Charger Opinion

Charger staff speaks on administration and student communication

Charger Staff

Disregard for administration is a growing problem among American schools. Violence on television, lack of parental guidance, music-- we have heard all of the excuses. What if the lack of respect was linked to the administration itself?

The CHS administration needs some work. Students come to school with a sense of apathy and disregard for higher authority due to the businesslike atmosphere we are forced to endure each day.

We are placed in an environment that often makes us feel as if students are insignificant and “just another problem to attend to.” A school is not a business to maintain for profit and appearance. Students are individuals with their own problems and lives. Authority figures and students should be able to communicate freely without the added stress of judgment on both parts.

Specific instances have occurred during school activities that have given students reason to believe that administrators are selective when handling situations involving individuals.

We understand that administrators are faced with some of the greatest responsibilities when balancing the safety and well-being of students, but a level playing field needs to be established. Policies on student ID’s, dress code, and discipline must be set and maintained for all students, not just those who “appear” to be troublemakers.

The perception that administration is biased against stereotypes will only weaken the bond that holds us together as a community. Social activities should be enjoyable for all people, not just those who are favored.
The Charger staff would like to address the perception that students have little or no say in what decisions are made “for the good of the student body.”

It is to our understanding that a student congress is established within a school to represent the opinions of the student body and to make a difference using those opinions. Unfortunately, the suggestions proposed by Cookeville High’s student government seem to fall on deaf ears.

The idea that adolescents do not think rationally before presenting a solution to a problem is unreal and irrational in itself. We do have a voice, but if we continue to be silenced, how are we expected to take anything seriously?

Our goal is not to stir up controversy but to hopefully begin a dialoguebetween students and administration on ways our school and education can be improved.

More interaction both formal and informal between the administration and student body is the only way for both groups to feel valued and earn the respect that each deserves. Without increased and open communication that goal will never be met.

Article prepared for web by: Derrick Smith