Student wrote on Jun 4, 2007 8:29 AM:
" This is truly sad just think about the conseqeunces of what their doing "
Student wrote on Jun 1, 2007 3:13 PM:
" The banning of tag is just plain ridiculous. I have been hurt more in a simple game of tetherball than tag. How about we ban sports in elementary schools and drink fat free milk and eat rice cakes, and then lecture about love and how perfect the world could be if we all did that. What happened to "survival of the fittest". Children have to learn what they are and aren't good at and they should stop being babied. We are raising a generation of vegetarians and quakers. "
Central Student wrote on May 31, 2007 3:16 PM:
" I THINK TAG SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM THE PLANET!! IT WILL ONLY HURT KIDS AND MAKE THEM do Drugs!! "
ieupx wrote on May 11, 2007 5:54 PM:
" No tag, no soft drinks and chips in school, only one serving of a fat food in school, body mass index now put on report cards, random drug searches in schools...a zero tolerance society. "
angry spence student wrote on May 10, 2007 4:25 PM:
" man I wish you didn't ban tag! "
Respect wrote on May 4, 2007 11:48 PM:
" If there is one thing that could be taught in all this it is respecting authority. While kids will be kids it is always good to have something like this so kids learn that knew rules can come up as a result of someone elses misfortune. As a member of the law enforcement community where I live I see a lot of adolescents having problems respecting their elders not because they are kids but because of how they are raised. Remember parents how you talk about this situation with your children can rub off. Show alittle respect it may help your child develope into that future professional we all dream of our child becoming because of it. "
sad: continued wrote on May 4, 2007 8:25 PM:
" For the mother who is claiming discrimination against all of the fat teachers, if you really let your kids do everything you do than that is the problem. Last for the major point that I keep hearing about how obesity is such a problem, get out and play with your kids. A fifteen minute recess with tag is not going to solve all of the worlds problems. Plus there are a lot of other things to do at recess to get kids running besides tag!!!
"
sad wrote on May 4, 2007 8:23 PM:
" I have never blogged before either, but I have had enough of reading these blogs from very opionated people. First thing that I want to say is some of you need to have some tact. If you have something to say that is fine, but find a tactful way of saying it. I would actually want to listen to some of your valid points if you knew how to communicate in a way that people would want to listen. Next for all of the people that keep claiming they are taxpayers and they have a right to know, where are you when all of the positive things are going on in school. It seems that you should not be claiming you are taxpayers, you should be saying you are people that need something to complain about. "
hintgen grad wrote on May 4, 2007 3:10 PM:
" come on! let the kids play. you can't shelter them forever. how are they ever going to learn. i played tag, and chase, and kickball, and all of the "banned" sports when i went to elementary school, and i didn't get hurt at all. banning activities during recess is the stupidest idea ever. parents and adults are sheltering their kids too much, they have to learn on their own. "
Then why wrote on May 4, 2007 8:25 AM:
" ... was the principal's decision so narrow-minded? Every administrator-- especially in education-- should know better than this. Her attitude and behavior are both questionable. Besides, it's not just Tag; it's also "other chase games." What are we REALLY teaching our children?! I love public education as well, but this "policy" opens up several other underlying issues that will manifest themselves somehow, somewhere... "
Barb Secord (VIP) wrote on May 3, 2007 9:27 PM:
" Live, Love and Laugh......First of all, I never blog but this is dear to my heart. I love public education and appreciate all of the exposure and opportunities it gives my children. Thank you to all of the teachers and Mrs. Sikorsky for the love and care you give the kids every day. Remember that "Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." "
Tag has little to do with obesity wrote on May 3, 2007 6:07 PM:
" A few posters are trying to relate the banning of tag with the current obesity epidemic among kids and it doesn't hold weight. Banning tag is stupid, but it's not going to contribute to more fat kids. Blame the parents for that. Parents are responsible for fat children AND the banning of games due to their over-litigenous ways. "
re: hailey wrote on May 3, 2007 4:56 PM:
" You didn't hear the swing sets are gone already! "
Janet Litman wrote on May 3, 2007 3:50 PM:
" My comments and opinions were my own and not anyone else's. I took ownership of them by signing my name. If "concerned" and "tag not a major issue; BUT" would like to call my integrity into question, they should take ownership of their comments by signing their name. "
hailey wrote on May 3, 2007 2:19 PM:
" i think that to ban a game such as tag that children love to play and have fun playing is absolutely ridiculous! ya so they might get hurt so wut! they can just as easily break a collar bone on the monkey bars or the climbing web...are you going to take that from them next?! or how about the swing set...better watch out for that one! c'mon... "
Caveman wrote on May 3, 2007 1:33 PM:
" Back in my day, we used to jump off the roof of the school. Sure kids would break a few bones doing it, but so what? They'd just put a cast on it and come back in a couple of weeks. Now kids aren't allowed to do that either. What's next? No building fires next to the school? No whacking other kids with baseball bats? No punching the kindergartners to "welcome" them? How are kids going to get their exercise? "
what irritates me..... wrote on May 3, 2007 11:09 AM:
" ...is that, for generations, tag most likely was never banned or classified as unsafe. It's simply THIS GENERATION of soft, pansy marshmallow people seeking over-regulation of everything. Syd is right. Kids certainly can find something else to play. And as far as kids being 'singled out' by the nature of some of these games, that's the most idiotic thing I've ever heard. We all suck at something, big deal. We're also good at other things. Kids need to deal with that, to learn from it. A kid who sucks at sports might very well gifted in math and will stand out in that arena while the fast kid might struggle. Should we making grading more fair so as not to make another student feel singled out as stupid? "
tag not a major issue; BUT wrote on May 3, 2007 10:14 AM:
" Granted banning tag is not a major issue; but today we banned tag tommorrow we ban this and the next day we ban that for what ever the reasons. The problem with this is pretty soon the kids are going to be left with nothing to do but get into touble. Tag is a form of physical exercise with childhood obesety on the rise it all counts. As for the "$30,000 play set" how many kids can this realistically hold safely? You have the priciple speaking through the PTU president,why didn't she just come out and speak for herself. It might have solved alot of the speculation going on. Granted the decision would still have been wrong! How long has tag been around? "
Syd Barrett wrote on May 3, 2007 9:14 AM:
" This is not a physical fitness issue. When I was a kid, we had dozens of games we could play, and we would have been bored out of our minds playing tag. The principal didn't ban all playground games, she just banned tag. Are kids so uncreative these days that they can't think of more than one game to play? "
Chico wrote on May 3, 2007 9:10 AM:
" I'm afraid I don't see how a public park situation would be that different from a school. You still have a small number of kids who take over the entire playground and endanger the little ones. The principal can't turn the playground over to the kids. This principal saw a problem and took action to solve it. The parents blasting her here seem like the kind of parents who blame the school for all their kids' behavioral problems. "
To: 6:29 wrote on May 3, 2007 8:15 AM:
" The principal made a decision that is now affecting every child, parent, and teacher associated with the school (and perhaps the whole La Crosse public school district). To offer no public explanation and then simply stating that it's not news is just irresponsible. Maybe it's not news in her world, but by looking at most of these comments after several days, people are pretty upset about it and have a right to an explanation. When health issues like child obesity are on the rise, and then to ban something that virtually every child has ever played, it seems like she needs to defend her decision and her remarks. "
To excuse me Miss Litman wrote on May 3, 2007 6:29 AM:
" You don't "call into question" this administrator. You want her to lose her job. I think that's a ridiculous overreaction to this non-issue. I happen to support this decision as well as the principal's comment that this isn't news. I also think it's odd that "tag" is the educational issue that gets you all riled up. If you're interested in those other problems, do something to solve them. The principal can handle the decision of whether tag should be banned at Harry Spence herself. "
re: Chico wrote on May 2, 2007 11:41 PM:
" We aren't talking about parks. We're talking about public schools. You're right, parents should monitor their kids in parks. Your comparison with public schools doesn't hold weight given the completely different circumstances. Anyway let's ban all physical activity for kids in schools. If they so much as forget to look where they're going they should be expelled and the whole family sent to boot camp. "
To: To Excuse me, Miss. Litman: wrote on May 2, 2007 10:10 PM:
" Your commentary is incredibly judgmental. You assume this is the first time I have ever been involved in the public school system and that I am the only one who is focused on this issue. I apparently have no idea about at-risk kids, NCLB, budget cuts, tracking, drugs, gangs, teenage pregnancy, kids who come to school hungry, students who fall asleep in class, families who cannot pay for field trips, parents who are so drunk their kids have to find their own way to school.. For your information, I am a parent, an educator, and a taxpayer. Public school administrators have obligations to defend both their students and their own actions, and to keep the public informed of what is happening at the public schools. When they don't, they are called into question. "If I haven't made my point already..." "
To Excuse me Miss Litman wrote on May 2, 2007 6:41 PM:
" If I understand you correctly, you want to be personally consulted about any rule change at any public school - because you pay taxes? What exactly has you involvement in schools been up to this point? Nothing? And you choose the burning issue of banning tag to get involved? What's next? You want the results of kickball games reported in the paper? If I haven't made my point already, I'll put it as directly as I can: There are more important issues facing our community than the banning of tag at an elementary school. "
Chico wrote on May 2, 2007 6:11 PM:
" The situation I describe is a regular occurrence at a local public park. The tag game takes involves use of ALL the playground equipment. I am left with the choice of intervening to protect my 4-year-old, who also wants to use the equipment, or leaving the park to the control of the 9-year-olds, and their do-nothing parents. I do my part. I tell the kids that they are endangering little ones. They act like nobody's ever corrected their behavior before. And my guess is nobody has. You all are whining about how your little darlings are being deprived of their constitutional right to play tag. If you'd parent your kids, this rule would be unnecessary. "
re: Chico wrote on May 2, 2007 5:17 PM:
" What are you talking about refusing to address 'aggressive tendencies'? Most of us are simply annoyed at every parent who cries about every bump or bruise on their kid. Yes, obvious aggression should be addressed. Intentional aggression aside, if my kid got whacked or knocked down during tag I'd warn the kid to get out of the way, not blame other parents! Likewise, older kids should be taught to watch out for those who are littler. I'm sick and tired of the 'blame the other guy' mentality in this country. Me, me, me. It's ALL about ME and MY needs. I'm afraid to see how the next generation's kids turn out. Might as well hand them legal paperwork as part of their everyday materials. "
TO: CHICO wrote on May 2, 2007 4:10 PM:
" Maybe you should lobby,to have the playground seperated by age groups. Besides that,what's a 4 year old doing in school with 9/10 year olds??? Child prodigy? "
To: Chico wrote on May 2, 2007 3:02 PM:
" While I do agree that many parents ignore their child's poor behavior, I am not in any way the type of parent you are talking about. I have always been responsible when it came to my children's behavior. Sometimes I have had to talk with other children, but I do so constructively. What is your 4-year-old doing in the middle of a game like that in the first place? What are YOU doing about the problem, other than complaining about other children and their parents? In most playground situations, kids of different age groups are not playing together, anyway. Perhaps it is behavior like YOURS that prompted this action in the first place. "
Chico wrote on May 2, 2007 2:43 PM:
" I have seen my 4-year-old nearly kicked in the head by 9 and 10 year olds playing tag. The 9 and 10 year olds don't even notice him, as he's not part of the game. My 4-year-old is just minding his own business on the playground. What do the parents of these 9 and 10 year olds do? Not a darn thing. The behavior is not addressed at all. The parents posting here seem to be this type of do-nothing parent. Misbehavior is ignored. I don't remember tag being a dangerous game when I was a kid, but it becomes dangerous when parents like the ones posting here, refuse to address their kids' aggressive tendencies. This is the parental attitude this school administrator has to deal with. I don't blame her a bit. "
Where is the information wrote on May 2, 2007 1:56 PM:
" ... that the public and the newspapers are looking for? It comes from the principal, who declined to comment on the issue altogether when she had the chance. That's why you have 150 people speculating on this even in the first place. What is that principal hiding, anyway? When events such as this happen at a public school-- where teachers and principals are getting paid through public taxes-- don't you think it would have been wise to let the public know the reason? Hmmmm??!!! Poor judgement from someone who should know better. "
Any game ..... wrote on May 2, 2007 1:12 PM:
" ... is subject to injury or social isolation. Get over it. Let kids be kids while they can. They grow up way to fast the way it is. What do you think life is all about anyway? Injury and social isolation,let them learn it now,so they are prepared to go out into the "BIG WORLD"! "
Excuse me, Ms. Litman, but wrote on May 2, 2007 11:26 AM:
" ...your comment about making this a public issue is ridiculous! This action happened at a PUBLIC school, and your principal's reaction was to let the public-- taxpayers-- know it was none of their business. The newspaper was reporting it as news, despite the fact that your principal commented, "This is not news." She needs to lose her job for this self-righteous decision-- how irresponsible to take this situation and make it disappear, instead of turning it into a positive learning opportunity for EVERYONE. If one person wants to ban a book-- for whatever reason-- is it taken off the shelf immediately so no one else can read it? There is a process for taking action, and it's not blind stupidity. "
re: Janet and the Whiny Parents wrote on May 2, 2007 8:35 AM:
" Unless my kid was knowingly bullied/injured into the hospital, no, I wouldn't call the school and complain if my kid got hurt playing tag. I'd most likely explain life's tough lessons to him and that sometimes people get injured. Look, Ms. Litman, I'm sorry but parents these days are whiny, litigation-happy jerks who place their precious little ones on pedestals. Those parents ought to be ashamed and are an embarassment to the community. Unless their kid faces serious danger (broken bones, going to hospital) they're overreacting. "
Great Point PTU President wrote on May 2, 2007 6:51 AM:
" But then that would be an educated decision....something that the press does not have. Way to take a stand Mrs Sikorsky. At least one of your students parents understands where this came from. "
re: 12:53 wrote on May 1, 2007 8:53 PM:
" We're not all lazy wobble-bottoms! I run 45 miles/week. Have been for 15 years, especially since no one wants to play tag with me for fear they might get hurt (Ok so my 90 lb dog loves tag). It's probably the Fraidy Cats who are inside all weekend. If anyone has the time to present their side, it should be them! God knows the kids aren't playing any sports or even venturing out to our local forest..."Eek! Snakes, bees, rocks, boulders, fallen trees, runners....too dangerous!" "
Concerned wrote on May 1, 2007 5:38 PM:
" It is interesting how they...whoever they are...choose to put certain blogs on. Let's critique the Tribune and the editors...... "
Concerned wrote on May 1, 2007 1:20 PM:
" Hmmmmmmm....who wrote this article??????? "
THE REAL PROBLEM wrote on May 1, 2007 12:53 PM:
" When I heard about the comments on this blog it made me sick. All of those people spending the beautiful weekend on the computer making uneducated comments, while their children sit glued to the television playing their video games! Get off the computer, shut off the television and go play tag with them yourselves. As for me that is exactly what I am going to do! "
Janet Litman, PTU President wrote on May 1, 2007 11:56 AM:
" I think before parents and columnists decide to make things like this a public issue and before newspapers decide to publish these articles, they should make sure that they have performed a thorough investigation by talking to parents, administrators, teachers and children and that they have ALL the facts. You know what’s ridiculous – this newspaper article and this blog!!!! Especially when no one feels it necessary to sign their names. It’s easy to be anonymous and spout ridicule. "
Janet Litman - PTU President wrote on May 1, 2007 11:55 AM:
" Do any of you know what you’re talking about? Do you know what happened at school that day? Why it seemed necessary to make this decision? If your child was hurt playing tag and came home and complained, would you call the school to complain? Do any of you have to try keep a myriad of adults (with different personalities, beliefs, agendas, parenting styles) happy? These types of decisions are usually made for reasons of safety and liability. Liability because some parents decide to litigate or take an issue to the public without the facts. It is no different in any business – we have ADA, FMLA, OSHA, Worker’s Compensation, and health insurance (to name a few) – all for your protection. To be continued… "
Let them play! wrote on Apr 30, 2007 6:59 PM:
" My husband went to a catholic school all his elementary years. He said that they used to play king of the hill til someone screamed or cried in pain. Recalling this memory he still smiles. Let them play if they want to. For the kids that are to sensitive, let them do something else. I can't believe they have all these counselors, therapists ect. at grade schools. This is just a joke. Who's paying for all this ridicolous staff? We never had any of this growing up and we all turned out fine. I think they are just looking for things to find wrong nowadays. With all these extra teachers around and staff why should they have to ask for parents to come and watch on the playgound.
Sick of it! "
Melinda Bossenmeyer wrote on Apr 30, 2007 6:32 PM:
" As a former elementary school principal, I can relate to the "banning" epidemic. When my office filled with 10 kids on discipline issues before school started. I too banned morning recess. But I quickly learned that the decision was a poor one. The real problem was untrained supervisors, lack of playground rules, and not enough games and activities for children to play.
Some helpful hints for improving your playground: Make sure there is enough equipment to participate in games and enough activity choices.
The question is not so much, "IS tag bad but instead is your playground GOOD? Peaceful Playgrounds research identified 5 things that go wrong on playgrounds and came up with 5 research based solutions. For more information and their findings go to www.peacefulplaygrounds.com/benefits.htm "
This is nuts! wrote on Apr 30, 2007 4:47 PM:
" Thank goodness my kids don't go to a school with such ridiculous rules!! If taking a honest-to-goodness old fashioned game of Tag away is going to prevent injury, then surely you've already removed all sharpened pencils, pens, scissors, staplers and other threatening school supplies out of the building. Come on people. Let kids be kids! "
willis wrote on Apr 30, 2007 2:54 PM:
" this is the dumbest thing. seriously, tag? more kids will get hurt playing basketball or kickball then tag. people worry way to damn much these days "
stop coddling the children wrote on Apr 30, 2007 12:41 PM:
" SERIOUSLY - why do you think asthma is so prevalent in children now? Because parents are so concerned about following them around with Lysol wipes, preventing them from eating dirt, being outside, and all the fun stuff that goes with being a kid. And yeah, sometimes the broken bones come with that. It's a part of LIVING!! "
To: Teacher wrote on Apr 30, 2007 10:26 AM:
" I've got a novel idea. How 'bout the administrators (and I use that term very loosely) show our children some moral courage and leadership (gasp) by showing them that it's all right (perhaps even desirable) to stand up to external pressures by thinking for themselves. "
1965 World Tag Champion wrote on Apr 30, 2007 10:21 AM:
" Principal Sikorsky please bring your ball back and play some more. We didn't mean it, REALLY. "
Solomon wrote on Apr 30, 2007 9:26 AM:
" There are good reasons to encourage kids to play more inclusive games - noncompetive games that don't exclude or embarrass kids - games that encourage cooperation. The means of accomplishing this (banning tag) is extremely heavy-handed and probably will be ineffective. Why not explain your problems with tag to the kids. Use it as an opportunity to have the kids learn empathy for other kids. Put some thought into giving them more attractive things to do. Let them continue to play tag if they want to, but put some more effort into solving the problem. Get the kids involved. They'll likely choose to play other games. "
stupid.... wrote on Apr 30, 2007 8:09 AM:
" why don't we just ban all games and don't let the kids even have a recess.....come on this is so stupid "
lets teach our kids.... wrote on Apr 30, 2007 7:41 AM:
" instead of sheltering them. My son is on a soccer team (1st grade) and they have played 3 games so far. They have lost all 3 games. Yet, he is still excited every Saturday for his soccer game. He has learned that losing is okay. As long as he tried his hardest and had fun, that is the most important thing. And he is only 6 yrs old. We need to teach our kids how to handle disappointment, not how to "dodge" it in life. I guarantee, there are going to be more disappointing things in their life than being "IT". This principle should be embarassed! "
IT GETS EVEN BETTER! wrote on Apr 30, 2007 6:35 AM:
" From years of experience getting phone calls from elementary school principals. Your son tried to tackle a kid at recess in touch football. Now that he is in 8th grade and will be playing jr. varsity football next year it continues. He will be missing his class trip and had an in school suspension for playing football at recess. WAKE UP!! Yes it is stupid!
The whole thing has gotten completely out of hand. "
Moderate Republican wrote on Apr 30, 2007 12:02 AM:
" What is this country coming to? I might have to look into my dual citizenship. If something as simple as tag is not safe....nothing is! "
Talk about.... wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:30 PM:
" It's unfortunate that this is even discussed. Talk about the age most kids start experimenting with drugs. Talk about the new choking game that kids are doing (a national trend); quite dangerous and deadly). Talk about how teachers can intervene on the playground when things do get out of hand. Tag is fun! And sometimes kids will get very involved in it. Teachers need to monitor the playground rather than banning a children's game. "
re: Teacher wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:03 PM:
" I'd really love to hear from the parents who are bold enough to threaten a lawsuit but too cowardly to come out and explain their side. The schools should tell the parents to shove it and send their kids somewhere else if they can't handle the inevitable injuries kids get while playing (like Cream Puff Elementary...). Though there probably are exceptions, I bet many of you sue-happy parents are selfish, self-centered ninnies and your kids will be, too. Home school them in a padded room. Let the other kids play tag. "
News 19 at 12:00A.M wrote on Apr 29, 2007 8:48 PM:
" the game tag is not to be played than does that mean that teachers can not use there phone ever again!!!!!!!!!!
"
Looper wrote on Apr 29, 2007 8:45 PM:
" For god sakes, someone ban kickball quick. I saw someone get hurt playing that game once. "
Spence Student wrote on Apr 29, 2007 8:30 PM:
" Parents can be so what's the word i'm looking for... STINGY when it comes time making rules. So, let all grades play tag. The question I would like answered is Mrs. Sikorsky were you ever a kid? "
"Too may injuries"? wrote on Apr 29, 2007 6:56 PM:
" Too many injuries with tag? There are injuries with everything!! I broke my ankle playing tennis in P.E. My friend cracked her head open after tripping while runnng in the gym. I know another who got smacked in the head with a softball and was knocked out and one girl who almost got her finger cut off in a heavy school door (now that's grounds for a lawsuit, not tag!). Guess what? None of our parents stomped around crying 'lawsuit'. We healed up and went on with our lives. Kids fall, they get hurt. Way to go administrators and parents.....go cry in a corner while the rest of us deal with the blows life throws at us. You can send your kids to Cream Puff Elmentary on Fantasy Island. "
anon wrote on Apr 29, 2007 5:21 PM:
" Here's an idea:
Let's ban recess all together. Kids can stay inside and learn all about first aid, how to sanitize every inch of everything and when they get into the real world, they'll be a bunch of hypochondriacs and germophobes.
(Note sarcasm) "
Teacher wrote on Apr 29, 2007 5:14 PM:
" Maybe if parents stopped blaming schools for every injury that takes place this would never happen? It's the overbearing parents that make things like this happen. Schools are always afraid of a lawsuit and must take steps to protect themselves. Anybody that criticizes teachers and administrators should look to their neighbor to blame for ridiculous things like this happening. When kids are active, they get hurt on occasion, whether at home or at school. It’s the same risk! Stop blaming the schools! They are only reacting to external pressure! "
Parent wrote on Apr 29, 2007 4:15 PM:
" If my kids went to that school I would pull them out now! Mine are too young to attend and don't even live in the county, so thank goodness for that. Everyone should write to the school and board and let them know it's a joke! Come on educated people with masters degrees, where has common sense gone to? How about "Here's Your Sign!" "
No Supervision. wrote on Apr 29, 2007 2:27 PM:
" I was interning and saw a 4-year-old boy playing on the old jungle gyms at school. He fell and bruised himself up; was crying. All the teachers were in one corner talking. It's not the games but the lack of supervision. this is just another example of an authority figure overstepping their boundaries. "
You have got to me kidding me.... wrote on Apr 29, 2007 1:05 PM:
" I can clearly recall as a kid playing tag, running around, laughing and using my freakishly long arms to tag the one who tagged me back. I may not have the fastest kid/skinniest kid out there but I didn't care, my freakishly long arms always won out. By the way have they banned Red Rover yet. How about double dutch for the girls who can't jump two ropes at the same time. What about tether ball, would that hurt the short kids who are playing. Come on officals and School Administators, get over your own childhood tramas and move on with your life. Our kids have to live not be coddled into early therapy. I need all the therapy I can get now what with having my right to get drunk and stupid being taken away from me!!! "
GET REAL wrote on Apr 29, 2007 12:05 PM:
" Maybe you should puree all of the food you serve them at school, otherwise a child might choke on a bite of meat! Take away baseball and kickball, a child might get hit in the head or turn an ankle while running! Make sure you cover the kids with sunscreen, he/she might get sunburned. Keep them inside if it gets below 32 degrees, they might get frostbite. Why not ban public schools and keep them all at home where if they get hurt there won't be a lawsuit. This safety rule is just ignorant. "
class of 1976 wrote on Apr 29, 2007 10:43 AM:
" tag was a girly game when i went to school,we did utterly stupid stuff and we got hurt, thats what boys do,I turned out just fine and have a wonderful family..This ban on tag is STUPID..I don"t see football being banned alot more injurys in that game than tag ever had.The snowball effect has begun next it will be chess or checkers because some kid ate a game piece!!!!What a joke "
Simon Says vs. Drugs. wrote on Apr 29, 2007 10:05 AM:
" You can take any game and make it a "picking on someone" game. The authority figures in the school system need to monitor what's going on; not to just authoritarianly eliminate games. There is nothing wrong with Simon Says, Red Light Green Light, etc. With all the drugs, "choking game" that kids are starting to play (and can be deadly) why would anyone worry about Tag?! If you read the statistics about the age of first-use of drugs this wouldn't even be an issue. "
Carnack the magnificent wrote on Apr 29, 2007 10:02 AM:
" ADHD. (ripping the envolope and taking out the paper) What happens to kids when running is banned? "
"Tracking" students not hurtful?! wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:55 AM:
" What about the "tracking" methods teachers use to divide the "smart" kids from the "dumb" kids? The smart kids end up in better classrooms, eventually going to college. The "dumb" kids (seen as dumb but are smart kids who may have some learning challenges) do not get the perks nor do they get to college. This is a common practice; and this isn't hurtful? Tracking is more hurtful than anything on the playground. "
take the next step, save time wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:53 AM:
" Just make all the kids stay home, plunk them down before a computer, and attach wires to their brains. No more tag, no interaction, no danger. No nothin'. No fun. "
Balance is the key. wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:48 AM:
" Teachers have the authority and will to monitor what goes on on the playground. If tag is getting too rough, then teachers can set some guidelines and enforce them. So where is the problem? Teachers apparently would rather elinimate the game rather than supervise the game. What are they teaching the children? I think this is an example of poor modeling on behalf of teachers. Balance is the key. "
RE: Child Care Worker wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:41 AM:
" You are SO IT! "
I wanna play tag! wrote on Apr 29, 2007 9:40 AM:
" I'd really love to play tag with some some of those whiny, complaining, law-suit threatening grown-ups (evil grin)!!! I guess they're playing hide-and-seek. Come out, come out wherever you are! Hide-and-seek is over. It's tag time. "
Gazemo wrote on Apr 29, 2007 7:41 AM:
" Who is going to pay for all the emotional damage the game of tag has caused me? I remember never being chased because I was too fast. Oh my . . . . I still have nightmares. "
utter wrote on Apr 29, 2007 7:32 AM:
" Soon kids won't be allowed to go outside at all, in fact, our kids will end up like robots, with little chips inside of them. All kids will be allowed to do is sit in front of computers and be brainwashed. I think kids who live in the country are even better off too. Yes, all of this is the parents doing, it's too bad. "
Waiting..... wrote on Apr 29, 2007 6:06 AM:
" .....to hear from the moronic, sue-happy parents who probably caused this to happen. Seems most people are against this ban. So where are those who support it? I say all the kids stage a protest and play tag anayway with the support of their parents. This ban is stupid, stupid stupid. Really stupid. I can't believe that many people are afraid their children would be damaged by tag!! Probably sissies themselves. "
PE and life lessons wrote on Apr 29, 2007 12:46 AM:
" The most important life lesson I ever learned in HS was in Physical Education class the day we were split into two groups on opposite ends of a wrestling mat. The goal was to go one on one for two minutes with the person directly across from you. My counterpart was the school’s 200+ lb. wrestler and I a mere 150lbs (w/backpack). I indeed learned some important lessons that day 1) that I could actually survive what I thought were life ending bends, twists and near suffocation and 2) Life isn’t always fair. I attribute that two minutes of hell to most of future successes in life i.e. sometimes life is very painful and sucks but you can endure. I also never got smart with the PE Teacher again either! Moral of the story, pain is part of life, deal with it even Tag "
Homeschool the children wrote on Apr 29, 2007 12:36 AM:
" Hey everyone nice to know our money pays for lazy teachers who careless about our
kids so they can sit and chat as much as they can get away with and even probably use those
school computers to go on chat rooms while your kids are out trying to be a child and have fun. I'd rather have teachers back then then teachers who got a degree out a of a box teach my kid. "
Give me a break!!! wrote on Apr 29, 2007 12:25 AM:
" So I can understand that the educators are only trying to keep the students safe. Where are they when kids are bringing guns and knifes to school and using them on each other. I don't see them doing to much to "ban" this behavior. They are instead more interested in banning the physical activities that out students desperately need. Give me a break-banning tag? We are harping our children and society about obesity, yet we are trying to take any form of exercise away from them. When will we realize that our "protecting" of our children if actually destryoying their lives? "
Principal defensive. wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:59 PM:
" She seems somewhat defensive in her response to eliminate tag from the playground. There is balance in everything in life. Kids may not be getting hurt if teachers didn't just sit around and talk. And, how can you take tag away and not altogether gym class (ban cheerleading then; studies show that it's more injurious than football). "
More endanger walking to school. wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:54 PM:
" If you have ever taken a pscyhology class you will know that major studies and research have been conducted by professionals on children's playground. That is where children can be children and shows how children relate to other children. I think it would make life a lot easier for the teachers if they could just line up the kids on the playground and hand them books. My child is more in danger walking a few blocks to school than playing tag. "
No self-esteem? wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:48 PM:
" If you don't want to hurt someone's feelings because they get tagged more than others, then it's up to the teachers to supervise so this doesn't happen. Also, why not just give everybody A grades so that no one has to deal with hurt feelings. And you wonder why there are school shootings; people need to deal with their feelings; good and bad. Protecting them isn't going to help a child's self-esteem. "
Re: Katie From: 32 y/o I turned out fine wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:43 PM:
" I agree. Parents are morons. Parents today place their demanding, self-centered, egotistical children on pedestals and worship them. This causes all these children to feel mistreated if ANYTHING negative happens to them... MOSTLY because the parents tell them they were. Parents used to tell their children "Stop being a baby and go out and play." As a student teacher YOU are the next generation of teachers that will solve this problem or make it worse. As a police officer, I see it getting MUCH worse. I'm left to clean up the crap because teachers CAN'T and parents WON'T!! "
Teachers arn't supervising adequately. wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:42 PM:
" Maybe it's not the games that the kids play, but the fact that teachers are talking amongst themselves all day and not supervising the kids. I did an internship at a school and found this to be true. The teachers have the will and power to monitor what is going on on the playground; there wouldn't be a problem if teachers enforced the rules. "
ZERO TOLERANCE SOCIETY!!!!!!!!! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:35 PM:
" WHY NOT GET RID OF YOUTH BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL; IF TAG IS DANGEROUS TO OUR YOUTHS THAN SURELY YOU CANNOT ALLOW OUR CHILDREN TO PLAY TENNIS, BASEBALL, ETC. SOMEONE MIGHT GET HIT BY A BALL; GOD FORBIDE. LIFE HAPPENS; THIS IS JUST RIDICULOUS. Also, take away the pencils they use; someone could wind up with one in the eye. "
Utter nonsense wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:25 PM:
" Look around. How many "slippery slides," swings, merry-go-rounds, monkey bars, trampolines, or teeter-totters do you see? Pretty much none because somebody might scrape their knee. We played on all those things, ran barefoot (today the parents would probably be reported for child abuse), played hide and seek in the dark where we might have run into something, and - gasp! - climbed trees too. How did we all live long enough to tell about it? And now the poor kids can't even play tag because they might bump into somebody else or get their feelings hurt and then their little psyches will be damaged for life. DUH!!! "
Molly -- the dog wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:21 PM:
" When I was a puppy, Maggie -- the dog -- would make me run and play. She would do whatever it took. It was as if she new it would be good for me. It was. Best of luck to the kids as they learn to sit still, or only engage in restricted movements. "
re: Spence 4th grade parent wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:15 PM:
" I'm sure they were informed, your child may have not been listening, or (gasp) lied and told you she hadn't been told. "
Katie wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:12 PM:
" Although I am a fan of tag, I can definitely see the other side too. You parents who complain-you are the reason this silly rule is being instated. As a student teacher, I can tell you we get multiple DAILY messages from parents about how their child was hurt or mistreated while playing tag at recess. "
Re: Parent of a 5th grader at Spence wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:09 PM:
" Why don't teachers let 10 yr. olds drink pop in school? First of all, that isn't even the issue, secondly, would you want to try to teach 20 10 yr. olds on a sugar/caffeine high? I know I wouldn't! Also, you want tag back, but also want your child to drink sugary, high calorie drinks? Stick to the issue, you sound less ridiculous. "
teacher wrote on Apr 28, 2007 5:31 PM:
" I had a student break a wrist because he did some kind of cartwheel into a swingset. Thank God the parents didn't demand we remove the swingset or ban cartwheels.
I know a student who broke a collarbone falling on the gym floor. Let's ban floors.
I know plenty of kids who skin a knee when they trip over a shoelace. Maybe . . . "
no drivers licenses for your kids wrote on Apr 28, 2007 5:26 PM:
" If you are one of the parents who demanded that there be no tag (I know it was parents who got this going!) then you'd better be consistent and never let your kids drive cars. That's far more dangerous. I'm surprised you transport them anywhere now. Do you know the statistics of them getting hurt in a car accident? "
Forget the "$30,000 playground" wrote on Apr 28, 2007 5:09 PM:
" Just let the kids play. Let them use their imagination. My generation seemed to do well with an empty playground except for kids, kickballs, baseball bat, baseball, jump ropes, etc. Games were played with simple equipment or no equipment. Now we need $30,000 playgrounds, water parks instead of 'swimming' pools, and cable/Nintendo in every home. WE are raising fat and easily bored kids. "
"It was hell recalls former child" wrote on Apr 28, 2007 4:56 PM:
" Tribune headline circa 2028. "
Did I miss something? wrote on Apr 28, 2007 4:28 PM:
" Prophylactics, sex education, inoculations against sexually transmitted disease, and now tag? These people are right on top of it. Its fun to watch a sharp mind work! "
Michelle wrote on Apr 28, 2007 3:36 PM:
" Well, where should I start,first all why would you take good physical activity away from a generation where the obesity level is so high? Second if your going to take tag away you might as well take gym, and any extra curricular activites involving physical endurance. What is this world coming to, believe me they have more things in life to deal with then getting a scratch on the knee or a bump on the head. How about being approached by a stranger,kidnappers,or drug dealers?
You'd like them to run right? "
It's the grown-ups who suck wrote on Apr 28, 2007 3:30 PM:
" Grown-ups ruin everything. Unless they're bullied on a regular basis, kids get over bumps and bruises. To you lawsuit-happy adults who probably threaten lawsuits for every scrape and bruise your kid gets, way to go. You're probably marshmallows yourselves and want your kids to be soft little marshmallows just like you. "
32 YO I turned out fine wrote on Apr 28, 2007 3:17 PM:
" Good god almighty!!! Can we PLEASE soften our children any more. Is it possible? I chewed with my mother's car keys as a kid and I don't have any diseases. I didn't make the traveling baseball team (Because I didn't have talent). I didn't have parents that sued if I sprained my wrist or leg playing tag. When I got hit in the face playing dodgeball I shrugged it off. Sure it stung but you know what...I learned to play it better. This country is raising a bunch of self-centered, sheltered, weenie children. We teach them that lawsuits are how to get things done. Its disgusting. I challenge anyone to contradict me. "
parent wrote on Apr 28, 2007 2:48 PM:
" Thankfully at least one principal, Berns, still has some common sense. "
zzzzomg d00de!!! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 2:42 PM:
" What's wrong with this world?
All the head people are on drugs or something. I mean..you might as well take the play equipment out and have the kids wear helmets in a big foam pit.
Just let kids play and let them enjoy their childhood.
"
Ridiculous wrote on Apr 28, 2007 2:27 PM:
" I agree with all the negative comments people have posted about this decision. However, I have also read the comments from the school employees/daycare center workers. And unfortunately, they are right. In this day and age, people are waaaaayyyyy too quick to sue over the slightest little incident or injury. They're the ones we have to thank for this. So the school admistrators are simply covering their own behinds by making this decision. It's sad, but this is what the world has turned into. "
one world goverment wrote on Apr 28, 2007 2:02 PM:
" here junior just sit by the tv and drink some of this kool-aid we will take care of everything. "
Spence 4th grade parent wrote on Apr 28, 2007 1:36 PM:
" My daughter was one who got in trouble... It's to bad they were not informed of the rule before they got in trouble. I really hope they continue to have fun so they don't become slow and weak. They better take a good look at their gym classes as the same thing happens there with the slow and weak! "
wrote on Apr 28, 2007 1:26 PM:
" I demand crash helmets for every kid 24/7! "
Health Advocate wrote on Apr 28, 2007 1:05 PM:
" This is completely insane. Kids fall down and they get up... there isn't any injury in tag that cannot be healed with a bandaid or in extreme cases a cast or stitches. Scars fad and bones health. Banning an active game is only going to add to the childhood obesity epidemic. EPIDEMIC! Get it together Sikorsky. "
lynn wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:59 AM:
" This is just the craziest thing i have ever head!!! Let kid's be kid's for heaven sake. "
UGH wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:49 AM:
" Would you rather have them play video games instead? This is beyond imagination... "
CaptnTony - It all started with lawn darts! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:41 AM:
" And you wonder why kids just want to sit on the couch and eat chips?! This is so bleeping outrageous. Can't play 'chase' games? Well there goes kickball, football, soccer, duck-duck-goose, chasing girls, whatever...all for the 'safety' of the kids. LET'S START THINKING ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KIDS, it is at LEAST as important as safety. Good god people! "
to:lawsuit-happy people wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:40 AM:
" thanks to you,the lawsuit-happy society,the kids can't play tag. Schools should not be paying for a scratch on the knee, or a brused ego. Games teach life. If today's children are not aloud to learn with social games, they undoubtably will be the next generation of todays lawsuit-happy idiots. "
Banning tag? wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:32 AM:
" Good greif, how rediculous. It does kids good to "burn some rubber" and use their energy during recess. Anyone remember the days of Keds, Red Ball Jet tennies -- "run your fastest, jump your highest," and coming back into the classroom after recess with rosie cheeks from a game of tag? From the many comments, I can see I'm not the only one who thinks banning tag is a stupd and over-controlling decision. "
What a Joke wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:09 AM:
" Everyone should be calling the school board and these teachers immediately and demanding that this type of control be stoppped NOW. Fire all of them and get someone that knows something about life and being a kid. Trust me, when they grow up and have to go somewhere like Iraq, they will have to run and probably won't have the chance to take the time to do it safely. Let them be kids because we all know that the grown up life is a lot of work. "
T wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:08 AM:
" heres an idea: lets ban stupid people who make obviousley stupid rules for other people to follow. that way we can get rid of 99% of the polititions and school administrators. "
no wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:05 AM:
" it shouldn't be banned. But better rules need to be made and enforced. Maybe they can only play it on the ground to prevent kids from falling/getting pushed off the playground equipment? You can only tag people that said they are playing at the beginning? You can only tag people on the back? No excessive roughness?
Maybe also have parents sign a waiver stating that they will not sue if their child gets hurt on the playground.
PE teachers do need to teach more games that are exciting for the kids, not the same ones that have been used for years, in hopes that they use them on the playground as well. "
Bob wrote on Apr 28, 2007 11:02 AM:
" OH MY GOD, what next????? "
Re: to OMG wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:40 AM:
" I grew up with Duck, Duck, Goose as well. It's a regional thing... By the way, has that been banned too!? Back to the main story, Principal Sikorsky obviously did not have the advantage of playing children's games in order to gain coping skills... "Simon Says-- you're fired." "
Parent & Teacher wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:32 AM:
" If this is the way Ms. Sikorsky deals with public school issues, I find her comments troubling. She is essentially saying, "Other schools are doing it; this is my decission and it's none of your business." Frankly, I don't think she knows anything about children's growth and behavior-- a major part of any Education program. As a school administrator, she needs to make informed decisions-- there are MANY potential consequences and outcomes to this action, the least of which is that children WILL run around and find other ways to create "safety issues." Not being allowed to play during recess will cause more disruptive behaviors within the classrooms. Public taxpayers need to call her on this one-- what a terrible way to run a school. This should be used as a learning tool, not a situation to be ignored. "
Mikey again wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:17 AM:
" It got out of hand when some of us boys decided tagging was not good enough - escalating to "tackle pull away." That's when they banned it. Banning regular tag is just nuts. Unless non-participants are being tagged without wanting to join in, in which case punish individuals. Kids who are obese are at much greate risk from sedentary living than they ever will be from playing the roughest game of tag. This is another example of overly protective educators and some parents over reacting to isolated incidents. Give me a break! "
Mikey wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:13 AM:
" I remember when our version of tag was banned. It was a game called "pull away", which started with one person ("it") in the middle of the playground (or skating rink in winter) and the others lined up on one end. When "it" yelled "pull away", everyone ran to the other side of the playground, while "it" chased down as many as he or she could and tagged them. They then joined in the middle and they all tried to tag folks as they ran back and forth. The object of the game was to be the last one tagged. It was a great game that taught us how to run really fast and dodge each other. It turned us in to good HS football players too. "
Parent of a 5th grader at Spence wrote on Apr 28, 2007 10:04 AM:
" "This is the problem of leaving decisions to educators, especially administrative educators, specially when they dont have children of there own.
GIVE ME A BREAK! I WANT MY CHILD TO PLAY TAG!
OH BY THE WAY, MY DAUGHTER IS ALWAYS WONDERING, WHY DO TEACHERS GET TO DRINK SODA'S AND COFFEE DURING CLASS WHEN SHE ARE STUCK DRINKING ONLY WATER? I SAY THAT IS DISCRIMINATION, MAYBE WE SHOULD TAKE THAT STUFF AWAY FROM THESE SO CALLED ADMINISTRATIVE EDUCATORS! BECAUSE TECHNICALLY CAFFIENE IS A DRUG OR AM I WRONG? IF SOME OF THEM TEACHERS LAY OFF THE SODA AND COFFEE SOME WOULD BE SO FAT. MAYBE THEY NEED TO GET OUT AND PLAY TAG TOO.
I SAY LET KIDS PLAY TAG AND DRINK WHATEVER THEY WANT! EVEN HOT CHOCOLATE! "
Kim Wolf wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:55 AM:
" Oh My God, next schools wont be feeding our kids at school due to obesity.
I say at recess time go to any school have the kids sign petitions to have a National Tag Day.
Who says you cant get hurt from playing kickball, Basketball, soccer, Football, track etc, I remember getting kicked in the face with a ball. Yeah it hurt but it didnt stop me from playing kickball.
I say if this issue is about a childs safety, then maybe they should ban all sports from school. Heck take away all recesses. Not matter how these kids are gonna play someone is gonna get hurt! Big deal!
I DEMAND MY KID TO PLAY TAG AT SCHOOL!!! "
center daycare provider wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:54 AM:
" So, you think this new playground equipment won't cause any falls, scrapes, cuts or broken bones?? Think again. I've seen that happen more than once. As far as the webbed climbing tower, how many kids will get their feet stuck and hurt themselves by possibly dangling on it? I would be you have more problems with this equipment than just playing Tag.
TEACH the children how they can become more coordinated and challenge them to be faster. How else are they going to learn? Rather than taking things away, we need to be the ones to show them how to overcome obstacles and succeed, not make everything easy. "
School Administrator wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:47 AM:
" I support this type of ban. The fact is when kids are being chased, they are look behind them (at the person chasing them)and not where they are going. When you have a playground with 100 or more kids at a time, it is dangerous to run without looking where you are going. This does not happen in basketball or other playground games...players are looking forward. Sure, I played it as a kid as well and survived. Unfortunately todays lawsuit-happy society dictates these measures. There are districts (in this area)that have paid medical bills for students who were injured playing tag in the thousands of dollars. Does this seem crazy? Sure it does but as a tax payer would you rather pay the smaller amount to make it go away or an amount that 10 times that amount in lawyer and court expenses? "
JB wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:43 AM:
" Tag is baned? .... aaah yes ... more proof that the worlds finally gone nuts!!! "
How sad! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:43 AM:
" They are banning tag because 'kids can get hurt'?? Did anyone notice that the picture that goes along with the article involves Kids playing on monkey bars? Why aren't they banning that as well? Better yet-get rid of all the playground equipment cuz the kids like to climb and 'could' fall off and get hurt! Oh and better get rid of any and all balls because someone could get hit in the head from a rough game of 4 square or kickball. Never know about those jump ropes-they could be viewed as a deadly weapon. If they want to keep kids from getting hurt they may as well have them all sit around and sing kum-bia-ya for recess. Totally ridiculous! "
organize and reverse this mistake wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:41 AM:
" If tag and dodgeball were "self-defeating" activities for Neil F. Williams during 1994, I'M SORRY, BUT professional educators should know better than to overprotect our children like this.
Tag, dodgeball and chase games all have their risks, but banning them is "self-defeating" and only denies children the opportunity to try their best, to compete and to develop socially.
This is the type of decision that crosses the line. A few active parents at Harry Spence, Roosevelt and Coulee Montessori and an organized message sent to the La Crosse School District can and will reverse this poor decision. "
Ban all school sports wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:33 AM:
" If they are going to ban this kind of games, then they should consider to ban all school sports cuz kids do get hurt in football, cheerleaders, etc. Everywhere and everyday kids do get hurt in this. So why not do that if they are doing this to ban. If they are so worry about the liblity issues then outlaw in everything and let the kids just sit all day in their desk/computers, video games, etc cuz they cannot go outside to run around to play around as we were told to have them get moving for their health. "
JS wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:28 AM:
" Statistics also show a few kids in a class can fall behind their peers in subjects like math and english and be can left out. Maybe they should ban those as well. What a complete joke. I don't even have to go to movies or plays anymore to get a good laugh during a comedy show. I see enough action from watching the schools and city make poor decisions that make me laugh everyday. "
What a Joke wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:19 AM:
" I almost choked on my coffee while reading this article because I was laughing so hard. What a joke!! Let's see -- carry your antibacterial wipes wherever you go so that you stay germ free, don't let kids play and maybe get a little dirty, don't do anything that in any way might hurt someones feelings somewhere -- the list is endless. Kids learn by playing. They learn social skills, how to handle different situations. Let's wrap them in bubble wrap and let them sit in their rooms so they stay safe. I think these so called educators had a very miserable childhood and want everyone to pay for it. They should all be kicked out of their positions and made to go out and see what the real world is like. Stop pushing your life styles and beliefs on everyone else. "
Drug 'em and keep'em inside! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:14 AM:
" Why don't we just give them ritiland as soon as they get to school and turn them into the zombies that the administration wants. Then we can be sure that nobody gets a cut, scratch, scrape or bruise. They also will not need to eat lunch if the hardest thing they do all day is drool on their desk.
Wake up people and let the kids be kids!
If tag is too dangerous why on earth would you put in a climbing tower? Isn't there a chance that someone could fall? "
Chris Goyette, Minneapolis wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:13 AM:
" I'm 35 and still getting over the emotional stress from being "it" too many times while a student at Summit Elementary. That's sarcasm obviously.
What is going on in our society? When "tag" is banned from recess, it makes a person ask what is next. This is a "shrug your shoulders" rule. Time for the parents of the children at Harry Spence to step up to the plate and get their children's freedom to play tag back.
"
to: OMG wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:12 AM:
" It's "duck, duck, grey duck." "
parents lets try... wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:12 AM:
" Lets try this. Let our children finish the school year at Harry Spence, there is only a month left. Next year send the kids to a different school. boycott Harry Spence Elementary School. No tag? No children. "
This Just In... wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:12 AM:
" Harry Spence has banned smiling. Since many students come from families where parents cannot afford or chose not to have their children receive dental care, the Spence administration decided that when more affluent students smile, it might cause harm to those are dental hygenically-challenged. A students bright white and straight-tooth smile might cloak other non-All-American smile-enhanced students in a veil of inequality. Sen. Mrs. Bill Clinton (D-NY) hailed the move. "
go franklin wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:11 AM:
" people are so soft these days "
kitkat wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:05 AM:
" I suppose "Hide & Seek" will be next. "
re: 7:06...boo-hoo wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:01 AM:
" Children crying 'cuz they didn't want to get tagged? Big waaah! Kids are soft enough already without being made into oversensitive marshmallows. Whiny, fat kids are going to turn into whiny, fat adults who'll probably file a lawsuit if you look at them cross-eyed. Kids need to learn to deal. GROWN-UP LIFE ISN'T INCLUSIVE!! It's competitive. Every once in a while a kid needs to lose or deal with situations that are uncomfortable for them. How else will they learn to manage as adults? Cry at the board meeting because they've been given a difficult assignment? "
Look forward to wrote on Apr 28, 2007 9:01 AM:
" a generation of kids who are so fat they couldn't run if their life depended on it. Oh, but they will be very proud and happy with themselves. "
Jay is right! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:59 AM:
" Lets get rid of testing and anything else that may hurt a childs feelings. I cant tell you this EVERYONE involved with this decision should be FIRED! I do not live in Lacrosse but if you do please write letters and go to the school board and get this changed. "
Justice department opens tag investigation wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:55 AM:
" For a minute I thought I was reading the Onion!!! "
High School student wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:52 AM:
" I agree with Jay. While we are at lets ban Teasing so nobodys feelings will be hurt. I think they went to far. "
Liberal point of view wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:47 AM:
" Of course there will be a number of comments attributing this dicision to us liberals. So I thought I would pre-empt. First of all Ms Sikorsky claims this is not news???As a parent and a taxpayer I would like to know what is the rational for banning an activity that is so natural that it will happen with or without permission and in a potentially more violent way when no one is looking. Why not use the activity to teach kids proper behavior? Second..."Simon Says"??? what better way to learn listening skills? Oh I get it...there will be a looser!!!
Lets only do things that do not demonstrate varied skill levels. maybee we should just help kids learn coping skills...not learn that we will protect them from every challenge? "
Clyde wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:46 AM:
" Children are going to do it anyway? Okay how about assigning a portion of the playground as tag only area? Kind of a tag condom. "
Thorn wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:46 AM:
" THANK GOD!...They finally banned tag! I have been having terrible dreams of people chasing me and think I am suffered from PTSD the last 45 years. Wheres my $$$$$$ for suffering! "
Ridiculous wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:43 AM:
" After all the studies about childhood obesity, we are banning a game that promotes exercise? Any type of game has a chance of injury...I played kickball once and sprained my ankle once running the bases. Let the kids run around and be kids....if they get injured, let them deal with it...it is part of growing up! "
GPS wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:43 AM:
" Grading school work or projects must be eliminated. How can any one endure the trauma of receiving a lessor grade and how boastful those who receive higher grades will become. Issuing grades can only lead to confrontation and boosting the self esteem of those who perform well and shattering the self esteem of the lessor grade recipient. All lines must be banned. How can it be that some one would be at the head of the line while others are in back. Children MUST not be allowed to form lines. There must be a system of randomization developed other than forming lines! "
John Funke wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:42 AM:
" This is a sad commentary on how we have regressed from what really matters. I hope the decision maker is proud. "
Bubble andyone? wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:40 AM:
" Maybe we should just send our kids to school in a soundproof bubble so that they can't get hurt and no one can make fun of them or put them down. "
John Funke wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:38 AM:
" Sad commentary on how we have regressed from what really matters. "
CONTEXT wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:36 AM:
" As a parent there are times when my kids do not respect the rules of whatever game they are playing outside with the neighborhood kids. I have had to tell my own children to either figure out how to play fairly, or they wouldn't be playing the game. I have had to make a judgement call. It sounds like the principal had to make a judgement call in this case. I'm sure that we wil never know the number of kids who got in trouble as result of tag because of privacy acts. Another question, I remember the old rule from school keep your hands to yourself. I have always been perplexed with how kids could get away with playing tag and keeping hands to yourself. "
smith6clan wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:25 AM:
" Included with this article is a picture of 2 girls hanging on the new Jungle Gym. What if one of the girls falls off and breaks her collarbone? Are you going to ban the Jungle
Gym at recess also? Accidents happen! It's part of being a kid. "
Nothiing in life is dangerous! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:19 AM:
" And you wonder why grown adults drink to excess and drown in our river? What will this generation do? Walk in front of cars? Oh, they already do that. I mean, will they run with scissors? "
Involvement wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:17 AM:
" This is the problem of leaving decisions to educators, especially administrative educators. Perhaps if parents were more engaged with schools ALL the time, they could see these things coming and head them off? "
omg wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:16 AM:
" Duck Duck Goose is probably next. No wonder the world is a mess! "
DB wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:11 AM:
" A major portion of life's experiences stem from just plain old growing up. We all want what is best for our kids, but how much of "growing up" are we taking away? When I was that age, cuts and scrapes, bruises, namecalling, fights, and a few broken bones were all just part of being a kid. Did I suffer from it? No - just the initial hurt. No longtime suffering. By making our kids safer on the playground, are they better off? In my opinion, I think not! Protect them from the real dangers - pedophiles, abductors, and the things that WILL hurt them. Don't take growing up out of just being a kid. "
Now We've Seen It All wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:06 AM:
" These "games of elimination" are being banned by those who were eliminated as children. I have no doubt.
Life is a game of elimination, always has been and always will be. These games have always taught us to deal with rejection, elimination, and various other social circumstances, and try to improve so we wouldn't be "it" or "out".
When todays children become adults, the world is in trouble, thanks to the namby-pamby adults of today insisting that they face no challenges or responsibilty. Get over your own childhood and let kids be kids. "
Inmates wrote on Apr 28, 2007 8:03 AM:
" Not only are the inmates of the asylum now in charge, we're paying ther salaries.
Kids have to realize that they will lose in life and some people are better at some things than they are. When they understand that concept they make the most of what they are good at!
To attempt to shield kids from every injury, mental disapointment, and emotional let down does them no favors in later facing the real world.
"
k.l.s. wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:52 AM:
" Who are these people?
I think there are worse issues to be addressed.
The rules and regulations they make seem to target groups of kids they can control.... and they overlook the groups they cannot.
Put some effort into the real problems and quit listening to some average Joe who writes articles about what he thinks is right.
"
So ridiculous wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:52 AM:
" Of the millions and millions of kids who have played tag over the years, how many have actually been injured? So, what they are doing here is not allowing children to run. When will the nonsense end? "
jay wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:46 AM:
" Banning tag because someone's feelings will be hurt. Beautiful. Eliminate testing too because we don't want anyone with a low score getting their feelings hurt "
stupid wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:40 AM:
" we all say are children do not get enough exercise, now they can not even run around and jump, dodge around other children learn about cordination. maybe we should put signs on the playground, walk do not run,children are not aloud to have fun at school just because are teachers who complain that they are over worked and under paid do not want to deal with children running and having fun, i wish i could work 8 months and get paid 40k a year!!!! "
JJ wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:38 AM:
" You got to be kidding whats next breathing? "
Let them play!!! wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:15 AM:
" Why do we make the kid that stuggles with Math go through all those years of math? Is that to get ready for the competitive society we live in? Why not make the kid that can't run get motivated to get a little quicker and not get tagged right away to get him or her ready for our competitive society - How many things can kids do that may cause a broken collarbone?
You are taking away a game we all played growing up that was fun - maybe we should put some TV screens on the playground. "
Gazemo wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:07 AM:
" I agree completley with this " safety decision ", I once fell while being chased and got a scrape on my elbow. "
Child Care worker wrote on Apr 28, 2007 7:06 AM:
" It may seem ridiculous, and I know there will inevitably be someone making some rude comments about teachers, schools, principals, etc. However, as a child care worker, I support this decision. It is a daily scene where children are crying, upset, hitting, etc. because they didn't want to get tagged. The P.E. teachers I've worked with over the years refuse to play tag, and opt for inclusive games. I'm sure the P.E. teachers at Spence are working with students to teach them more inclusive games. Great move! "
petey wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:51 AM:
" Why not ban recess? Tag has been played for years and years, and now they are banning it? Kids could get hurt during gym class, so lets ban that too! "
We're raising a future society of wimps.... wrote on Apr 28, 2007 6:45 AM:
" Hate to see what this country is like in another hundred years. What's next? Ban recess altogether? "
Whats wrong with kids ,,,,, wrote on
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