New Disciplines Cause Havoc in Schools

The city of Portsmouth debated whether or not Saturday classes will help students who don’t behave.

During the meeting held on Monday, Jan. 24, parents and students speak out against the possibility of this new punishment.

Tim Steele, a School Board member, wishes to approve this motion.
Saturday morning classes would run from 8 a.m. until noon several weekends of the year.

This new disciplinary action raises issues for both parents and students.

Peggy Bacon, a parent, said, “I work six days a week—including Saturday morning—and it’s bad enough to get my son off to school Monday through Friday.”

Parents may be affected because it makes it harder on their work schedule. Providing transportation for their children may be more difficult.

“Why should I have to worry about Saturday as well? Why do we need change?” said Bacon.

Parents will have to pay for these classes; it doesn’t offer much incentive.

“I just don’t think it’s going to make any difference, and the parents are going to pay for it – in higher taxes as well as in ruined Saturdays,” said Bacon.

Steele thinks these classes will reduce the number of in-house suspensions, which are given automatically for students caught smoking on the property of Portsmouth High School.

“I know this isn’t good news for parents, but I hope the threat of Saturday classes will make the students think twice before breaking the school rules,” said Steele.

Five High school students attended the meeting, one of which was a senior, Lisa Gallagher.

Gallagher said, “I don’t like this idea. I think it’s just being done to make life easier for the faculty. What if someone skips the session? What are they going to do, make them stay all weekend?”

Steele said, “If a student skips Saturday School, he or she will not be allowed to return to school until the detention has been served.”

Bob Farley, a resident of 64 Elm St. agreed with Steele.

“Maybe if they [students] have to miss a few Saturday morning cartoons they’ll start wising up,” said Farley.

After a 30 minute discussion, the board voted 5-3, with one member abstaining, to table the issue until the next meeting on March 7.

Steele agreed to return to the next meeting with figures on in-school detentions so far this year.

The board continued to discuss the leaves of absence requested by four teachers, the impact of federal budget cuts on school lunch menus and the approvals of several school department and food service bills amounting to $13,568.