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Teaching the Genie Some Manners

Recently, I read an article about technology and schools. The author made an analogy with all the new technology being "the genie in the bottle." While we can't put the genie back in the bottle (refuse to use the new technology), we do need to teach the genie some manners.
Remember when we were teenagers? Parents often limited the use of the one cord-bound phone in the house. In my case, it was long distance to call Malone, so my parents didn't allow it often. If I sneaked a phone call to Malone, my parents would know about it at the end of the month when the bill arrived. Friends were told not to call after 9:00 at night or before 9:00 in the morning. Woe to the friend who called and woke up my dad!
Today, our children are plugged in and tuned on 24/7. They are receiving text messages and phone calls all hours of the day and night. The instant satisfaction of sending a message often causes a person to not think through the consequences of the message being sent. A recent headline in the Burlington Free Press read, "South Burlington Student Arrested on Harassment Charge." It had to do with texting messages to a former girlfriend.
At school, we ask that students not bring their cell phones to school. If they do, the cell phones are to be turned off and locked in their locker. Any student caught using a cell phone during school hours gives up their cell phone to me. I label the cell phone with their name and lock it in my closet. The student needs to notify the parent to come to my office to retrieve the cell phone. At that time, I will give the cell phone to the parent. My reason for doing this is so you, the parent, have the opportunity to keep the cell phone for any length of time you believe is appropriate. You also have the opportunity to get phone numbers of your child's friends that you may not have.
Here are a few ideas to teach the genie some manners:
Consider collecting the cell phones each night so sleep is not interrupted.
Remind your children to not reply to a message that they know will be derogatory.
Delete texts that they know will be inflammatory.
Cell phones are not necessary at school. Students who need to use the phone may do so with permission in the office.

What’s new at CCS?

      Beginning this school year, the high school computer lab is open during tenth period. Because not all of our students have high speed Internet or computer access at home, their teachers have volunteered to supervise the computer lab each day on a rotating basis. Students can use the computer lab to work on homework, research projects or to design projects. Students have been making good use of their time in the computer lab..
    Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds and son, Peter, are welcoming a new son, Jake, to their family.
    Mr. Flaherty has decided to retire this fall. Mr. Evan Rogers has been hired to teach high school Social Studies. We wish Mr. Flaherty a relaxing and happy retirement. We look forward to welcoming Mr. Rogers to Chateaugay Central.
    Mr. Marc Kresge, Mr. Tim Seymour and Mr. David Scheiber are settling in nicely to their respective teams and we are happy they are with us. Mr. Scheiber has planned for the Pointercounts from Crane School of Music to perform for the students in December. Be sure to check the calendar on our website for more details about this assembly and other upcoming events.
    It was fantastic to see so many parents turn out for Parent Orientation in September. I appreciate meeting with parents who are so involved in their children's education. Please know that your questions and concerns are always welcome. As the author of Apples and Chalkdust, Vicki Caruana writes, "Be grateful for parents who involve themselves in their child's education. They can make your job so much easier." (p.27)
    There are many wonderful reasons to come to school in the next few months. Senior Play takes place in October, the Project Vote and Spaghetti Supper Night take place in the third week of November, and our sports teams are having very good seasons. There are good things to cheer! The tradition of excellence continues at CCS and that's nothing new!

Welcome Back - August 19, 2009

Summer is winding down. It is gloriously warm as I write this message. Many teachers have been in readying their rooms and instructional materials. Many members of the CCS community have served on interview committees and we have new teachers to meet and friends to make. The custodial staff is putting the finishing touches on the classrooms and hallways. The school is sparkling!
I share the excitement of the seventh grade students as we will be embarking on our first days of high school together. The respect that you experienced in the elementary school will be carried on at the high school level. CCS has a tradition of respect for each person, his or her perspectives, work and dignity. We will accept nothing less than that kind of respect among the students.
There are many times throughout the day when students can visit with faculty and share experiences and interests. I am interested to hear your thoughts about school and life in general. The morning in the foyer, as everyone gathers for school, is my favorite time of the day. Students discuss the games the night before, plan their day, their projects, their weekends or enjoy friendly conversation.
Your teachers and I will look forward to your success. There may be times this year when you might not want to go to remediation, but we all know that is the best way to be successful and prepared for your classes. There may be some days that you don’t want to go to school, but once you get here, it can be quite enjoyable. I’ve been accused this past year of being a nag. But when your teachers and I prod and press you, it is because we care and want to ensure your success. Contrary to popular student folklore, it is not to make your life miserable!
I hope that everyone had a great summer vacation and had plenty of time for fun and play and reading. Mr. Gugliotta recommended Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen. After reading it, I now understand why the social studies teacher candidates that we interviewed this summer had interesting comments about textbook selections. Just like newscasts, the textbook companies have presented different versions of the same historical events based on particular bias. That’s why it is so important to be open to other perspectives.
Finally, I’d like to leave you with this quote by Jack Larson: “The first day is for opening doors for students to succeed.”
See you on the first day! For seventh grade students, the first day is September 2nd and the first day for all other students is September 3rd. Think about your teachers on September 1st as that is their first day.

Mrs. Andre
7-12 Principal

andre

email: dandre@mail.fehb.org