Rutland

Here's my thoughts on the situtation at Rutland High School:

1- it would be real shame for every child to be punished for the actions of a few, as well as the lack of judgment on the part of the adults. Many kids only chance to see a world outside of their own is on school trips.
2- I also think this is a generational thing on the part of the kids and parents of the kids. It seems more and more children are growing up and learning to be disrespectful of those put in charge of them. And not only that but they are engaging in increasingly risky behavior. I wonder if these kids today are the children of those who were teenagers in the 80's- a period of time in which teens were extremely indulged.
3- We need to allow stricter teachers in schools. The kids today realize that their parents will not back up the punishments the teachers and administrators put out.
4- Therefore, cutting out school trips altogether does not address the real problem, in my opinion. If you cut out these overnight trips you will also have to cut out things such as debate and cheerleading competitions, things which allow the good kids to see a better world and also grow their self esteem through competition and working towards a goal. This problem is much bigger than school trips, the problem is kids today have not just a lack of respect but a lack of fear. I was always scared to do something out of line. If kids were afraid of retribution, and knew that their parents would back up school officials then I think we would not be experiencing these issues today.