With new campus, Beach alternative school is optimistic

My son was expelled from school a few weeks back for possession of Marijuana. His first offense. His grades are good and never had any behavior/ disciplinary problems. I understand the schools policy in regards to this matter. I do not fault them. They would not let him return and want him to go to this place. I went to CDC, which was a school for kids similar to this place. I was expelled back in the 80's for my first offense of smoking cigarettes. I learned new things in life and also picked up new habbits. In short, I was introduced to bad influence not good and I left that school with worse than I was when I entered. No help and a new set of friends that had 10x more issues than me. I would rather home school him then introduce him to kids that have more issues then my son. That is how he got into this mess to begin with. Kids with issues need to feel wanted not rejected. They need to feel they have a place with a future ahead. They need to be with kids that have a good head on thier shoulders. Introduction to Bad Kids 101 does not work.

"Submitted by juliep93063 on Wed, 01/06/2010 at 11:26 am.
Uniforms are not new for these students. They were required to wear uniforms at the old school. I for one think uniforms are great. Uniforms do make a difference if it is mandatory"

Of course they are "mandatory" at an "alternative school" Uniforms were always mandatory at reform schools. Which is what this school is, just dressed up in a pretty package.

prevents me from reading all the comments here, but the gist of those that I have read all boil down to the belief that kids don't want to work or study, and they are all "gangstas". So, I have a solution for those who feel that trying to educate them is a waste of time.

Here's the plan. Take them out into the Dismal Swamp, turn them loose and declare open season on them. This will satisfy the hunters, the people who want them "out of sight, out of mind", bring in state revenue from licenses, and reduce overcrowding in our prisons. It will also keep them from learning more bad things from hardened adult prisoners, while protecting them from the pedophiles in prison. WHOOPEEE! Everybody wins!

Uniforms are not new for these students. They were required to wear uniforms at the old school. I for one think uniforms are great. Uniforms do make a difference if it is mandatory. Teens worry way too much about what they have on their backs (name brand, etc) and if all are in uniform it is less of a distraction. Good Luck to the new school. These are still our children and deserve a chance to get a good education. I will keep you all in my prayers.

School uniforms are a plus and should be required in all hampton roads schools.

I feel that their is a reason for alternatives schools, however that reason should not be that the student had behavioral issues, drugs, criminal offenses and so forth. Parents have to step up to the plate and raise their children to respect others and to conform to standards that allow for an effective learning environment. If the truly have no desire for an education I suggest maybe GED program and community college, or an apprenticeship program for example our local shipyards have several. We need to save the kids we can, inspire them to learn and become successful, and weed out the ones that refuse to conform to what society expects of its citizens. The days of a free ride are over, where will these kids be in 30 years. If they cannot complete High School figure the odds they save for retirement or live a life off of welfare and public assistance. God help us all. Parents be parents don't expect the school to raise your children.

" ... school officials say order has been restored." What kind of statement is this. Order was restored when police made all the arrests and everyone went home. The statement should have read "issues that caused the problem have been resolved." When all the previous teachers and administrators were removed and the city pushed for a process that filled positions with a groups of applicants (some attempting to return) shows that poor judgment from the school. With the old decrepit facilities there were teachers that wanted to be there because they wanted to help. Now there are teachers in the positions for three years to pay back loans etc. New teachers, fresh from college were not he correct choice. Give it time and the order will fall apart again.

The problem always boils down to that of money. When the whole system is taxed to the breaking point it is understandable that frustration remains. When you have a finite amount of money to build a new school there will be envy for those that had to pass for now. I am a survivor of the public education. I was also one of those sent for time to an alternative learning center due to my own issues of motivation. Granted I did not go a brand new facility but the teacher/student ratio was lower than getting lost in the masses of the mainstream school. Those teachers gave me back my enthusiasm to keep going. You can have your toys, computers, new rooms, etc. What our children really need regardless of age, class, race or faith is educators that still have the passion for doing just that, teaching kids that knowledge is fun and essential. For all others, you missed the point entirely.