[HathawaySchool] Rumor - Backpack Searches

[hathawayschool at lists.howardwhathaway.org]

 February 7, 2008

 

Good Morning Everyone, 

 

I am writing to you today to ask your assistance in stopping a rumor that is getting out of hand for our school staff and students. 

 

There is no search of students' backpacks or bodies planned by our school or by anyone affiliated with our school. There was no search yesterday. No one removed any electronic equipment from anyone's backpacks. 

 

I got some phone calls asking about this "rumor" yesterday and an email this morning. Simply ...it is not true. 

 

This is probably a good time to remind all of you that the school policy is: 

 

"Please do not allow your child to bring valuables to school it is difficult to ensure the safety of such items. If small items are found, they are held in the front office instead of the lost and found area. No toy weapons, radios, handheld video games, tape recorders, electronic devices, cell phones or permanent markers to school". (Hathaway Elementary Handbook, page 5). 

 

If teachers find that students have these items in school, the items will be taken away and sent to the office. Parents will be called to pick up the items at their convenience. We cannot be liable for any of these electronic devices.  

 

It is my understanding that the bus drivers are allowing students to bring electronic music devices to listen to on the busses. This helps to keep the students focused and well behaved during the bus ride to and from school, but places these items in backpacks during the school day. I will be talking to the bus company to ask them to stop this practice since it is sending mixed messages to the students. 

 

Hopefully, this message, which is being sent on listserv as well as in letter form today,  will clarify our policies, end the rumor of backpack searches and put students, teachers and parents at ease. 

 

Respectfully, 

  

Christina M.Martin, Ed.D.

Principal

 
 
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