A New Sheriff in Town

So, we have a new principal at school after ours decided he was going to retire suddenly this summer.  Can I say, so far, so good?  I absolutely LOVE him!  He is full of energy and positive vibes.  He really wants to change this school for the better and it really seems like most of the faculty is behind him.  There are going to be some great changes with attendance, tardies, electronic devices and discipline this year.  He came from the only F school in our district last year so I know that he is very aware of the challenges that are found in most high schools.  I think the students will be shocked and first and will complain, but eventually they will get used to it. 

Here is a breakdown of new policies and procedures (with a few bugs/details to work out.):

Alternative Bell Schedule (ABS).  If a student is having discipline issues, depending on the infraction, they could be suspended.  Most students who are suspended don't want to be in school in the first place, duh!  I have even heard students refuse detention, Saturday school and work detail and take a suspension because they want a vacation!  Now in lieu of getting suspended they will have to attend ABS and come to school at 1:00 pm and stay till 6:00 pm.  This way, they still have to come to school, they just won't be a disruption to the normal school day.  (They will not be able to come back to school until they full fill their ABS consequence and complete behavior modification.)

No electronic devices are to be in use, visible etc.  If a student has their electronic device out, it will be confiscated, labeled and locked away until a parent can come pick it up.  If they refuse to hand over their electronic device, then they receive three days of ABS.  It will be a shock to them, but I think it will eventually become a way of life.  Hopefully teachers will be good role models and also follow this rule.

A lock out policy will be in effect to keep tardies under control.  When the tardy bell rings, teachers will lock their doors and personnel will sweep the halls to make sure everyone goes to the cafeteria to get marked tardy.  Students will be let back in class, but they have to have a tardy pass before they can go in.  Administration will keep track of the tardies and also take care of the discipline so the teachers have one less thing on their plate to worry about.

These are just some of the changes that will be happening this year and hopefully we can turn our school around for the better!