...allow me to step on my soapbox...
How? ... Just how are no tolerance policies teaching anything usefull to our kids?
Ooooh! Little Johnny drew a picture of a gun! Our policy guide says we have to suspend him for 3 days - maybe even expell him. O - M - G! Holy crap, people! It's high time you shred that policy guide, burn the shreds, and throw what's left in the garbage! Then here's an idea. Go find that spine that you used to have, you know the one, it's the one that you itch to use every time a situation like this comes up but don't because you don't want to make waves. Find it, use it to tell the school board that, "Hey, this feels good. I can make up my own mind on how discipline little Johnny! I don't need your help with this one. Thanks, but no thanks!"
Then, instead of telling Johnny what a bad thing he's done, why not try telling him how great the drawing is? Encourage him to keep drawing! Give him ideas for other things he might like to draw! The conversation could go something like this. "Hey, Johnny. That is an awesome drawing of a gun. You're really good. You should try drawing other cool stuff, like big ships or horses, maybe airplanes! But you know what. You shouldn't be drawing when I'm teaching Geography. Next time, wait for free time or Art, ok?"
Then, when little Johnny draws while your teaching something other than art, make him stand up next to his desk or in the back of class. Facing you so he can pay attention to what's being taught! If Johnny's parents have a problem with your approach, politely tell them that they are welcome to home school their little munchkin because we expect well behaved students in our school.
I guarantee you that Johnny's parents will have a problem with your - other - spineless approach. Stop hiding behind your stupid little manuals and start using your brain to make your own decisions!
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