How many readers thought it was going to be a perverted priest story?
Let's all say sig heil to the school administrators.
"Parents required to attend meeting; Swampscott sets drug-policy talk" by Akilah Johnson, Globe Staff / January 6, 2011
High school students in Swampscott could soon be penalized if their parents fail to attend a meeting about the dangers of drug and alcohol use.
Teenagers whose parents are no-shows at Monday night’s gathering will not be allowed to participate in sports or extracurricular activities, the district said.
School administrators said they know the unorthodox approach might be off-putting to some — at least a handful of parents have already criticized it — but they insist the meeting is meant to be collaborative, not punitive.
“We can’t do this alone as a school district,’’ said Superintendent Lynne Celli, adding that it is important to present a unified front against underage drinking. “It sends a message when we’re all speaking the same language.’’
Yes, IMAGE is SO IMPORTANT!
Celli said parents with “a compelling reason’’ for not attending, such as work or sickness, can schedule a separate meeting with administrators. But she stressed that school officials “want everyone sitting there.’’
Attendance will be taken at the meeting. The event is meant to augment the district’s new substance abuse policy, which aims to educate teens and monitor student behavior. It also establishes consequences for all students caught drinking or using drugs....
Hey, it is an education of sorts, sig heil.
This fall, the school also used drug-sniffing dogs to search classrooms, lockers, and the parking lot....
Also see: Drug-Sniffing Dogs at Sudbury School
This is "liberal" Massachusetts?
Swampscott High School’s principal, Layne Millington said he has received about five complaints from angry parents, and conservative talk-radio host Michael Graham blasted the school system on his website, saying taxpaying parents should not be forced to attend anything.
I agree with that. It's called FREEDOM!
Private schools are looking better all the time.
Millington said he understand these concerns but hopes the intent isn’t overshadowed by the controversy.
“There’s also an important message that I hope doesn’t get lost,’’ he said.
Yeah, just wait until this beer commercial is over and I will be right with you.
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Related: Globe Editorial Punishing kids for bad parents
Sort of like punishing readers for bad newspapers.
