It's About Time - Leadership At My School

[Troutfisher]

Well, today marked the first day of my senior year at school.  The past year was quite an experience, to say the least.  We began the year with a new principal who had previously been a coach, but had no experience at being a principal whatsoever.  Everyone liked him, and he was a huge hit with the students, but lacked much needed leadership at the time it was needed most.

Our year started off with a rash of bomb threats (7 total during the year) called in by approximately 3 students out of 1100 that attend our high school.  Unfortunately, this eventually led to a hammering down of mass punishment.  Instead of getting to the root of the problem and trying to find out who solved it, our leadership chose the easiest route of punishing the entire student body by cutting our lunch and restricting access to only the commons area.  Students struggling in certain subjects couldn't get the necessary tudoring they needed at lunch, and clubs weren't able to meet (including the Teenage Republican Club, which I am now the Chairman of).  The student council attempted twice to meet with the administration and work out a solution, but was turned down by the principal.

This scheduling lasted for over a month and was finally revoked.  However, several more bomb threats were called in later in the year, and when the administration once again attempted to install the scheduling, students responded.  A walk-out ensued with over 600 of the 1100 students in the school participating.  You would think this would show the dissatisfaction of the student body with the leadership.  It didn't.  The administration, once again bypassing the obvious need to get to the root of the problem, chose to re-install the schedule for another two weeks.

At the end of the year, the principal and two vice principals resigned (in my opinion, was forced down by the school board).  We began today with hesitation at the 3 new principals- a principal and two VPs.  I was greatly pleased to hear a special assembly called where the administration stated that a new set of rules are going to be followed by all, and that none of the administration believed the entire student body should suffer over the actions of a few, but instead harsh punishment would ensue to the student who caused the problem.  I am hoping that my final year at the high school will go off good, and that true leadership will finally take hold at our school.

[bassdocktor]

Sounds like a pretty good deal trout. Finally getting organized and straightening things out. I always hated when they would punish the entire group when they could have worked to find the real problem.

[Troutfisher]

I'm glad too.  I'm looking forward to what appears to be a much better and organized school year.  The second day went fine today and I imagine the others will follow suit.

[Grey Wolf]

Sorry to hear about your club.

[Muddy]

the whole purpose of this to begin with

[Hookemdown.]

I wish I could get my student council to do something like that.  Or even show up to the meetings for that matter.

[Troutfisher]

That's the bad thing about student council this year at our school.  Since it's a popularity contest, they don't accomplish much of anything at all.

I vote Muddy as principal!

Wait, maybe that wouldn't be the greatest idea...  

[Hookemdown.]

Does that mean I'm popular? ;D

[Troutfisher]

Ha ha...why are you on it?  I didn't make the cut.

[Hookemdown.]

Parliamentarian by popular vote.

I've got "connections"

[fish-fighting-illini]

 Trout,

 Not sure how to put this but based on your opening post on this subject I just wanted to compliment you. For such a youngster you are very well spoken, you also responded with dignity to a tough situation. You led by example in trying to get the administration to right an injustice.

 In short nice job to you young man. You, your family and teachers as well can be proud. You should do well iin life keep up the good work.

[Troutfisher]

Trout,

Not sure how to put this but based on your opening post on this subject I just wanted to compliment you. For such a youngster you are very well spoken, you also responded with dignity to a tough situation. You led by example in trying to get the administration to right an injustice.

In short nice job to you young man. You, your family and teachers as well can be proud. You should do well iin life keep up the good work.

Thanks! That means a whole lot and I appreciate it. That's the general problem with people who attempt to handle situations. You have to be firm, but present arguments in ways that are clear and respectful.