ADMINISTRATION UPS DISCIPLINE AT CENTRAL HIGH

Students at Cape Girardeau Central High School are being sent to the principal's office at twice as often this year as last.

So far this school year, 864 discipline referrals have been logged at the principal's office.

Last year, for the same time period, 494 referrals had been made.

Principal Dan Tallent says the increase in discipline referrals was expected.

"One of our goals for the year was to create an environment at school that is more conducive to learning," he said.

For example, the principal said students are expected to be in class on time, bring the appropriate materials, do their work and be cooperative with teachers and other students.

"We have set expectations for students and have asked teachers and other staff to help us communicate those expectations," Tallent said.

Students and staff say they see the tightening of rules at the school. Some are pleased with the change. Others are concerned that the punishments aren't always fair.

A discipline referral results when a student is sent to the principal's office for any infraction, minor or serious.

Individual students can rack up several discipline referrals. The number doesn't reflect 864 students.

Tallent said overall behavior at the school has been excellent. Trouble is made by a handful of students, he said, and thinks the number will drop as students realize the expectations won't go away.

An additional assistant principal is at work to help deal with the discipline.

"This year we can be more involved. We can be more places and provide more assistance," Tallent said.

Most often, students are in trouble for causing problems in class, failing to serve detention, being tardy or truant. Other offenses include fighting, smoking, even parking violations.

To deal with the expected increase in discipline referrals, a new in-school suspension program was instituted this year.

So far, students have been assigned to in-school suspension 148 times. The same student can be assigned more than once.

"We felt in-school suspension was a more positive way of dealing with the misbehavior and keeping students in school," Tallent said.

Students are assigned for three, five or ten days. Classroom teachers submit their assignments and a coordinator sees that students are at work.

"It's a very controlled environment," Tallent said.

When misbevahior persists or a serious infraction is committed, students can be suspended and kept out of school. So far this year, 81 students have received out-of-school suspension.

Last year during the same time period, 89 students were suspended. In-school suspension wasn't an option.

Tallent said the in-school route is preferred. When students are assigned to in-school suspension they are required to complete course work. When suspended out of school, students are prohibited from making up their work.

For less serious breaches, students may receive an hour-long after-school detention or a four-hour detention called Saturday School, held on Saturday mornings.

"We try anything we can within reason to solicit the cooperation of the student," Tallent said.

"They are beginning to be young adults and we think it's time they begin to accept that responsibility."

"It's stricter, but I like it," said senior Melissa Renard. "It's more organized and the policies are a lot clearer."

Carrie Smith, a senior, said, "I think the principals are following through with what the rules really are."

In the past, she said, misbehavior sometimes wasn't punished. "We know they are not going to let it slide," Smith said.

She's pleased with the change. "If we are at school to learn, we shouldn't have to deal with all that other stuff."

Tommy Moore, a sophomore, agreed that things are stricter at school this year. "They are not letting things slide. If you do something, even something little, you will get punished."

But he's concerned that the rules aren't being enforced equally. He said administrators need to make sure punishments fit the offenses and that discipline is doled out fairly to all students.

Willie Tatum, a junior, doesn't like the stricter atmosphere at school and fears the change will cause more students to drop out.

"I don't like it. And now we have the new dress code. I don't like that either," he said. "It's stupid."

Katy Andersson, who teaches computer courses, said the new atmosphere and the addition of a second assistant principal have proven to be positive changes.

"I think teachers are not afraid to address discipline in their classes because we feel support from the administration," Andersson said.

The addition of an assistant means that discipline referrals receive prompt attention.

"Before, with just one person doing everything, referrals had to wait so long to be addressed," Andersson said.

Susan Hekmat, a speech and English teacher, agreed.

"Students know action will be very swift," she said. "Kids know there are immediate consequences for their actions."

Hekmat said the fact that principals spend lots of time in the hallways and lends support to the staff.

"We know we are not by ourselves," Hekmat said. "We know there is someone we can call."

DISCIPLINE

Discipline referrals at Central High School:

Number of discipline referrals at Central High School:

1993: 494

1994: 864

Number of Suspensions

1993: 89

1994: 229

(includes 148 in-school suspensions)