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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
email: dandre@mail.fehb.org