“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”
-- Roy L. Smith
By Tommie Saylor
Kennedy High School Principal
Student discipline is the most difficult part of being a school administrator, what with in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, after-school detention … what to do?
But one thing is for certain: No matter what is done, someone will be upset. Often the victim and/or parents are unhappy because you did not go far enough with the disciplinary measure. The perpetrator and/or parents are often unhappy because you went too far, and the instructor/school adult may be unhappy because you did not handle the situation to their liking.
No matter what you do people will be unhappy with you – and you did not even commit the offense. You are just in charge of cleaning up the mess someone else created. It makes you think: “For this I went to college and earned a Master’s Degree? To be hated by most and mistrusted by the rest?
So, what do you do? You make the best decision you can, given the data presented and always keep in mind to do what is best for the student.
What does this mean? This means that sometimes the student gets a walk and other times the student gets “slam dunked.” This means that if the student comes to the office “hat in hand,” is remorseful, understands the error of his ways, is truthful, respectful and you believe has learned a “lifelong lesson,” then leniency is warranted.
But if the student comes to the office full of distain and anger, is disrespectful, deceitful, uncooperative and clearly has not learned a lesson and is not willing to accept the consequences of his actions, then pulling out the handbook and maxing the student out is justified. In short, attitude and demeanor is king.
What one must remember when it comes to student discipline, is that first of all they are still kids. That through making mistakes we all learn lessons. An infraction of the rules should be viewed upon as a learning opportunity, a chance to teach a student a lesson that will serve them their entire life.
It is not about getting even, about getting vengeance or extracting a pound of flesh. It is about teaching a student a better way to handle a problem, a conflict or a disappointment. It is about helping the student to grow up, mature and become a productive member of society.
So when we give a student “a walk” it is not because we are weak. Nor when we “slam dunk” a student does it mean that we are hateful. It is because we are truly trying to do what is best for our students.
Many do not know how we agonize over decisions regarding student discipline. How we lose sleep at night. We accept the fact that we may not always have the right answer, but our hearts are always in the right place.
With this being said, those on the “front line” of the disciplinary actions that take place at Kennedy High School deserve a collective pat on the back. Ms. Loomis and Ms. Lancina are two of the finest administrators that have ever occupied the position, and have been charged with cleaning up messes that others dare not touch.
Ms. Loomis and Ms. Lancina are intelligent, crafty and wise, displaying a level of strength and compassion second to none. Though Ms. Lancina tries to make everyone around her believe that she is tough as nails, and Ms. Loomis tries to convince everyone that she is nothing but logic and reason, in reality they are some of the kindest hearted people I have ever known, expertly applying their motherly skills to the students left in their charge. Though student discipline is a monumental endeavor at best, these two ladies make it look easy, and carry home with them lots of baggage harvested throughout the day.
Kudos to two of the best with whom we are fortunate enough to have walk amongst us every day!
What starts here, changes the world. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design….
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