Thomas In Trouble

Coker, Alabama

Weather: low 58 degrees, high 80 degrees, mostly cloudy

We had to go into town to the WalMart Mall for a few things this morning before going out to Terri's house. While in town, we received a phone call from Terri asking us to go to Thomas's school and pick him up because he had been suspended for a day for getting into a fight. It seems another kid was being picked on and Thomas intervened on his behalf. Words led to a shoving tussle which degenerated into a wrestling match. The teachers intervened quickly and separated the kids. When the kids were asked what started the fight, Thomas's story was backed up by cameras in the area. The kid that started the fight received five days suspension, but Thomas received a day because he should have not gotten involved. We applaud the fact that Thomas was trying to help another kid, but we explained to him that the school cannot condone any fighting. In a situation like this, both kids that were fighting had to be punished. He got the lesser penalty because he didn't throw the first punch. Terri talked to him when she got home, and we hope he learns from the episode.

Can you imagine how hard it is to be a teacher or administrator in a public school in these times? With all the distractions that kids have, including television, movies, videos, cell phones, fashions, gangs, parents that don't care and treat schools like baby sitters, standardized testing rather than teaching, it is a wonder that the kids learn anything. Things seemed much simpler when our girls were in school. I am really concerned about the future of our country when you look at what is going on in the schools.

Terri told us that Thomas was not allowed to watch television, play video games, or play outside. He was ordered to help me in the yard, and I put him to work. To his credit, he worked hard, and did not complain. However, I think he would have rather been in school.

We finished all the weed eating except for a small area that I forgot about. Trees were trimmed, flower beds were edged, wayward bricks were put away, and miscellaneous stuff was put away. As a reward, Carolyn prepared baked chicken, dressing and gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Ummm, boy!!

Thomas will be home tomorrow serving his suspension. I will be making sure he doesn't have a day of rest.

More later, be safe.

Today's Town - Northport, Alabama: An All American City

Not all who wander are lost.