Project Graduation : Readers says the greater problem is the Draconian overreaction of the school
This idiotic attempt to sanitize life is never going to work and it is ultimately counterproductive.
Besides the problem is currently being managed and handled effectively – the “Gang of Eight” were caught and dealt with.
“Eight graduates at Ridgewood High School’s Project Graduation celebration at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BF) on June 25 were removed from the all-night party and found in possession or under the influence of alcohol, according to a police report.”
What happens when this newest “plan” doesn’t work? Strip searches? Colostomy bags and no bathroom breaks? Enough already.
Our fearless leader, Fishbein, stated what the REAL problem is:
“unfortunately kids are resourceful “
…and the one thing we DON’T want is resourceful kids.
The problem is, a small minority of kids go to great lengths to get drunk at this event. It’s almost a challenge to them to outwit what they see as a bunch of fuddy-duddies trying to find their liquor. If you want to talk real lawsuit liability, not the empty threat kind, then watch a bunch of Ridgewood parents sue the Village and the School for not preventing a drinking-related incident that even remotely harmed their precious child.
However, the greater problem is the Draconian overreaction of the school. Who are they to hold my children hostage and not allow them to go home after graduation? Am I not allowed to celebrate with my own children after graduation before sending them to the party? What if there is a small post-graduation family event? Does the school think it has the power to retain my child because they were unable to control a handful of students the prior year? Which, btw, they DID effectively deal with those 25 students. Extending this “guilt by association” logic, maybe the school should ban the siblings of these 25 students from attending Project Graduation when they graduate – you good with that?
Your 18/19 old child has the right to leave the premises after the graduation ceremony and not participate in the social activities. So in the end it is your choice: follow the rules or go home and party with the family.
Completely agree with #1. People get over your selfs teens do stupid things and should pay a price and hopefully learn from it.
So 8 kids out of what, 300? 400? 500? were removed and now all the graduates of the NEXT year are being penalized? How are 300-500+ kids going to change all at once? And how are those long white gowns going to stay safe?
This is a complete over-reaction!
Completely agree with #3. People get over your selfs teens do stupid things and should pay a price and hopefully learn from it.
450 kids graduating, 8 kids caught drinking. On a percentage basis, doesn’t look bad to me at all. Are they going to let the boys and girls undress/dress together? That would really spice things up. Let’s be honest; they are kids, they are going to push the boundaries and see how far they can go. The whole night is constructed to try and eliminate the chance that any of them get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence and it does a great job of that. Nothing is ever going to be perfect but I give the Administration for trying to make it so. Too bad for the kids that got tossed, heard it was a great night.
right – great night – controls in place and working – so why overreact and penalize next years graduating seniors ?
It is not about percentages it is about people. If the organizers are not vigilant the kids will continue to come in drunk of sneak it in. The parents put an unbelievable amount of time and talent into the project so that their kids can have a wonderful night. They should not need to call an ambulance for someone’s stupid kids.
If you and your kids do not like the rules then you do not need to participate.