Well, now that ACHS does not have Balas, overdoses have declined. Him leaving has been a blessing and allowed for a successor principal who takes discipline seriously. |
We haven’t had Balas long enough to really assess him, but the complaints I’ve heard so far are that things are too strict— cracking down on tardies, hall sweeps, etc. |
Those policies have been implemented district-wide. It is not a Wakefield or Balas thing. Clearly, they are not preventing overdoses during school on school property. But they are creating an oppressive environment for the majority of students who follow the rules, attend their classes, and are responsible and focused on their school activities. |
Proof you can't win for trying. It's either "there's no discipline or consequences!" or "egads, it's too strict!" |
I mean APS can not solve the drug problem in Arlington or anywhere else. I guess MAYBE they can keep the drugs out of the schools but that likely involves a bunch of things that parents will be in up in arms over (searches and drug dogs). But that only stops the problem of it being in school (and maybe even not!) Still going to be everywhere else. |
They are oppressed because they are expected to be at class on time? I’m not trying to be rude, but is that what you are saying? Shouldn’t that just be a baseline expectation? |
where can I get these reports of when police or ambulance respond to school incidents? |
Are the kids trying to get a cheap high or are they committing suicide? Serious question. Seems like a particular demographic, one that was really left behind by the pandemic, is being disproportionately affected and it’s a matter of opportunity costs? Like they have no hope for a good future, so who cares if one pill can kill? So depressing. |
Airport-like drugs and weapons screening is coming to every public school near you. |
No. It's a more oppressive atmosphere because of all the things put together such as: having to remain in the main common area until 10 minutes before school starts; having 2 mascot periods each week taken up by social emotional lessons they feel are geared toward kids much younger and not worthwhile; having 2 less mascot periods a week to meet with teachers, study, work on assignments, meet with groups, etc.; being herded like cattle with adults yelling "hall sweep! hall sweep!" instead of just being kindly moved along or encouraged to get to class; getting swept up in a hall sweep even though they are literally outside their classroom door or refilling their water bottle at the water station just outside with their teacher's knowledge and permission, being escorted somewhere for a lecture about tardiness, and being made even later than they would have been to their class; feeling like they're under suspicion or not to be trusted being questioned just for walking down a hallway or sitting in a hall doing schoolwork (not during classtime, but like at lunch or before and after school); etc. The way adults implement and enforce rules can make a big difference. The tone and insinuations of the adults can come off as rather belittling and unwelcoming, accusatory instead of inquisitive and caring. |
I mean, considering all the shenanigans that has occurred in our schools (most schools?) when kids should be in class but aren’t (drug overdoses, fighting, TikTok challenges, vandalism, sneaking off campus), I don’t find this oppressive. My 9th grader doesn’t feel oppressed either, but he has no comparison for high school. |
I graduated from Wakefield. It's become a cesspool. WTF is going on with South Arlington? |
LA has always had "problems." |
Well a bunch of AEM moms seem to think having after school programs for HS students will solve the drug problem. |
Cheap high... and social media/technology is truly impacting their brains. They crave the dopamine high they get from likes, tags, etc. |