Every year TABC, like many other schools, sends out a student handbook which is meant to specify the rules and regulations of attending TABC. With the ever-growing student interest in teachers following rules however, the TABC Student Handbook for the Academic Year 2016-2017 lacked certain rules and was, in several occasions, vague and overly strict.
First, the handbook was sent out quite late. In previous years it was sent out within the first week of school. This year, however, it was not sent out until October 6th, about a month after school started. The handbook was only sent out after juniors brought up its absence at their first grade dean meeting.
According to page six of the Student Handbook cheating is “communication with another student in any way during or about an examination or homework assignment" This seems to dictate that saying something as simple as “that was a hard test” is forbidden. Additionally, this proves problematic for many students who simply have a question about the homework. The rule “is stupid,” says Jacob Reinitz, a student of Mr. Vahedi, whose students are supposed to talk to their “homework buddies” (classmates chosen to consult with in the event of misunderstood mathematics) about things like homework. It seems like a very strict definition of “cheating.”
Another example of seemingly excessive strictness is the rule that, “Chewing gum is never permitted in the school building” (page 16). According to this, chewing gum, even when not in class, is against the school rules. Additionally, this rule means that chewing gum is not even allowed at extra-curricular activities, such as sports games after school. This proves difficult for freshmen students who, as part of a science experiment, are required to do so.
In regard to dress code the student handbook requires students to wear “pants that are not jeans or sweatpants.” This ostensibly allows for students to wear the ever popular track pants. When questioned in regard to this Mr. Arthur Playoff (Mr. P), the principal of TABC, countered that the school cannot possibly be required to list all possible scenarios and so it should be assumed that track pants are not allowed. This lofty claim is faulty on two accounts: according to this claim students are being penalized for breaking rules that they were never warned existed in the first place. In addition, if the school “cannot possibly be required to list all possible scenarios” then the student handbook should not list what students are not allowed to wear but rather what students are allowed to wear. According to multiple members of the TABC faculty the student handbook is not listing all pants that are not allowed but listing examples of pants that students may not wear. According to the previous claim however, the student handbook should not have stated that students “must wear pants that are not jeans or sweatpants” but should have stated that students may wear *insert types of pants that are allowed* and may not wear other types of pants including jeans and sweatpants.
Another rule regarding the student handbook is that your sneaker laces must be tied. The handbook reads "Sandals (with socks) and sneakers (laces tied) may be worn" (page 16). This seems to imply that your laces must be tied if you wish to wear sneakers. This makes sense but seems quite over the top in terms of actual rules of the school.
According to the handbook "...The use of iPads or other electronic devices is limited to the lunchroom" (page 17). Thus students seemingly may not use their phones in the library, gym, unused classrooms, the lounge, or even during class! (later on, however, the handbook does reference a scenario in which electronics in the lounge may be used, see page 20) Another rule about cell phone use is that students “may not use their phones to create separate internet access, whether as a wi-fi hotspot or by tethering" (page 15). A seemingly draconian rule.
The handbook is obviously not all bad. There are many rules that make sense. Some rules should be strict, such as the rules regarding students bearing arms. The student handbook says that “TABC takes a ‘zero tolerance’ position that no student shall possess, use or distribute a weapon” (page 5) and then proceeds to listing 10 examples. Another similarly important rule forbids smoking. Although the handbook importantly dictates how to act in an emergency situation, it differs from procedures told to the teachers and posted on the walls in each classroom. The handbook illustrates a detailed plan for fire drills, lockdown drills, and reverse evacuation. Perhaps the most important thing that is constantly reiterated throughout the handbook is the constant reminder to be respectful to peers, teachers, administrators, school property, and the entire TABC community.
Overall the handbook provides valuable insight into school rules, but at times it can be gratuitously strict. Whatever the case may be, it is certainly advisable for everyone who has not yet done so to read it.