Your child's school rules: the stupid, weird, or just plain annoying

[melmar136]

DD (12) started middle school (7th grade) this year, and they have the clear water bottle, water only rule as well.
They do not have a rule about no backpacks.
There are a couple of rules I thought were kind of odd while going through the 33 page handbook...one was gum chewing. I get they don't want the kids chewing gum, as then it gets stuck under desks, etc and the janitors are forever cleaning it up. BUT, in DD's school they have a demerit system, and chewing gum counts as 3 demerits, worse than swearing at a teacher, and the same as defacing school property. Really? I got caught with gum in middle school, and had to stick it on the end of my nose for the rest of the class.
The other one is about carrying something like Advil or Tylenol. If you have it in a purse, or on you anywhere, it counts the same as if you had an illegal drug and you would get suspended for 10 days. I get that they don't want you having any kind of pills but not sure it should carry the same punishment as true illegal drugs?!
There is nothing specified about getting your lunch or forgotten homework brought to you at school, but DD forgot her lunch once in elementary school, and they just had her borrow $ to buy lunch that day, and I reimbursed it the next day. If she forgets her homework, too bad really. She'll have to turn it in late, as it's her responsibility to bring it on time. Good thing she does 99% of the time!

 

[teacherforhi]

DD (12) started middle school (7th grade) this year, and they have the clear water bottle, water only rule as well.
They do not have a rule about no backpacks.
There are a couple of rules I thought were kind of odd while going through the 33 page handbook...one was gum chewing. I get they don't want the kids chewing gum, as then it gets stuck under desks, etc and the janitors are forever cleaning it up. BUT, in DD's school they have a demerit system, and chewing gum counts as 3 demerits, worse than swearing at a teacher, and the same as defacing school property. Really? I got caught with gum in middle school, and had to stick it on the end of my nose for the rest of the class.
The other one is about carrying something like Advil or Tylenol. If you have it in a purse, or on you anywhere, it counts the same as if you had an illegal drug and you would get suspended for 10 days. I get that they don't want you having any kind of pills but not sure it should carry the same punishment as true illegal drugs?!There is nothing specified about getting your lunch or forgotten homework brought to you at school, but DD forgot her lunch once in elementary school, and they just had her borrow $ to buy lunch that day, and I reimbursed it the next day. If she forgets her homework, too bad really. She'll have to turn it in late, as it's her responsibility to bring it on time. Good thing she does 99% of the time!

In NC, that's state law. The school has no say over it. However, our good ole' state legislature made it even more ridiculous this year. Before, a parent could bring a bottle of Tylenol to the school and sign an "at will" form. The Tylenol would be kept in the guidance office, but if a child needed it, they could go take it. Now, in order to have ANY type of medication on campus, a DOCTOR has to sign a form for it. Yes, I said any, including Tylenol.

"In accordance with N.C.G.S. 115C-375.1, the Board of Education authorizes school personnel to administer prescription and over-the-counter medications upon receipt of the written authorization of the health care provider and the written authorization of the student's parents or guardian."

I don't know it for a fact, but I bet there's a lot more Tylenol running around in purses or bookbags this year. I can't imagine many parents were willing to get a doctor to fill out a form for something simple like that.

 

[leight]

My biggest issue is why the kids have to buy the gym uniform. Why aren't reg black nylon shorts and a blue tshirt(with no writing) ok? This is FL- the kids are running the track everyday in 90 degree heat sometimes in 7th or 8th grade-so I'm supposed to wash it nightly? I can't afford 5 $15 uniforms each year- because they change them every year. I'm more than happy to buy one- maybe a 2nd shirt but why cant I have them bring in extra tshirts so they don't stink? Especially since I have a stack of soccer shorts that could work in place of the 'uniform shorts'. I dread that again in 7th grade- for 6th grade I got dd into an extra help math class in place of PE so we're not dealing with it yet.

But for HS- I have to wonder whose great idea it was to have thin white t-shirts and thin black mesh shorts(which are see through- I kid you not) for girls' PE uniforms? I'm thinking there's some very happy perverted coach out there. For this one I will be attending the school board meeting with the uniforms to show how inappropriate they are -they are completely see through.

 

[pacrosby]

However, if there was a rule that I disagreed with, I would work to change it rather than think I was above it. We have to have respect for the administrators and teachers, and if we think that there is some kind of a stupid rule, do what I have done and join whatever your version of school council is and change it from within!

I haven't finished reading but wanted to stop here and add....

but I strongly believe that publicly funded schools have a duty to be reasonable. People shouldn't have to knock themselves out and waste their precious time and energy to fight the good fight for some stupid rule that defies logic. What a slippery slope that ends up being. This isn't a private business that can make whatever crazy rule they like. "If you don't like it just homeschool" is alittle bit different than "if you don't like it go work/shop at the store across the street."

You all are right about one thing though. I shouldn't expect that they should grant me an exception, and I don't. I expect that they should grant EVERYONE an exception

 

[hereyago]

Interesting to see the "different" rules for schools.

In elementary and middle school,parents were allowed to go to the office and drop off lunch money, homework,etc.

The students wouldn't go hungry at leat not for elementary school, if the kid had no money of their account, they would get milk and peanut butter and jelly or cheese sandwich.

Both middle and elementary, kids can borrow money from office that has to be paid back.

Gum: not allowed, but some teachers allow it if it isnt smacked, bubbled or left on a desk. Just the same with cellphones. DD's core teachers allowed the phones to be with them.either off or on vibrate. no texting or calls. They actually used them in class a few times and last field trip they actualy had assignments that you had to use your cellphone during. This year, phones have to be turned off completely.

No unatural hair color or styles.

 

[hereyago]

Well-as a kid who was always "pushing the rules" we used to take oranges and inject them with vodka--so while we sat at lunch eating our "healthy lunch" we were eating a vodka laced orange!

Oh yes, I remember that being done as well.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

At my school. you can use your phone at lunch, snack, anytime we have a break. They also started enforcing the dress code since nobody has.

 

[Principessa1284]

I don't know why some people are flaming on others - wasn't the thread made to vent about silly school rules?

PS - I was in high school post columbine, post sept 11th, and our school didn't have any of these ridiculous rules. We were allowed to wear hats and hoddies and coats and bring backpacks in the classroom, and carry clear and non-clear water bottles around. FWIW, it was a public school and I got a FANTASTIC education. I loved my high school.

PSS - You people and your schools make me want to homeschool my future children.

 

[kaytieeldr]

My favorite stupid rule that landed me multiple Saturday schools in high school......

Socks must be above the ankle.

I've never figured out why. I'm 98% sure that my ankles aren't keeping anyone from focusing in class!

Now, in that situation I would have taken the rule literally: cut open the toe on a pair of socks and slipped them on over my calves, like a pair of not-yet-fashionable leg warmers. My socks would have complied with that rule by being (completely) above the ankle .

 

[kaytieeldr]

The rules don't necessarily defy logic simply because someone doesn't agree with them.

Why not determine the reason or logic for all the school's rules (not just the ones one finds annoying) and work to get them changed.

Generally, such rules aren't made just for fun or to entertain the school staff or annoy parents; there's a legitimate purpose.

I haven't finished reading but wanted to stop here and add....

but I strongly believe that publicly funded schools have a duty to be reasonable. People shouldn't have to knock themselves out and waste their precious time and energy to fight the good fight for some stupid rule that defies logic. What a slippery slope that ends up being. This isn't a private business that can make whatever crazy rule they like. "If you don't like it just homeschool" is alittle bit different than "if you don't like it go work/shop at the store across the street."

 

[mhsjax]

These rules always amaze me...and I'm a teacher. I can understand if someone forgets all of the time...but assuming it is rare...I just don't understand. I wonder what the secretary does if she forgets her lunch? I will bet she has other options. I wonder what she does if she forgets her purse at home? I'll bet she goes back for it...but kids can't forget?

OMG people, we actually have a teacher, yes a teacher, and she sees no problem with a parent dropping off a lunch as long as it isn't a habit, What is the world coming too. Thank you for having some common sense about you.

 

[mhsjax]

Honestly, if I dropped in a lunch for my 17yo and the secretary called over the PA 'E.... your mom has dropped food in for you, come to the office' he would just about die from embarrassment.

That doesn't happen either. In our school...believe it or not, I never had to drop off a lunch...but once our son forgot his glasses. Our son texts us and then we text him that his glasses are in the office. (7th grade.)[/QUOTE]

They don't give a reason, they just tell kid to come to the office. But like I said earlier, our school has some common sense and brains, they will let a kid purchase something and have a negative balance, and after that they will be given something, not anything they would buy, but at least something. And we actually turn out very level headed smart kids.

As far as texting, can't do that, if they see a phone out in school it is taken. I don't argue that rule, myself. Maybe I should think less of your son that does that? But I won't, I guess it just depends on your school and how it is set up.

 

[pacrosby]

The rules don't necessarily defy logic simply because someone doesn't agree with them.

Why not determine the reason or logic for all the school's rules (not just the ones one finds annoying) and work to get them changed.

Generally, such rules aren't made just for fun or to entertain the school staff or annoy parents; there's a legitimate purpose.

Point taken....but rules don't necessarily make sense because others are willing to go along with them either. Some people are just followers. Many others don't care as long it doesn't inconvenience them, regardless of how dumb it is.


I happen to think that not allowing a parent to drop off a lunch/glasses/permision slip or money for a field trip absolutely defies logic.

Just because someone can come up with a reason, doesn't make it 'reasonable'

I know it's no longer popular, but I believe in common sense

 

[spacemountainmom]

I thought of another one....in our district elementary and middle school girls were not allowed to wear anything with spaghetti straps. It was pretty much anything goes in high school.

My dd could not wear a tank top to school when she was in 2nd grade and had nothing to show. Now that she's 16 she can pretty much let it all hang out at school - not that dh and I let her.

The middle schools started allowing spaghetti straps this year. I don't know about elementary schools since I don't have any kids there anymore.

I have never understood this rule. It makes far more sense to make the older girls cover up.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

The backpacks not being able to be carried all day thing: This has always been a thing at DD's schools. Backpacks can carry weapons,etc. She is in middle school now, they also get a few locker breaks,so it is like high school. In the morning, get your first few subjects materials, after lunch get a locker break then get the last few classes materials.

Hoodies: that is more for safety issue to.

Schools wanting clear backpacks, safety reason.

I think the shootings at Columbine really changed how schools have certain rules. In DD"s schools, as soon as you get in the school, go to your locker put your coat away, no coats allowed in class.

People need to think about some of these rules: I think if there weren't some of the rules in place and something happened, the same people would wonder why a rule wasn't in place. generally speaking.

I agree that Columbine changed things - but for the record, kids can carry their backpacks (not clear) all day long at Columbine

 

[kaytieeldr]

Point taken....but rules don't necessarily make sense because others are willing to go along with them either. Some people are just followers. Many others don't care as long it doesn't inconvenience them, regardless of how dumb it is.


I happen to think that not allowing a parent to drop off a lunch/glasses/permision slip or money for a field trip absolutely defies logic.

Just because someone can come up with a reason, doesn't make it 'reasonable'

I know it's no longer popular, but I believe in common sense

I tried to find information for the schools in my city, but could only find the high school and one elementary school.

It seems most posters who think the "no drop-offs" rule is ridiculous are looking at it from the individual perspective, not the school's. The elementary school has about 350 students. If even 15% of those students each day needed something dropped off, that's fifty things someone who has other real job duties has to be taken away from their regular job to notify and distribute. Our high school has over 1,950 students Even 5% drop-offs would be close to 100 parents showing up every day - with, again, those forgotten items needing to be distributed.

 

[jrmasm]

I tried to find information for the schools in my city, but could only find the high school and one elementary school.

It seems most posters who think the "no drop-offs" rule is ridiculous are looking at it from the individual perspective, not the school's. The elementary school has about 350 students. If even 15% of those students each day needed something dropped off, that's fifty things someone who has other real job duties has to be taken away from their regular job to notify and distribute. Our high school has over 1,950 students Even 5% drop-offs would be close to 100 parents showing up every day - with, again, those forgotten items needing to be distributed.

There are more than 2,000 students at our high school. Drop offs are allowed.

 

[U2_rocks!]

My DS started secondary school 3 weeks ago (age 11) - new school, new rules. So far I have found them all to be very reasonable.

Kids have to take backpacks - there are no lockers. In fact, they have shared classrooms and they move around a lot, so they walk with their backpacks all day. They get used to it, and my son hasn't complained.

The uniform is strict, no options - you buy the items from a certain store and that is it. The uniform has to be worn a certain way too - shirts tucked in, socks pulled up to a certain height etc. I don't mind that - it was the same when I was at school and we are just used to it.

On Wednesday DS forgot his lunch at home because DH was rushing him and he's scatterbrained at the best of times, and he happened not to have any money on him. He called me from the school payphone at lunch break to tell me this. There was no way for me to get to the school before lunch break ended, so I was going to make him starve but not let him stay to play cricket after school as he had planned - logical consequence for forgetting lunch is that there is no way sports could be played if you haven't eaten all day. But I called back the school just to double-check when lunch period ended, and something told me to explain why I was asking to the lady in the school office - lo and behold she said no problem, she'd arrange for him to get a school meal (meaning the free lunch that is offered for the poorer families). I did tell my son that night not to take advantage of the free school meals, that they aren't really there for us because we can afford to provide lunch or canteen money, but it's nice to know that there is a back-up.

I don't think there are any rules about water bottles. I do know that alcohol is so easy to get after school and on weekends, no-one feels the need to sneak it into school.

Backpacks can be and are randomly searched. The school doesn't technically allow cellphones, but will overlook them if they are turned off and not used during school hours. Most kids who have them use them after school for transportation issues etc. (the buses are a bit unpredictable).

There is zero tolerance for bullying and racial (and other) discrimination, which is nice.

We don't wear hoodies here except perhaps on a rainy day in the "winter" months - it's almost always too hot, and it's not part of the uniform anyway.

ETA: DS' school is a typical public school.

 

[wvjules]

I didn't think any schools allowed kids to carry backpacks in school anymore?! After Columbine... None of our schools in this area allow it.

Why? Did they hide their weapons in their backpacks? I thought they were hidden in their coats?

 

[lemondog]

DS12 is in middle school (7th grade). They do not allow drop offs of any kind. No forgotten homework, books, instruments, gym clothes, etc. While I understand WHY, and I do agree with the sink or swim on those things, and hopefully the lessons learned, they also do not allow drop offs of lunch or lunch money.

I have a HUGE problem with that. If your child does not have money in their lunch account, and they forget their lunch, they will not get ANYTHING to eat. They do not get a sandwich, or crackers, or anything. They don't get three strikes. You forget even one time, and you are S.O.L. I don't know how this is going to teach them any kind of lesson- except that they will be hungry and will not be able to focus on school lessons that day.

I did strong arm my way into the office once last year, and the secretary made me feel like garbage for dropping of my DS's forgotten lunch. It only happened one time. I told her there was no way I was letting my kid starve for the day. If he forgot his homework, then he would have to deal with those consequences. But I won't let him go hungry all day.

Our school has this rule as well. However, if the kids forget their lunch (which coincidentally my 10yo did today) they will still feed them, even if there is no $$ in their lunch account. It's honor system to bring the $$ the next day. It is WRONG to not feed a child, IMO.