Friday, November 24, 2006
Grandson In Heelys
Dear Guidance Guy,
My grandson was told to shut up by his teacher yesterday. This is a Colorado grade school. Is this allowable? He had his heely wheels in his pocket. She told him to empty his pockets, is this also allowable. Heelys are allowed at school as long as the wheels aren't in.
Thank you,
Gladys Trujillo
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Dear Ms. Trujillo,
I don't know what happened before your grandson was told to shut up, but it's never a good idea to use those words. Your grandson's behavior may have been inappropriate - maybe very inappopriate. But part of being an elementary teacher is having lots and lots of patience. If I were the principal I wouldn't be happy with this teacher.
Generally school personnel can have kids empty their pockets if they think there is some danger to the student or someone else. Possibly having drugs or weapons are valid reasons to search a student. Heelys don't seem to fall in that category. Again, I think the teacher made a mistake.
That said, I've don't think it's the best idea for your grandson to bring his heely wheels to school. It's just asking for trouble, especially since there's no time he'll be allowed to use them while school is going on anyway. My guess is that he's been popping them in, which started the whole problem in the first place. I suggest you hang onto his wheels until he gets home. Then he can heely all over the neighborhood.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
My grandson was told to shut up by his teacher yesterday. This is a Colorado grade school. Is this allowable? He had his heely wheels in his pocket. She told him to empty his pockets, is this also allowable. Heelys are allowed at school as long as the wheels aren't in.
Thank you,
Gladys Trujillo
*** *** ***
Dear Ms. Trujillo,
I don't know what happened before your grandson was told to shut up, but it's never a good idea to use those words. Your grandson's behavior may have been inappropriate - maybe very inappopriate. But part of being an elementary teacher is having lots and lots of patience. If I were the principal I wouldn't be happy with this teacher.
Generally school personnel can have kids empty their pockets if they think there is some danger to the student or someone else. Possibly having drugs or weapons are valid reasons to search a student. Heelys don't seem to fall in that category. Again, I think the teacher made a mistake.
That said, I've don't think it's the best idea for your grandson to bring his heely wheels to school. It's just asking for trouble, especially since there's no time he'll be allowed to use them while school is going on anyway. My guess is that he's been popping them in, which started the whole problem in the first place. I suggest you hang onto his wheels until he gets home. Then he can heely all over the neighborhood.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
# posted by Larry Hochman : 7:47 AM
