Chris is publisher of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at cpruett79@gmail.com or by calling (812) 847-4487

Linton-Stockton takes hard stance with cell phones

Posted Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at 4:32 PM

If you have a cell phone and you're a parent, how many times have you asked your child to help you figure out how to use your new phone?

Come on, admit it! You've done it more than once.

Why? Because today's students have grown up with computers, iPods, cell phones, and other types of technology. They have a "feel" for these things. It's second nature to most young people.

Though technology is a wonderful thing, and can be extremely helpful in our schools, it can also be a problem.

Cell phones are a good example. Schools have been forced to find a way to deal with students using cell phones at school. Not just to make calls, but to text and also take pictures.

Linton-Stockton High School has taken a hard stance on the subject. Its handbook states under the "Electronic Devices" category:

"Possessing or using on school grounds during school hours an electronic device, a cellular telephone, or any other telecommunication device in a situation not related to a school purpose or educational function is prohibited. School hours are defined as 7:45 a.m. until 3:25 p.m. within the school buildings and facilities, and school sponsored transportation at all times. The following disciplinary actions will be taken but not limited to

First offense -- two days out-of-school suspension.

Second offense -- three days out-of-school suspension.

Third offense -- five days out-of-school suspension.

Fourth offense -- 10 days out-of-school suspension, recommendation for expulsion."

It's a problem all schools are facing.

"A lot of people have cell phones, and they are very, very useful. As a parent I like it," Linton-Stockton High School Principal Nick Karazsia said.

"The problem is when they get in a school setting. They can be used to interfere with what's going on in school."

Students have uncovered ways to use cell phones to their advantage at school.

"An example is, students texting other students as to what was on a test or what to look for on a test," Karazsia explained. "And they're texting each other just to converse. ... They were using their cameras on their phones to take pictures of exams, and sharing them with other students. And they were taking pictures of students and personnel and putting them in places (they shouldn't be).

"In a school setting, (cell phones) aren't appropriate. They're not an educational function. They can be very disruptive. Because of that, we felt like, in light of all the disciplinary notices last year, we needed to do something really serious."

Two years ago the policy was if a student was found with a cell phone, the phone was sent to the office and the student would pick it up later and take it home.

Last year, "we would take the cell phone away and the parent would come get it," Karazsia recalled. "If it continued, they would be suspended. That didn't work. We had well over 100 disciplinary referrals."

Karazsia said iPods were a problem too. The school did allow students to listen to music at times, but that too was being abused.

"Some students were putting notes on their iPods and listening to it (instead of music) when they were taking a test," Karazsia said.

"Technology is great, but unfortunately younger people are sometimes better at technology than older people. They know how to use it and abuse it in some situations."

So far this year, there have been 10 students suspended for cell phone use.

"The far majority of those have been what I call accidental usage. An example would be if a student has their phone on them, and it goes off. They hit a wrong button, or forgot to turn it off and someone calls them," Karazsia said.

"If everyone would just understand that possession is the rule ... they're not to have it (on school grounds)."

That includes lockers and their cars.

Karazsia added that if a student has their cell phone in their locker or vehicle, the school may never know. But if those are searched for another reason -- for a weapon or drugs, for example -- and the phone is uncovered, they will be suspended.

If a student needs to get in touch with their parents during school hours, they can use the office phone.

"If they left their homework at home and need their parent to bring it, that's OK. Something that's school related, that's not a problem," Karazsia said.

"If they want to call them and let them know they're going to stay at Johnny's house, that's not OK. It needs to be school related or an emergency."

Karazsia said teachers can use their cell phones at school, but only when appropriate.

"We've talked about this in our administrative, faculty and staff meetings. ... In the classroom, if a teacher is instructing, teaching, they will not be using their cell phones," Karazsia said.

"If they're on their prep time or lunch time, if they need to make a call, they're permitted to do so. Anytime they are in the classroom working with students, they are not to use their cell phones."

Chris is the general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com

Comments

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I'm sorry but I see no reason why a student can't keep their cell phone in their car. They aren't allowed to go to their cars during school hours. I for one want them to be able to call home on the way to or from school if they have car trouble. And as for the teachers not being able to use their cell phones during school time, BULL! I have called a teacher(a family member) MANY, MANY times during school hours.

-- Posted by mommy of two on Tue, Sep 16, 2008, at 5:42 PM
i must say that this is getting carried away in my opinion.. I agree that cell phones should be shut off and left in there lockers or cars. However I do not agree with the fact that they arent allowed on school grounds. I currently have no children in HIgh School, however when he gets into high school and starts driving I intend on him having a cell phone so he can contact me if there is a problem going to or coming from school. I will expect him to keep it in his car at all times during school hours.

-- Posted by sissy on Tue, Sep 16, 2008, at 8:15 PM
Good idea, but going too far.

As usual, a school administration is making up rules to make their job easier, to heck with reasonableness.

No wonder parents are so often at odds with the schools.

-- Posted by Question? on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 7:04 AM
IANAL--Aren't vehicles considered private property? I think that if the student is over 18 then the school might get into legal troubles with things like that?

Any real life, not played on TV, lawyers want to tell me how it really works?

-- Posted by per moenia urbis on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 7:19 AM
Not to change the subject, but what's the deal with one of the county schools having a mold problem, anyone know?

-- Posted by outofthisworld on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 9:11 AM
What a hypocrite! "If they're on their prep time or lunch time, if they need to make a call, they're permitted to do so. Anytime they are in the classroom working with students, they are not to use their cell phones." Students should have the same privileges. What's good for the goose is good for the gander! As long as they are responsible they shouldn't be suspended. Why should a student not be allowed to make a private phone call in between classes or on their lunch? Teachers could also use a school phone just like the students are expected to do. This policy is SO typical of Linton School.

-- Posted by whatanut on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 10:26 AM
What a treat, cells are allowed at Bloomfield, as long as they are off and stored in a locker. When a cell is seen, it is taken from the student and returned at the end of the day. This is typical knee-jerk overreaction to suspend a student for violation of a ridiculous school policy. Many students can not afford to loose a percentage of their grade and still expect to graduate on time but maybe there are exceptions to this if you are in the top 2 or 3 in your class.

-- Posted by T0ADH0P on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 11:16 AM
I agree that cell phones should be banned in high school. Many many students have graduated from LHS without them in the past. Invention is the mother of necessity, it's been said. But why do the students now feel cell phones are so needed and cry and whine when they're taken away? Because they're SPOILED and need to GROW UP! I'm glad officials at LHS have taken this harsh policy! Too many kids are getting away with cheating.

-- Posted by zenos on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 11:30 AM
WOW. Having a phone sure is a rebelious thing! They should probably be put in jail for such an offense!! (Note: sarcasm)

There are MANY legitimate reasons why kids of all ages should be allowed to have their phone with them on the way to school, and after departing school. To not allow phones in cars or lockers is absolutely stupid.

To say "we didn't have phones when I was in school and we did just fine" isn't a valid argument. Wake up. The world is a different place. Times have changed. Saying something like that is just like sticking your head in the sand and refusing to move along with progress in the world.

-- Posted by Coda on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 2:26 PM
I fail to see any humor with your comparison. However, you almost made my point for me. It's about safety and emergency situations. I gain a little extra piece of mind knowing that at the very least my children have IMMEDIATE access to a phone before and after school. As I previously stated, there are many legitimate reasons for both parent and child. Safety being the most important.

Reading the article makes me believe the school adminstration was tired of the paperwork and the hassle associated with so many children violating the cell phone rule. So they've simply banned cell phones? Works great while you're AT school, but what about the time before and after school? They can't keep phones in cars or lockers and have no immediate access to a phone until they reach the spot they've stashed their phone? The children and their safety are no longer important once they've left school grounds?

With both parents working, extracurricular activities, and kids with after school jobs it becomes very important to have a direct line of communication with your child. Now....you tell me where I'm wrong. I'm anxiously waiting.

-- Posted by Coda on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 4:51 PM
Hey cody r is this as absolute as zoning?

-- Posted by nutzz6934 on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 5:17 PM
This rule is the all time dumbest this school has made, and they have made some pretty stupid rules..I do agree they should be off and not in class rooms during school from 8:00 to 3:03, but they can't have them on their way to their vechiles..leaving school..thats is just completly stupid...and the first offensive is two days out of school..thats pushing it a whole hell of a lot...I think this schoool has bigger problems then a simple issue with cells phones..

-- Posted by miner17 on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 5:43 PM
Obviously you are still missing the point. I don't believe a single person commenting here said anything about allowing cellphones in the classroom or using them in a classroom. Nobody has said "sure, let them talk on the phone instead of paying attention in class".

I've yet to see anyone counter the valid points I've raised. Still waiting...

-- Posted by Coda on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 7:22 PM
The only thing unbelievable is people regurgitating asinine comments.

Let me know if I need to simpilfy my other posts so maybe you'll understand them.

-- Posted by Coda on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 7:29 PM
"First offense -- two days out-of-school suspension.

Second offense -- three days out-of-school suspension.

Third offense -- five days out-of-school suspension.

Fourth offense -- 10 days out-of-school suspension, recommendation for expulsion."

Maybe it's just me but I think the school should be figuring out ways to graduate more students. Instead they would rather look for more ways to kick them out.

-- Posted by Vote4NewCouncil on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 8:09 PM
It is NOT the school's responsibility to see that children graduate...it is the PARENTS. These same parents that are complaining about the cell phone rule are probably the same ones that complain about the graduation rate. The PARENTS need to make sure the homework is completed and turned in on time. The PARENTS need to make sure the children show up at school every day and on time. The PARENTS also need to make sure that the children follow the rules-whether they agree with them or not. Cell phones have no place in schools...in lockers or in cars.

"Mommy of two" why are you calling a teacher during the school day if it is not a family emergency??? That is uncalled for and the teacher should be disciplined for it and you should know better than to disturb a teacher during the school day.Shame on YOU.

I'm betting that the parents that are complaining the most about this are not much more than kids themselves, still very immature and "me" oriented. Grow up and act like adults. Be PARENTS and teach your children to obey the rules, not break them.Leave the cell phones at home.

-- Posted by virginiagrace on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 10:20 PM
Are you people blind???? How some of you can't figure out why it might be important for children to have a phone on their way to and from school is absolutely beyond me.

Calling people "immature" and telling us to "grow up" because we feel our children have the right to use a phone and call the police or dial 911 for an emergency? God forbid some child or young adult witnesses a crime taking place such as an abduction. Or a car accident. Or someone having a medical emergency where minutes saves lives! That "what if" list goes on and on. Something like that may never happen, but I would like for my kids to have options if a situation ever comes up.

Name calling and being so narrow minded makes me think you should check your maturity level. I teach my children to follow rules thank you very much. I also teach them how to use common sense. Some people could use a good dose of it.

-- Posted by Coda on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 11:20 PM
Someone please help me as I'm trying to understand both sides to this.

I think I'm getting one of them. However, I'm really struggling with why there is a problem with a phone in a car.

Has school changed so much that kids are allowed to attend class by staying in their cars? Does the school broadcast classes over the radio sort of like you can go to a drive-in theater (if you can find one) and instead of hanging a speaker to your window you tune your radio to a certain frequency?

If so that is rather innovative I guess and I would understand why the cell phones shouldn't be in the cars. Not sure about teaching that way but if that's what you're doing over there then I guess you should ban the phones from cars.

-- Posted by Question? on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 7:06 AM
That is true - teachers and staff are on their cell phones during the day, which is not right.

-- Posted by outofthisworld on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 1:09 PM
*sigh* You can lead a horse to water......

-- Posted by Coda on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 6:43 PM
It has already been stated but.... It's a different world. Lets say,just for the sake of argument. That any one of you has a 17 or 18 year old daughter, who has a child of their own, and STILL IN SCHOOL, trying to complete their high school education, is told that they cannot have their phone in case of an emergency with their baby, your grandchild. You are at work, cause lets face it, we all have bills to pay. do you want to rely on the "lady" in the office who has been hopped up on Red Bull and playing texas holdem online all day, to get your daughter the message in a reasonable time frame? Not me. Also before any of you say "they'd never do that", it's already happened at WRV, this year. it's her baby, and her responsibility to be able to be in contact with the childs caregiver AT ALL TIMES.

I'm not saying that the rule as a whole is bad, but there are clear exceptions that need to be addressed.

-- Posted by C&D on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 7:49 PM
Bill... when you were a kid they banged stones together and sent smoke signals to communicate!8^) This new stance by LHS is like killing a gnat with an atom bomb.

-- Posted by Mr. F on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 8:04 PM
Why are many of you so negative? For the heck of it, I looked at the comments made by "Vote4NewCouncil" on the current news items. Here are his/her comments:

Article title: Downtown Linton restaurant closes; owners want to sell it

"It's a shame they closed without warning. I would hate to work there and find out that you don't have a job anymore the night it closed."

Posted by Vote4NewCouncil on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 8:01 PM

Article title: Moore back in court on petition to revoke sentence

"They always drop and reduce the charges on these guys. How many chances do you get? How long until the Prosecutor and Judge get fed up? I know the general public has had enough..."

Posted by Vote4NewCouncil on Wed, Sep 17, 2008, at 8:04 PM

I may be old, but I was taught by my elders to be respectful and "if you do not have anything nice to say, then don't say anything." I wish some of you would follow that advice.

I am sure that school if tough enough these days. Its not like it was when I was in high school over 40 years ago, but our teachers, administration, secretaries, bus drivers, etc. need our/your support, not your negativity.

The sign does say "You'll like Linton" but I am sure that some of you have something bad and negative to say about that too.

-- Posted by tgson6060 on Thu, Sep 18, 2008, at 9:21 PM
tgson6060: You are right. From now on I will post positive things about local business closings and habitual criminal offenders.

-- Posted by Vote4NewCouncil on Fri, Sep 19, 2008, at 11:36 AM
I believe the kids should be able to keep their phones in their cars. The town of Linton is not what is used to be. Our kids need to be kept safe. It is not a Spoiling issue..it is a safety issue. I have read "when I went to school", well when I went to school we did not have them either, but they need them now. Look at the number of people killed in Greene County this year!!!

-- Posted by Softball Coach on Sat, Sep 20, 2008, at 8:08 AM
I think we need to really look at two things here. For one, if you review posts made by GoGreeneCo in other articles, you will see this person will argue the point of the sun rising in the East and setting in the West!

The other thing is a quote from the article, "Karazsia added that if a student has their cell phone in their locker or vehicle, the school may never know. But if those are searched for another reason -- for a weapon or drugs, for example -- and the phone is uncovered, they will be suspended." As long as our kids do not give the authorities a reason to search their vehicles, we should not have to worry about their phones being confiscated and the student being suspended.

-- Posted by HoosierMom on Sun, Sep 21, 2008, at 2:19 PM
Encouraging your children to break the rules and face suspension if caught doesn't seem to be a very good idea to me. Is it me or is there something wrong if it comes to this?

-- Posted by Question? on Sun, Sep 21, 2008, at 7:21 PM
How did we ever survive without cell phones? How did we ever grow-up without driving to school? The answers to these questions are: We talked to people face to face or on the telephone at home...not that many years ago. We rode the school bus or WALKED to school. These kids today don't have a clue. They drive better cars than most of the faculty and MUST have the newest and most extreme cell phone available. The parents are the enablers and the school administrators are "the bad guys" because they want education to come first. No wonder the graduation rate is so low.

-- Posted by virginiagrace on Sun, Sep 21, 2008, at 11:38 PM
How does a cell phone in a car in the parking lot or even in a locker affect education? I do not see how it does. I am all ears to hear any sensible reasoning behind this rule, because until I hear it, then the administrators are the bad guys for making up rules to get kids in trouble over things that do not affect education. Whether anyone else had the things that kids have today or not is COMPLETELY beside the point.

-- Posted by Question? on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 9:25 AM
Okay... so I'll admit, this is my first time posting a comment. I thought my mom was silly to get caught up in this mumbo jumbo, but then she told me to read this article. I was astounded by what is being done at LHS. I recently graduated from there. I TOTALLY disagree with what is going on about the cell phone problem.

I have read several times, "when I was in school..." Yeah, when YOU were in school you didn't have the problems that teenagers and students today face, but times have changed. Would you pick up a hitch hiker? You can't always be friendly; sometimes it is jeopardizing your safety. You don't know that person or what he/she is capable of doing to you. Why can't I just get ahold of my mom to come pick me up from school when I can't get into my car? or it breaks down as I'm driving home?

I agree that the problem with cell phones has got out of hand. There is a problem; it is obvious with all of the reports filed last year. But, what about the other students who rely on their cell phone? There were many times that I had to stay after school to work on an English essay or some other type of project; what was I to do with my brother? He had after school practice and how was I to get ahold of him to let him know that I would be running behind to get him? I couldn't get ahold of my mom to take care of it while she was at work.

I'm straying from my point... what I'm trying to say is that I think students should be allowed to have their cell phones. In their car, in their locker, in their backpack, in their pocket, in their purse, wherever! I don't believe cheating is right; I'm totally against it! But the student should be able to make up his/her own mind as to what he/she wants to do. If he/she wants to ruin his/her education by sending texts in class, so be it. It is that person's decision. The student is only cheating himself/herself. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way... maybe if the student sees an F on his/her test, then he/she will realize that he/she should pay more attention in class and less time using his/her phone. It's kind of hard to bring up your grade when you repeatedly earn a bunch of low scores. I believe THAT would open a student's eyes more than a suspension. Would you be shocked if I told you that SOME students LIKE being out of school?

And like I said earlier... I recently graduated from LHS. I witnessed a lot of my classmates using their cell phones during school hours. I don't believe I ever saw one cheating. They were just talking to one another. Yes, it isn't good to waste that time when you are suppose to be learning (especially when you have such high book fees), but it was their decision to waste it. How else do you expect us to grow up if we don't make our own mistakes? I learned a lot from others, but I still made some of my own mistakes. I got to hear a lot of conversations during lunch in the bathrooms. But that was their free time, why can't he/she do what he/she wants with it? They'll learn from their mistakes; maybe not now, but they will someday.

Jeez... once again I strayed from my original thought... A cell phone should be allowed on school grounds. Why not in the locker if it is silent? What if a student locked himself/herself out of his/her car? What if the student isn't old enough to drive and has to call RIGHT after school to have a parent come get him/her? ESPECIALLY for a doctor's appointment! Think about it... if NONE of the students had a cell phone... what would the office be like AFTER school? And students are supposed to learn responsibility, correct? Did you know that it is bad to leave your cell phone in the car when it is blistering hot outside? It can damage the chips... or so I was told. So how are we being responsible if we are allowing our possessions to be destroyed?

If a student messes up, it should be THAT student to receive the punishment, not the student body as a whole.

-- Posted by FlikChik on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 4:46 PM
minermama:

I think that it is great for your children to have the ability to text you as you said "for safety reasons, not because I wanted them to be just like everyone else, not because they "MUST" have one, but because I felt better knowing they could text me should something go wrong. That's right, you read TEXT me. I am deaf, so I can't just pick up a phone and make a call nor accept one. Text messaging is how I communicate with my children and I LOVE IT!! It gives me a sense of security."

But I am sure that you know that your children and mine too, if given the opportunity, will use their cell phones at school when they should not. Oh no, you might say... well before you do, ask you son who he was talking to on his cell phone after school today when he was lying down on the bench in front of the school. That's right, on the bench in front of the school. He was not texting. He was talking. I saw him as I was waiting for my child to come out of the school. I am not sure how long he laid there and how long he talked on his cell phone, but I do know that he talked for a while and was still talking when my child came out of the school and then we left.

I am not saying that your son is bad. He did, however, make a bad decision today with his cell phone. My point is that even though we as parents want to believe that our children will do what we ask them to do, our children will do what they want to do. So I can see why the school has to go to the extremes that they have to in order to do what they are there to do -- educate our children. I am sure that the school does not like to be in the position of being the cell phone police, but unfortunately, we put them in that position.

-- Posted by namnotnil on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 10:14 PM
Alright, with everything that has been said, here is my two cents. I have recently moved to the Greene Co area and have a son in Jr High and daughter in elementary. I was all against allowing my son to have a cell - besides, we live in rural Greene Co and do not even have cell coverage at our home. He is never without either myself or my husband and it was my decision to not allow him. His school too has the rule of "no electric devices" at school. My son ran 7th grade track and one afternoon I was caught behind a severe car accident and unable to get to the school in time to pick him up on time. He didn't have a cell phone so I was unable to contact him. When I finally did get to the school he was the ONLY CHILD SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT. Yep, he walked in to the school to get a drink and when he came back out, he was unable to get back in because of the automatic locks on the school. It was after hours and there were no employees in the school that he could contact. His coach had already left without making sure all kids were picked up and there he sat. Needless to say, I was one ticked off Mom. What would have happened if someone would have come up and taken him? He is a good, respectful kid and not to mention a cutie pie. He was an easy target. Thank the good Lord, he was sitting there all by himself, upset and scared - but still waiting for me. Needless to say, I called the school the next day upset and went and bought a cell phone for him to use. It is an unwritten rule at his school that as long as it isn't a problem with that kids, they are not going to go looking for them. If they are caught, then that particular child pays the penalty. I would bet to say that the majority of parents like the idea of their child having a cell phone. Greene Co has so many rural areas that it is the minority now to not have a cell phone. I personally feel that the school has bigger fish to fry than to focus on cell phones. Before you know it, our kids are going to have to go through a metal detector to get to schools. Where we moved from, in AR, the kids were not even allowed to have their own lockers and could only carry mesh or clear vinyl back packs so the teachers were able to see everything in their packs. There was an on duty cop officed at the school system due to crime. KKK was alive and active - even in the schools so it was nothing to have fliers passed out in the bathroom. We are rural Greene Co, personally I like it here. Sorry this was so long, I just had to get it off my chest.

-- Posted by othamotha on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 10:25 PM
namnotnil - Did you not see that Minermama mentioned in her earlier comment that "her children are not perfect." If I am correct, most people text AND TALK on their cell phones. Are you the undercover investigator for cell phone usage on school grounds? I just don't get it, if he was talking on the phone AFTER school and it was not interferring with anything related to school then what is the big deal? Jeepers people - THEY ARE KIDS.

-- Posted by othamotha on Mon, Sep 22, 2008, at 10:43 PM
othamotha - No, I am not an undercover investigator for the school. I am just a single parent trying to do what I can to raise my children to be respectable, responsible, and accountable young people. Yes, I did read minermama's views. In fact, I read all of the people's opinions written here. Did you?

minermama -- you prove my point exactly. You give your son a cell phone so that he can text you in case he needs to, then he uses it the way he want to use it. You have to realize that he is using it during the school day too.

My main point in all of this is that we all want to blame someone for all of the problems that we have, and schools, way to often in my opinion, get the brunt of those criticisms. Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying that our schools are perfect, but what I am saying is that the problems that we face today are directly related to parents who do not want to take the responsibility to put their foot down and use discipline to raise their children.

If I tell my children that they need to be home by midnight, then that's the rule and my children need to follow it, or suffer the consequences. Now some parents would say "other kids get to stay out later than midnight," or "it's the weekend, give your kid a break." NO! THAT'S THE RULE!

It is that simple, and it is the same with school rules. If the school sets the rules, then they need to be followed. You can't pick and choose what rules to follow based on whether you like the rules or not. Well, I guess you can do that, but you better be ready to take the result of your choice. It looks like to me that the school tried to work with the students and the parents with cell phones for the past two years, but the situation got worse and worse. Who is to blame? You know the answer there.

I know that my opinions might cause this debate to continue, but I wonder what message we are sending to our children when they see what was written here and they see how we act. Let's face it, they ARE reading these comments and they ARE watching us as we "parent" them. It reminds me of a quote that I once heard "your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be."

-- Posted by namnotnil on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 10:04 AM
I absolutely cannot believe some of the arguments people are making. I have to say, it is quite ridiculous that cell phones are completely banned from school grounds. If I had children, I would most definitely want them to have their cell phones at school...FOR SAFETY PURPOSES ONLY. Yes, kids are going to bend the rules and push the limits to see how far they can go. By all means, if a student is caught USING their cell phone DURING school hours when it is NOT an emergency--THEN punish them. But, to punish (EXPEL) students because they simply are in possession of their cell phone is absurd. Wake up LHS, start cracking down on some SERIOUS issues!!

-- Posted by surprised5 on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 11:23 AM
I am just a pickle on a sunset..Minermamma, you go girl! It amuses me to think, that if some children have a certain last name they are totally treated different in the school system. Blah! Argue about something else besides cell phones. Lets talk about not kicking kids out of school when they are in trouble. Let's STOP belittling kids in school(teachers), and then punishing children because they develop a attitude that is jokey. Because this their only way to cope, and that is to make themselves the butt of the joke. And, I agree a hearing child has the opportunity in case of emergency to get phone calls at school. An deaf or hard of hearing child or parent have to use text messaging or rely on hearing individuals to relay the message.

-- Posted by pickleonthesunset on Tue, Sep 23, 2008, at 3:38 PM
I still haven't seen articulated a reason for this rule. I guess some people don't like to see kids with cell phones, and figure they can at least keep from seeing something they don't like at the school, whether it makes sense or not.

Silly, sad, and a demonstration of power for power's sake.

-- Posted by Question? on Fri, Sep 26, 2008, at 11:30 AM
Three days ago a friend of mine her son after school was out on the school parking lot and had to call his mother about ball pratice mind you this is after school is out and a teacher saw him with a phone and he was supended for 3 day's this is rediculious.

-- Posted by linton mom on Thu, Oct 2, 2008, at 12:47 PM

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