anything or perform anything considered illegal on school grounds. So, when its suspected that students are storing illegal drugs in their lockers, which is technically school property I’ll remind you, it’s the school’s duty to retrieve the drugs and punish those students who broke the rules.
Señor Watson: I never thought of it like that. However, many students feel as if they’ve been violated by these searches. As I’m sure you know, girls hate their purses and whatnot being rummaged through; and boys feel the same way about their things. What do you think about how the students feel?
Señora Pitts: It’s my job as principle to connect with my students and help them to achieve their highest goals. It hurts me when my students feel like they do right now, however, it’s also my job to make sure that nothing harmful happens to them. If students were allowed complete privacy in their lockers, then how could we regulate and stop students from storing and selling drugs from their locker. Ultimately, my goal is to protect my students.
Señor Watson: Even if that means they get upset?
Señora Pitts: Sadly, yes.
Señor Watson: I think I’m beginning to understand why the searches happened. May I ask, how effective were the searches?
Señora Pitts: Of course I can’t tell you any names, but there we’ve uncovered quite a few pieces of contraband. I hate to say it, but there was a quite a few more pieces then when we searched the lockers in November.
Señor Watson: And what do you think this shows?
Señora Pitts: From what we can tell, drug trafficking and storage is on the rise at Civic Memorial. From many student’s points of views, these actions are invisible, so when we search through lockers they feel confused and don’t understand why its happening. But from the administrative point of view, we know pretty accurately what’s going on around the school. In the end, the fact that these actions are on the rise only shows that more searches are necessary.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
censorship
Scott Watson
Mrs. Koch
English Honors 2
March 18, 2012
Title
Long ago when the United States was first starting out, it was unique as a country because of the fact that our government gave its citizens exclusive rights towards freedom of speech. At the beginning and for quite a while, the freedom of speech was unchallenged and rarely questioned. It was accepted that when someone said something, it was their right to do so. But as time went on, new forms of communication and ways to express your opinions were made. With the creation for the internet, the United States entered completely new territory. Originally the internet was very small, but now its single handily one of the most important pieces of technology ever created. With the introduction of video hosting websites and social networking, people are literally a post way from each other. Along with these conviences, the internet is also a powerful tool within America’s classrooms. However, many schools block student’s access to vital information, citing that many websites that student’s read as interruptions to the classroom. By doing so, many schools violate what our forefathers set out to do so long ago. Instead of giving students the information they often need, they often censor websites indiscriminately, often ignoring the actual content on the websites. Because of this,, instead of protecting students from disruptful websites, more often than not, the consequences usually cause more harm then not censoring the websites in the first place.
Schools often censor websites because they contain information on one or more subjects that the school deems harmful to students. The information could be about drugs, guns, or anything illegal or unimportant to learning. However, schools usually neglect to examine the websites thoroughly. For example, some schools block Wikipedia’s article on Tobacco. Students who are trying to learn about Tobacco’s long history are unable to do so. If the school moderators had given a quick look through of the article, they would’ve seen that there was very little if any information that students could use for unlawful means. Another example of this would be Youtube. Many schools block all means that its school members could access Youtube, even if teachers are trying to show their students an educational video. Youtube is one of the largest video hosting websites; on it is an unbelievably huge amount of educational videos. While there are just as many, if not more videos that could be considered harmful to the learning atmosphere, teachers themselves should have the option to choose for themselves what is and what isn’t an interruption to their classroom.
Another form of censorship that schools enforce is that students are not allowed to wear certain types of clothing to school. Some examples of clothing that schools don’t allow include clothes have chains on them, clothes with provocative holes in them, clothes with patches, pajama pants, shirts advertising alcohol or tobacco, among others. Many students could be considered opinionated and exercise their first amendment by wearing their own shirts. Many consider wear a shirt advertising Bud Light the same as wearing a Cardinals shirt. However, schools consider these kinds of shirts detrimental to learning and don’t allow them. A popular trend is having holes on your pants. The holes are often made in the jeans where the quads are and on the knees, and sometimes on the butt or crotch of the pants. While there is a common agreement that provocative clothing disrupts the classroom, most schools have zero tolerance policy towards holes and don’t allow them anywhere. These forms of censorship go against student’s rights. If a student wants to wear their own clothing, they should be allowed to do so. In the beginning, the first amendment was used mostly for vocal speech, however that doesn’t exclude wearing clothing that voices your opinion. Whether you like the Blues over the Blackhawks, or New Port over Marlboro, that’s your own opinion. No one should censor that.
While many schools began their censorship policies with good intentions, in the end they only cause more grief and annoyances then what they would’ve gone through without the censorship at all. Students go without the information they need because of neglectful moderation, and otherss are stopped from voicing their own opinions. Individual students who show themselves to be repeat offenders when it comes to misusing the internet or wearing disruptful clothing should be taken care of individually, instead of forcing other, more responsible students to pay for others’ actions. Censorship, no matter how small, has no place in a country founded on the lack of it. If the forefathers had not seen a problem with censorship, they wouldn’t have made an American’s FIRST right the freedom of speech. If the government isn’t allowed to challenge an person’s freedom of speech, no school should be allowed too.
Mrs. Koch
English Honors 2
March 18, 2012
Title
Long ago when the United States was first starting out, it was unique as a country because of the fact that our government gave its citizens exclusive rights towards freedom of speech. At the beginning and for quite a while, the freedom of speech was unchallenged and rarely questioned. It was accepted that when someone said something, it was their right to do so. But as time went on, new forms of communication and ways to express your opinions were made. With the creation for the internet, the United States entered completely new territory. Originally the internet was very small, but now its single handily one of the most important pieces of technology ever created. With the introduction of video hosting websites and social networking, people are literally a post way from each other. Along with these conviences, the internet is also a powerful tool within America’s classrooms. However, many schools block student’s access to vital information, citing that many websites that student’s read as interruptions to the classroom. By doing so, many schools violate what our forefathers set out to do so long ago. Instead of giving students the information they often need, they often censor websites indiscriminately, often ignoring the actual content on the websites. Because of this,, instead of protecting students from disruptful websites, more often than not, the consequences usually cause more harm then not censoring the websites in the first place.
Schools often censor websites because they contain information on one or more subjects that the school deems harmful to students. The information could be about drugs, guns, or anything illegal or unimportant to learning. However, schools usually neglect to examine the websites thoroughly. For example, some schools block Wikipedia’s article on Tobacco. Students who are trying to learn about Tobacco’s long history are unable to do so. If the school moderators had given a quick look through of the article, they would’ve seen that there was very little if any information that students could use for unlawful means. Another example of this would be Youtube. Many schools block all means that its school members could access Youtube, even if teachers are trying to show their students an educational video. Youtube is one of the largest video hosting websites; on it is an unbelievably huge amount of educational videos. While there are just as many, if not more videos that could be considered harmful to the learning atmosphere, teachers themselves should have the option to choose for themselves what is and what isn’t an interruption to their classroom.
Another form of censorship that schools enforce is that students are not allowed to wear certain types of clothing to school. Some examples of clothing that schools don’t allow include clothes have chains on them, clothes with provocative holes in them, clothes with patches, pajama pants, shirts advertising alcohol or tobacco, among others. Many students could be considered opinionated and exercise their first amendment by wearing their own shirts. Many consider wear a shirt advertising Bud Light the same as wearing a Cardinals shirt. However, schools consider these kinds of shirts detrimental to learning and don’t allow them. A popular trend is having holes on your pants. The holes are often made in the jeans where the quads are and on the knees, and sometimes on the butt or crotch of the pants. While there is a common agreement that provocative clothing disrupts the classroom, most schools have zero tolerance policy towards holes and don’t allow them anywhere. These forms of censorship go against student’s rights. If a student wants to wear their own clothing, they should be allowed to do so. In the beginning, the first amendment was used mostly for vocal speech, however that doesn’t exclude wearing clothing that voices your opinion. Whether you like the Blues over the Blackhawks, or New Port over Marlboro, that’s your own opinion. No one should censor that.
While many schools began their censorship policies with good intentions, in the end they only cause more grief and annoyances then what they would’ve gone through without the censorship at all. Students go without the information they need because of neglectful moderation, and otherss are stopped from voicing their own opinions. Individual students who show themselves to be repeat offenders when it comes to misusing the internet or wearing disruptful clothing should be taken care of individually, instead of forcing other, more responsible students to pay for others’ actions. Censorship, no matter how small, has no place in a country founded on the lack of it. If the forefathers had not seen a problem with censorship, they wouldn’t have made an American’s FIRST right the freedom of speech. If the government isn’t allowed to challenge an person’s freedom of speech, no school should be allowed too.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Scott Watson
March 14, 2012
Mrs. Koch
English Honors 2
Guardian Angel
More often then not, at some point in a person's life, they have to experience a moment that they can't shake out of their head. Usually, these events could be avoided if the person had taken some precaution before hand, but it's usually to late. I myself have experienced these feeling first hand, and if I could go back as my own guardian angel, I would do it in a heartbeat.
If were able to go back and be my own guardian angel, then i would go back to the day I nearly crashed. It was a rainy day, the roads were covered in water. I was in the back seat and my brother was driving in front with his friend next to him. It was like every other time he drove. The music was loud and we were going faster then we ought too. We started up a conversation, talking about anything and everything. He had said something quietly and didn't hear him, so I looked over the chair. Looking up, I saw the light was red. He was running it! Involuntarily, i looked to my left out the window. Coming at me head on was a truck. He squealed his tires, the smell of burnt rubber filled the air, and we barely got away without getting t-bone. Ever sense that day, I've had a fear of red lights, almost like it's become a phobia. We were lucky that we got away, but it was such an oh-dear-lord moment that I've been unable to forget. If I had the chance, I'd go back and change the situation. I'd make my brother pay attention to the road, point out the red light, and by doing so, rid myself of this burden that's been put on my mind. No one can really understand how it feels until they have to go through it themselves. To know that you have to suffer over something that could have easily avoided can be unbearable sometimes.
March 14, 2012
Mrs. Koch
English Honors 2
Guardian Angel
More often then not, at some point in a person's life, they have to experience a moment that they can't shake out of their head. Usually, these events could be avoided if the person had taken some precaution before hand, but it's usually to late. I myself have experienced these feeling first hand, and if I could go back as my own guardian angel, I would do it in a heartbeat.
If were able to go back and be my own guardian angel, then i would go back to the day I nearly crashed. It was a rainy day, the roads were covered in water. I was in the back seat and my brother was driving in front with his friend next to him. It was like every other time he drove. The music was loud and we were going faster then we ought too. We started up a conversation, talking about anything and everything. He had said something quietly and didn't hear him, so I looked over the chair. Looking up, I saw the light was red. He was running it! Involuntarily, i looked to my left out the window. Coming at me head on was a truck. He squealed his tires, the smell of burnt rubber filled the air, and we barely got away without getting t-bone. Ever sense that day, I've had a fear of red lights, almost like it's become a phobia. We were lucky that we got away, but it was such an oh-dear-lord moment that I've been unable to forget. If I had the chance, I'd go back and change the situation. I'd make my brother pay attention to the road, point out the red light, and by doing so, rid myself of this burden that's been put on my mind. No one can really understand how it feels until they have to go through it themselves. To know that you have to suffer over something that could have easily avoided can be unbearable sometimes.
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