With the publication of the viewpoint op-ed on discipline that ran in Sunday's paper, came an overwhelmingly positive response. I've been called, emailed, and spoken to in person by many persons affiliated with our schools, and the only thing I can surmise is that with the publication of this piece, I have struck an exposed nerve in the district. Like a bolt of lightning hitting an umbrella, this piece has started a conversation. Along with these numerous emails, phone calls, and personal expressions of thanks for writing this piece, I have also had friends of friends contact me through third parties, thanking me for writing this and speaking the truth. On the PNJ site, the story has been "shared" more than 110 times--that is a lot of facebook walls that this story appeared on! Some of the hardest hitting responses:
"Thank you for your spot-on editorial. My elementary classroom has been disrupted by students who know their misbehavior is tolerated with no real consequences. Hopefully your voice of reason will become the norm."
..wrote one elementary school teacher.
"Dear Jeff, I would venture to say that you will receive a "landslide" of response to your article. It is extremely accurate in that strict discipline should apply to all children regardless of a child's circumstances, with some exceptions of course. Those, who are advocates of "sparing the rod", will live to regret it. There is probably much regret now."
..wrote an interested community member and parent
"Jeff....
I strongly agree with your PNJ piece.... i.e. disruptive kids do not belong in a classroom.
long ago while waiting to do six months Army reserve training I sub taught at middle and high schools. I soon saw there were always a few "students" that were disruptive and ruined the classroom learning ambience for the rest. It seemed obvious all would benefit if the disruptive few were allowed to leave the classroom...Years later when my son was navigating the Pensacola school system much remained the same.... a disruptive few were allowed to screw others by their presence. When I mentioned this to administrators I got the same response. It was school policy to try to keep all kids in class regardless of their interest or ability to learn what was being presented."
....Wrote a parent
"You could not be any more correct in your logic and presentation than was printed in your VIEWPOINT.
Working in the district for 39 years and seeing "discipline" become a matter of laughter among students, I wish to let you know how much I appreciate your words and efforts. Trying to sweep back the tide seems impossible, but maybe enough effort directed toward students to adhere to rules, self-discipline, pride may yield positive results. Schools in many cases are warehouses for young criminals, Mothers are allowed to claim their criminal spawn for financial benefit as long as that individual is enrolled. Special education classes often are the worst case scenario, in that a plethora of exemptions allow these criminals to circumvent the rules "normal" student may adhere to.
Racism is the catch word for any and everything for those not wishing to adhere to civilized behavior. Following closely behind is the word poverty. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX by and large perform and excel because of family and personal honor and commitment to make the best possible out of what is available. Check any school...XXXXXXXX, XXXXXXXXXXX or any XXXXXX child is not a problem to be dealt with. If so, rarely!
At the end of my career...last ten years or so was spent at XXXXXXXXX after completing my sentence at the Gulag XXXXXXXXXXXXX. Sentence was imposed for questioning and challenging XXXXX XXXXXX and others as to spending of Federal money...waste, fraud and corruption. Branded as negative and not a team player, demoted from XXXXXXXXX to XXXXXXXXX at The XXXXXXXXXXX. ;) Keep the course and let me know if I may be of assistance in your effort."
...Wrote a retired 39 year veteran teacher
To say you 'hit the nail' on the head is an understatement...for the past two years I have said repeatedly to any one that will listen, "We are creating the thugs and criminals of the future," in the county. I used to love my job, the kids, and even the extra effort that must go into each day. I am sad to say I do not feel this way anymore. Our district is in major need of an overhaul.
