Mrs. Mac

The education isn't quite "halted" per say. They are sent to an alternative school where they may finish their coursework on-line. However, they are isolated, from teachers, coaches, positive peers and positive influences. They cannot participate in sports or attend any school function. And there are alternatives to these discipline policies. Once again, we are talking about first time offenders. In Bartholomew County, where they began to step away from zero-tolerance policies in the early 80's (far ahead of most of the country), first time offenders are suspended for 5 days and must complete

ALL students caught on school campus with alcohol or drugs are charged and/or arrested. So, there is the legal aspect and the school aspect. No one is arguing the necessity for consequences. It is not the school's job to rehabilitate granted. But, I would argue that schools can help link student's and parents to community resources and mental health agencies as needed. Schools are already involved in some preventative measures such as Red Ribbon Week and alcohol and drug education. It goes further and deeper than the above scenarios and it is not just here in this county. In essence, it's all

In August of 2012, four high school students were caughtdrinking at a football game. They were suspended for that entire semester. Oneof those students appealed to the school board because he had not been drinkingand while the alcohol was in is vehicle, it did not belong to him. He lost hisappeal. This particular student was cleared of all legal charges in October,but was still not allowed to go back to school until serving the entirety ofhis expulsion. These students were first time offenders. In December of 2012 a sophomore was suspended for theremainder of the semester and the en