Friday, May 05, 2006
Unfair Principal
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have a problem with my principal. She's very unfair and is so quick to judge. We have so many problems in our school but she fails to address the issues. She always tries to put on fronts in front of parents and guest and claiming that our school has class. We are located in the ghetto and the population of the school is mostly African American. Anyone who lives outside of this area would conclude that we are a "bad" school. And sometimes I have to agree. Our principal just recently cancelled our 8th grade dance because five students were involved in a food fight.It's not fair that the entire 8th grade has to be punished because of five people who don't know any better. And what's worst is the she punished the people who had nothing to do with it. The only reason why she punished them is because of their history of getting in trouble. What should I do?
Anonymous
*****
Dear Anonymous,
You are saying a lot of things in your letter, and while you may be right, it's hard to tell. For example, what makes you think she cancelled the dance because of that issue? Did she come right out and say that? And I'm not sure where the African American part comes in. Kids are kids, no matter the color of their skin.
You seem like you are very frustrated with a lot of things in your school and the dance is only the latest issue. I'm guessing it's also very difficult for your principal to run this school. It might be a good idea to try and see things from each other's point of view. Does your school have a student council that meets with her? If so, you might want to suggest to the council they meet to discuss some of these issues. If not, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't ask to meet with her yourself. If you do, make sure you express your opinions with respect. And make sure you listen to what she has to say. If you do, there's a good chance she will take you seriously and want to do something else for the students. If nothing else happens you will have had the chance to practice being a leader.
And remember, ninth grade is coming next year. That's when the REAL fun starts!
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
I have a problem with my principal. She's very unfair and is so quick to judge. We have so many problems in our school but she fails to address the issues. She always tries to put on fronts in front of parents and guest and claiming that our school has class. We are located in the ghetto and the population of the school is mostly African American. Anyone who lives outside of this area would conclude that we are a "bad" school. And sometimes I have to agree. Our principal just recently cancelled our 8th grade dance because five students were involved in a food fight.It's not fair that the entire 8th grade has to be punished because of five people who don't know any better. And what's worst is the she punished the people who had nothing to do with it. The only reason why she punished them is because of their history of getting in trouble. What should I do?
Anonymous
*****
Dear Anonymous,
You are saying a lot of things in your letter, and while you may be right, it's hard to tell. For example, what makes you think she cancelled the dance because of that issue? Did she come right out and say that? And I'm not sure where the African American part comes in. Kids are kids, no matter the color of their skin.
You seem like you are very frustrated with a lot of things in your school and the dance is only the latest issue. I'm guessing it's also very difficult for your principal to run this school. It might be a good idea to try and see things from each other's point of view. Does your school have a student council that meets with her? If so, you might want to suggest to the council they meet to discuss some of these issues. If not, I don't see any reason why you shouldn't ask to meet with her yourself. If you do, make sure you express your opinions with respect. And make sure you listen to what she has to say. If you do, there's a good chance she will take you seriously and want to do something else for the students. If nothing else happens you will have had the chance to practice being a leader.
And remember, ninth grade is coming next year. That's when the REAL fun starts!
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
