An Unfortunate Incident

Yesterday, on March 26, two students were involved in an altercation on the second floor of the main building. The students involved were one female and one male. After the very brief physical altercation, the young lady in particular was close to hysterics and difficult to calm down. Fortunately (I guess), her rant was more dangerous to school staff than it was to the other student.

Rest assured that both students will receive severe school consequences. In addition, the young lady will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law for her outlandish behavior.

As may be expected, I received two inquiries today from other South parents about the incident. The inquiries are often based upon information arising from the rumor mill. I would like to take this opportunity to clear up a few things.

Q. Is this just one of the many fights that have taken place this year?
A. We have not had an increase in fights this year, and hallway behavior has not changed significantly in the eight years I've been principal at South.

The difference is that we have more incidents of arguing among young females. These young ladies talk behind each other's back, build alliances, and then argue in the halls because they know someone will be there to break it up.

Frankly, these are usually minor in nature, but they are still disruptive. They are disruptive because other students gather to watch and then want to discuss the incident when they get to the next class.

Q. Are you hiding information about these types of incidents?
A. We have not withheld information in any way. We had two kids make bad choices, and they will suffer severe consequences. In the eyes of their parents, we will be accused of overreacting and blamed for ruining their lives.

For anyone that knows me very well, I am usually accused of being too open with information about the school, or sharing too many details. I can hardly be accused of hiding information.

Q. Do kids cluster in the halls to the point of blocking other students from passing by?
A. I've never observed that. I've seen kids congregate in the halls or near lockers, but I've seen that in every high school where I've worked or visited. But are they trying to impede others from passing, of course not. They're just being kids and hanging with their friends.

Q. What are you doing to keep my kid safe at school?
A. Everything I do is for that end in mind. I know that ultimately a principal is judged by the perception of safety at the school. That outstrips the strength of the curriculum or any extracurricular program. Kids must feel safe if they are expected to learn. It is a precondition to learning, and is a basic need that I will safeguard as long as I am in this seat.

One of my former colleagues was also a high school principal. When I used to inquire how it was going, he would often answer, "Pretty good, but I'm only the stupid mistake of a 16-year old from being on the front page of the paper". It's the same for me, but in this case it was the mistake of a 15-year old girl.

We'll hope for better next week.

A Good Week

The time for Michigan Merit Testing (MME) has come and gone. Last week our juniors took the battery of tests that are used in Michigan to assess a school's academic progress. The MME includes the ACT and a variety of other content-specific tests.

These tests are required of all juniors that attend public schools throughout the state. Students are tested in Math, English and Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. There are also subtests that are part of a WorkKeys assessment to measure specific job skills.

The state mandates that at least 95% of the junior class must take the test to effectively measure a school's effectiveness. Failure to reach the attendance requirement means that a school automatically fails the "Adequate Yearly Progress" standard.

When looking back at the week of testing, I can tell you that I'm very proud of our students and staff. Everyone took the tests seriously. We had over 98% participation from our juniors--even during flu season--and their approach to the testing was very serious.

Our staff is required to place at least two test proctors in every classrooom with up to 25 students. Great diligence must be given to make sure students are properly identified, sit at least 3' apart in all directions, and adhere to the instructions that are provided.

Testing as part of the state requirements has increased in intensity over the years. It has changed from something you just try to get through, to something that holds your feet to the fire. I am proud of how our school community has stepped up to the plate and can only hope that our results match our effort.

Wish us luck!

The Budget Is All Around Us

No matter where you look, or no matter what you hear, budget and economic woes seem to surround us. With the country in the midst of the most dire economic circumstances in memory, there are actions school districts must take to prepare for next school year. And that's what we're doing here in Grosse Pointe.

The pressure point for our district is not just the economics of Michigan, but an impending decline in enrollment. Simply stated, fewer students means less revenue from the state. The decline in enrollment is not just a Grosse Pointe phenomenon, nor even a population trend specific to Michigan, but rather a national decline that will be with us for quite some time.

The class of 2008 was one of the largest in the nation, the final installment of the baby boom echo. However, predictions for the next 10-15 years show a steady decline in the school age population. School districts across the country are preparing for the upcoming loss of revenue.

Each of the schools in our district will have their belts tightened next year. It will mean a reduction in staff and less money for school programs. However, all of us will do our part to keep the cuts away from students whenever possible.

Wish us luck.