Hoax Bomb Threat at Washington Latin

[Anonymous]

Watch this video. Washington Latin kids are spirited, urban, whip smart, irreverent and they really love each other. These original students show the hardscrabble spirit of the original, unique, crazy, loving community. These kids today made an unfortunate mistake. You can learn a lesson when people show you mercy. It's actually possible. If you can't extend them mercy you should not expect the same for yourself or your kids down the line when you make a mistake. And WL can from a caring place to hard knocks academy. That's on you.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=on+the+boat+washington+latin+youtube&view=detail&mid=41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F&FORM=VIRE11

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Watch this video. Washington Latin kids are spirited, urban, whip smart, irreverent and they really love each other. These original students show the hardscrabble spirit of the original, unique, crazy, loving community. These kids today made an unfortunate mistake. You can learn a lesson when people show you mercy. It's actually possible. If you can't extend them mercy you should not expect the same for yourself or your kids down the line when you make a mistake. And WL can from a caring place to hard knocks academy. That's on you.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=on+the+boat+washington+latin+youtube&view=detail&mid=41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F&FORM=VIRE11

I wonder how the victim of this prank feels about how hard the WL boosters are pushing how much Latin kids "really love each other." I'm guessing that's salt in the wound.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=on+the+bus+washington+latin+youtube&view=detail&mid=41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F&FORM=VIRE13

This is WL. Kids and teachers used to laugh in a (VERY) irreverent way. Can't imagine where these two kids got the idea to joke around. I guess now that we've grown up we've lost our sense of humor. Well, enjoy your school and bickering about Princeton waiting lists. Believe me, the message is clear. No jokes/no second chances in adolescence.

Have some perspective. If Washington Latin's founder, TR Ahlstrom, were still school headmaster, these students likely would have been tarred and feathered and then burned at the stake.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a booster. I'm a detractor. I think WL stepped completely outside of how to handle things appropriately. None of us know how the victim of the prank feels, but we all feel terribly for him/her. That being said--my child has been in terrible experiences with kids at school and we talked it out, problem solved, etc. because we are caring proactive people who understand that part of being a kid is sometimes you f' up. What planet do you live on where people are 'disappeared"? Is that how you deal with problems in you life? Is this Soviet Russia? Should we erase them from photos too? Expulsion is not the only way for the school to telegraph a message that they take a problem seriously, or schools would not have students. Are you even a WL parent/family? I don't actually get the sense that you 'get' the school at all. You sound very outside looking in, following some one size fits all script.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=on+the+bus+washington+latin+youtube&view=detail&mid=41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F41A4DF96D5369F91AB1F&FORM=VIRE13

This is WL. Kids and teachers used to laugh in a (VERY) irreverent way. Can't imagine where these two kids got the idea to joke around. I guess now that we've grown up we've lost our sense of humor. Well, enjoy your school and bickering about Princeton waiting lists. Believe me, the message is clear. No jokes/no second chances in adolescence.

Have some perspective. If Washington Latin's founder, TR Ahlstrom, were still school headmaster, these students likely would have been tarred and feathered and then burned at the stake.

Not quite. the kids had QUITE a bit of fun with him - I know, my kid was there. He was there for two years, and this was immediately after. Listen, WL has always been a quirky little place that succeeds in spite of itself. As you go super corporate, you may gain your sense of regulation and predictability, but you also may lose the magic.

[Anonymous]

It's done. I applaud Martha Cutts for acting decisively and sending a strong deterrent message to the students.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's done. I applaud Martha Cutts for acting decisively and sending a strong deterrent message to the students.

You get what you wish for. Soon your kid will be sitting in the principal's office getting that same "strong deterrent message". Don't think so? You don't know teens. Start picking up the literature on in-bounds schools, or trailing your child every minute physically and on social media. Have fun, compassionate one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's done. I applaud Martha Cutts for acting decisively and sending a strong deterrent message to the students.

So I guess you were booing Martha Cutts when a senior did something illegal at the school and was not expelled?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading yesterdays Metro section about the FBI agent pardoned for shoving a teen. He is getting probation and anger management. He is raising three children alone after his wife's passing. The judges reasoning: " would it be in the best interest of the defendant - as a result of this isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment - to deprive him of his employment, of his livelihood? To impact upon his children? To impact upon the service that he can bring to the community? I think not."

I expect you all will hold yourselves and your children to the same standards as you've urged for these WL youngsters when you next make an isolated and unfortunate mistake. Which you and they will. Because that is part of being a human being navigating this world.

This wasn't an instance of a WL student throwing a punch to defend himself in a fight that someone else started. It was a deliberate BOMB THREAT against the school. Moreover, in the case of the FBI agent, the kid whom he shoved had reportedly threatened the agent. However, I imagine if the agent had done something like calling in a bomb threat (or collecting porn involving minors) he most definitely would not have received probation.

Really? There's no indication from the kids' records that the kids intended it as anything more than a bad joke hence "an isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment", yet it's been compared on this thread to child porn and rape. Gotta love it. I will be watching WL discipline very closely from here on out. No double standards. Your kid steps in it, your kid pays the price. From now on, everything must follow the handbook. From now on, no interpretation. From now on, no factoring in what you know about the kids (despite the small class size being what people cherish). From now on, no second chances. It's going to be grand for everyone! The kids will really appreciate your vigilance. I honestly think half of you posting are raising middle schoolers or even elementary. You have no idea what it's like to raise a teen and have forgotten what it's like to be one. Well, prepare yourselves.
Oh pipe down. I'm so sure Washington Latin administrators are reading your post and are terrified. Please. The handbook allows administrators discretion regarding the level of punishment. In this case the administrator opted for expulsion and I for one believe it was reasonable to do so. It's incredible how so many on this thread are trying to diminish what these students did as if they put a tack in teacher's chair. But honestly, honey, no one is afraid of you and your "close watch."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading yesterdays Metro section about the FBI agent pardoned for shoving a teen. He is getting probation and anger management. He is raising three children alone after his wife's passing. The judges reasoning: " would it be in the best interest of the defendant - as a result of this isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment - to deprive him of his employment, of his livelihood? To impact upon his children? To impact upon the service that he can bring to the community? I think not."

I expect you all will hold yourselves and your children to the same standards as you've urged for these WL youngsters when you next make an isolated and unfortunate mistake. Which you and they will. Because that is part of being a human being navigating this world.

This wasn't an instance of a WL student throwing a punch to defend himself in a fight that someone else started. It was a deliberate BOMB THREAT against the school. Moreover, in the case of the FBI agent, the kid whom he shoved had reportedly threatened the agent. However, I imagine if the agent had done something like calling in a bomb threat (or collecting porn involving minors) he most definitely would not have received probation.

Really? There's no indication from the kids' records that the kids intended it as anything more than a bad joke hence "an isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment", yet it's been compared on this thread to child porn and rape. Gotta love it. I will be watching WL discipline very closely from here on out. No double standards. Your kid steps in it, your kid pays the price. From now on, everything must follow the handbook. From now on, no interpretation. From now on, no factoring in what you know about the kids (despite the small class size being what people cherish). From now on, no second chances. It's going to be grand for everyone! The kids will really appreciate your vigilance. I honestly think half of you posting are raising middle schoolers or even elementary. You have no idea what it's like to raise a teen and have forgotten what it's like to be one. Well, prepare yourselves.
Oh pipe down. I'm so sure Washington Latin administrators are reading your post and are terrified. Please. The handbook allows administrators discretion regarding the level of punishment. In this case the administrator opted for expulsion and I for one believe it was reasonable to do so. It's incredible how so many on this thread are trying to diminish what these students did as if they put a tack in teacher's chair. But honestly, honey, no one is afraid of you and your "close watch."

I'm not trying to scare you. I'm saying practice what you preach PP. I'm sure you'll perp walk your kids in by the scruff of their necks to learn important lessons should a fellow parent alert you they made a mistake . That's what we used to do, but by all means--get the school handbook thrown at them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading yesterdays Metro section about the FBI agent pardoned for shoving a teen. He is getting probation and anger management. He is raising three children alone after his wife's passing. The judges reasoning: " would it be in the best interest of the defendant - as a result of this isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment - to deprive him of his employment, of his livelihood? To impact upon his children? To impact upon the service that he can bring to the community? I think not."

I expect you all will hold yourselves and your children to the same standards as you've urged for these WL youngsters when you next make an isolated and unfortunate mistake. Which you and they will. Because that is part of being a human being navigating this world.

This wasn't an instance of a WL student throwing a punch to defend himself in a fight that someone else started. It was a deliberate BOMB THREAT against the school. Moreover, in the case of the FBI agent, the kid whom he shoved had reportedly threatened the agent. However, I imagine if the agent had done something like calling in a bomb threat (or collecting porn involving minors) he most definitely would not have received probation.

Really? There's no indication from the kids' records that the kids intended it as anything more than a bad joke hence "an isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment", yet it's been compared on this thread to child porn and rape. Gotta love it. I will be watching WL discipline very closely from here on out. No double standards. Your kid steps in it, your kid pays the price. From now on, everything must follow the handbook. From now on, no interpretation. From now on, no factoring in what you know about the kids (despite the small class size being what people cherish). From now on, no second chances. It's going to be grand for everyone! The kids will really appreciate your vigilance. I honestly think half of you posting are raising middle schoolers or even elementary. You have no idea what it's like to raise a teen and have forgotten what it's like to be one. Well, prepare yourselves.

Issues. Therapy stat

[Anonymous]

But seriously. There is no indication that WL DIDN'T deliberate seriously, use their discretion and then arrive at a decision you don't agree with ( expulsion ) and then do everything in their power to support the students afterwards. You seem to be saying that:

Decision to expel students = sticking to the letter of the handbook/ showing no mercy / not using past experience

That's not known. You have NO IDEA what went on in the deliberations over consequences. You have NO IDEA what was said to the students and their families. WL could have used every bit of discretion and personal knowledge of the students and STILL arrived at a decision you disagree with.

Perhaps they are using personal connections throughout the city and colleges to make a soft landing for the students. Maybe not. You and I have NO IDEA

Of course you can disagree with the decision and say you, in the same place, would have arrived at a different one. But it is not appropriate to arrive at a conclusion that "the school has changed" or "become zero-tolerance". You'd need more evidence for that. Get it?

[Anonymous]

Actually, it is known that it is the most extreme reaction they could have taken . That is known.
Whether they are helping now - you're right, that is not known.
Lastly, how much help can a busy WL administrator give? Be serious. These kids will deal with the repercussions on their own for a long long time. But if you want to look at it through rose colored glasses , ok. I am just saying when your child goofs I'm betting you are the first pleading for more time and thought and mercy. Who wouldn't for their kid if something like expulsion was on the line?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm reading yesterdays Metro section about the FBI agent pardoned for shoving a teen. He is getting probation and anger management. He is raising three children alone after his wife's passing. The judges reasoning: " would it be in the best interest of the defendant - as a result of this isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment - to deprive him of his employment, of his livelihood? To impact upon his children? To impact upon the service that he can bring to the community? I think not."

I expect you all will hold yourselves and your children to the same standards as you've urged for these WL youngsters when you next make an isolated and unfortunate mistake. Which you and they will. Because that is part of being a human being navigating this world.

This wasn't an instance of a WL student throwing a punch to defend himself in a fight that someone else started. It was a deliberate BOMB THREAT against the school. Moreover, in the case of the FBI agent, the kid whom he shoved had reportedly threatened the agent. However, I imagine if the agent had done something like calling in a bomb threat (or collecting porn involving minors) he most definitely would not have received probation.

Really? There's no indication from the kids' records that the kids intended it as anything more than a bad joke hence "an isolated and unfortunate mistake of judgment", yet it's been compared on this thread to child porn and rape. Gotta love it. I will be watching WL discipline very closely from here on out. No double standards. Your kid steps in it, your kid pays the price. From now on, everything must follow the handbook. From now on, no interpretation. From now on, no factoring in what you know about the kids (despite the small class size being what people cherish). From now on, no second chances. It's going to be grand for everyone! The kids will really appreciate your vigilance. I honestly think half of you posting are raising middle schoolers or even elementary. You have no idea what it's like to raise a teen and have forgotten what it's like to be one. Well, prepare yourselves.

As a current WL parent, I too will watch more closely to make sure and point out if there are double standards displayed, and no second chances.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not a booster. I'm a detractor. I think WL stepped completely outside of how to handle things appropriately. None of us know how the victim of the prank feels, but we all feel terribly for him/her. That being said--my child has been in terrible experiences with kids at school and we talked it out, problem solved, etc. because we are caring proactive people who understand that part of being a kid is sometimes you f' up. What planet do you live on where people are 'disappeared"? Is that how you deal with problems in you life? Is this Soviet Russia? Should we erase them from photos too? Expulsion is not the only way for the school to telegraph a message that they take a problem seriously, or schools would not have students. Are you even a WL parent/family? I don't actually get the sense that you 'get' the school at all. You sound very outside looking in, following some one size fits all script.

Exactly!