I am writing to address the topic of student safety in hopes that you will have a conversation with your child after reviewing this information. As all adults know, society's tolerance for certain types of behaviors has changed over time. For example, it used to be just a bad joke or at least non-threatening if someone made a statement about a bomb being present in an airport. It is clear that society's tolerance for that type of statement changed. It also used to be a tolerated behavior when students brought pocket knives to school as the use of the pocket knife as a tool was much more accepted previous to this time. Our awareness and sensitivity to issues of personal safety have been heightened and school personnel are advised from many sources to purposefully create a safe school environment. Thus, there is a real safety concern when a student brings any type of instrument that has any type of blade or other part that could cause harm to another person. We want to be pro-active on this issue.
This leads to my purpose for writing this letter. I am urging you to have a conversation with your child regarding their possession of any knife or other "look alike" instrument that could be considered a weapon or could be used to threaten or cause harm (either physical or emotional) to another person. While the Troy School District is very blessed to have a safe environment for our students, we want to make sure we take all steps necessary to maintain this type of environment.
As stated in the 2009-10 Parent-Student Handbook (page 29), the possession or use of weapons, look-alike or potential weapons, or live ammunition is considered a Level IV behavior. When students are found to be in possession of these types of items we take it very seriously and require disciplinary actions that may result in at least temporary removal of the student from the school and/or the transportation system. Level IV acts of misconduct are considered to be "monumental" disruptions to the educational process and disciplinary action, the involvement of law enforcement authorities, and action by the Board of Education are possible consequences. Disciplinary consequences may include but may not be limited to out-of-school suspension(s), revocation of bus riding privileges, seizure of the contraband, referral to law enforcement officials, expulsion and/or alternative placement for up to two years.
Please know that I have considered that some parents may read this letter and feel that Troy has a growing problem with this type of behavior. That is not the case at all! In fact, the greatest majority of our students never have any type of behavior issues - let alone the serious ones mentioned above. I am simply writing to share that what we thought were appropriate behaviors while growing up, are not necessarily appropriate behaviors for our children given the current situations and the tolerance of societal pressures.
It is my goal to never have to consider a disciplinary issue as serious as the ones mentioned in this letter. However, this can only happen if the adults work together to make sure that all children make good decisions.
By working together, we will continue to have a safe learning environment for all students. I encourage you to contact your child's teacher and/or building administrator if you have questions regarding any topics found in the Parent-Student Handbook.
