Action to Eliminate School Fights Immediately

Recently the Valdosta City Schools Board of Education took action to eliminate fights on the campus of Valdosta High School.  Under new rules posted as an addendum to the student handbook any student who is involved in a fight on the Valdosta High School campus or on any school property including athletic facilities and buses will immediately be assigned to the alternative school for the remainder of the school year. If the administration at the high school can determine which student instigated the fight and that the other student involved made efforts to avoid the confrontation, only the instigator will be assigned to the alternative school. This change in policy is in effect immediately. All students have been informed of the change in policy and how it will be enforced.

It is critical that we provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students. I applaud the board’s strong action in this matter. It is important to note that 99% of our students are well behaved and cause few problems; therefore, we have to do whatever is necessary to eliminate any negative actions by students who interrupt the learning environment for others. I am extremely pleased with the improvement that has been made in student behavior at the high school since becoming superintendent. Fights and other disruptive behavior are not rampant at Valdosta High School as some would have us believe. It is also important to know that a majority of fights start as a result of something that happened at home or in the community before the student comes to school.  We ask for and welcome parent support as we begin the task of eliminating fighting and other inappropriate behavior by a small number of students while at school.

The new rules related to fighting are welcomed and will be enforced without fail.

What are your thoughts on school fights and how to halt them?

A Solution to A Major Issue in 2012

There are numerous things that affect a child’s early success in school. Chief among those are the lack of opportunity for three and four year old children to be exposed to reading and other learning materials in the home. There is a great lack of parents or caring adults who are willing to spend time with their children in order to introduce them to the wonderful world of printed material and other learning materials and devices.

This situation is especially prevalent for those children who live in poverty and low income homes. There are numerous other social problems that impact the education of these children but there is none greater than not being exposed to learning material at an early age.

I believe there is a way to address these problems. However, it would take a concerted and continuing effort on the part of the entire community. I dream of having a three and four year old reading program housed in our elementary schools after hours and primarily staffed by volunteers from the community in which the school is located. It would require many dedicated volunteers who are willing to give of their time to provide the needed opportunity for these children to be exposed to a well organized learning environment. It would also require that parents learn along with their children. The churches in our community will play an important role in helping such a program be successful by encouraging parents who have young children to get involved in the program.

This initiative would provide a great opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to be involved in a positive way with the educational process in our community.  The Chamber’s Education Committee could be involved by providing publicity and resources for this effort. The College of Education at Valdosta State University and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College are aware of this dream and have agreed to become partners in providing tutors and other resources.

As a community, we have to find a way to address the many social issues we face. I can think of no better place to start than to make an intensive effort to address the educational needs of our young children who live in poverty and cannot provide for themselves.

This is just the beginning of a dream that I know we can make happen. I will be talking to my board about my vision in the next few months. As a school district, as a Board of Education, and as an entire community we must find the courage to make this happen.

We are in the early planning stages now, but we must move forward quickly. In the upcoming weeks, I will be speaking to churches, the Chamber, community organizations, and anyone else who is willing to listen and help. We have to make this happen for the sake of our children who will be the future leaders of our community, our state, and our country.   

All things are possible if we believe.   What do you think would help this issue? Please leave me your comments.

Dr. Cason