Look at the student handbook. We get this book every year on the first day of school, but for what? Most staff neglect to follow these policies anyway. We have gained a few administrators this school year, but has much changed? Illogical rules are still being forced upon the student body.
The school handbook states that there are no food or drinks allowed out of the commons area. While food and most drinks are understandable since they may attract rodents, why is water an issue? A student has to get permission and a note from the nurse in order to be allowed to have water with them in the classroom. What harm does water do? Would you rather have a student with a bad cough disturbing the class or drinking water?
Chewing gum is also of major importance. When asked why gum is not allowed, history teacher Mr. Mazzeo said, “They’re afraid that kids will stick it to equipment.” Mazzeo went on to say that gum does not bother him and he could not care less. High school students are usually between the ages of 13 and 18, and while they are not the most mature young adults, they are still young adults and can be trusted to not stick gum to their desks.
Another huge problem at La Plata is the make-up work policy. The policy in the handbook is that a student gets three school days after they were absent to turn in make-up work. That is only fair, as kids should not get punished for being absent. Some teachers barely take make-up work. They give you only one day which is clearly not enough if you have a pile of work.
Every teacher and administrator must enforce the same rules. Kids get in trouble for certain things that other teachers do not mind and that is not fair. What is said in the book should be followed by everyone, not just everyone who agrees.
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