Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Canning Again
The Weymouth School Committee, in their zeal for setting unnecessary rules, has approved a policy that will not allow students to wear their school uniforms or colors unless it is approved by the Superintendent Of Schools. Although we’re not sure, we thought that was basically the policy already. It appears that the lesson to be learned here is, “don’t give up no matter how wrong you’re proven to be”. It seems that this policy is merely an attempt to appease a vocal minority. Bravo to the lone dissenter, Karen Berry who opted for parental freedom. Let’s review the entire issue of fundraising.
Lyn Frano, the Substance Abuse Coordinator in Weymouth, appears to have made a direct correlation between fundraising in front of liquor stores and underage alcohol abuse. Because of that, there was an attempt to set the “holier than thou” regulation of not allowing children to collect these funds in that manner, particularly via “canning”. When the rule did not pass muster with the School Committee, the “stubborn to a fault” rule kicked in, whereas it was decided that not allowing the school colors to be worn would be almost as good. Thus, now we have an even more absurd correlation between underage alcoholism and wearing school uniforms.
As we have stated in earlier commentary, there are a couple of factors here that don’t make sense. First off, there is no connection between canning in front of liquor stores and underage alcohol abuse. If young people want to abuse alcohol, they are not going to be more apt to do it because of where they choose to fundraise. Second, by setting a policy such as this is an attempt by the School Committee, the Mayor, the Superintendent and the Substance Abuse Coordinator to “parent” the child. We feel this is a distraction from the more important task of educating children and is best left to parents. Lastly, if we are to ask our children to raise funding for their own education, then how can we justify telling them HOW to do it. Quite honestly, the idea to can in front of the liquor store, just before the Super Bowl showed, showed a good concept of market analysis.
As a parting shot at a worn out topic, as taxpayers who are also paying our children’s education by fundraising will wear the uniform we paid for anywhere we like. Catch us if you can.
POSTED BY STAN on June 30, 2009
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2 Comments
I agree with you Stan. Where are the statistics to prove underage drinking is a product of canning in front of a liquor store. My kids made more money in front of beachway liquors than any other place
Posted by: ZZ | July 2, 2009 11:47 AM
great commentary. This intrusion was just a silly waste of time and money. An attempt by the mayor to look like she cares about public school kids.
Posted by: Linda M. MacDonald | July 9, 2009 01:18 PM