Petition Against Proposed Derry Township School Board Policy No. 824 Until Changes Are Made

The policy in ts current form is untenable and should be either not made at all or made much more moderate.

I think that student/teacher interaction is very important for students to feel safe in their environment and it is important for students to grow

This will hinder how students learn and interact if this passes as weitten. I thank the teachers I had for helping me grow as a person. My teachers helped me through many difficult times and I greatly appreciate them.

Teachers are mentors, and students should be able to go to them in their time of need.

This policy is well meaning but is too far overreaching and is overcompensating. If this policy passes it will irreparably damage the teacher-student dynamic.

Our kids are with their teachers 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Their teachers know them better than a guidance counselor who sees them maybe twice a year. I don't even know the name of my daughters guidance counselor. Teachers are what make the school day!!

This policy is NOT a step in the right direction.

As a former high school counselor in DTSD and a parent of a current student, I find this policy very discouraging. Beyond the obvious boundaries that this policy sets, it also infringes upon the natural connection that likely occurs between individuals who spend daily time together. Those parts of the policy are against any resiliency building research that allows our students to obtain a connection with one significant adult who can positively impact their social-emotional well-being. We should be seeking ways to support our students in all areas of their developmental needs, not making policies that limit them. If there is an issue with a specific staff member and boundaries, address that issue, don't restrict everyone else from what is natural, healthy, and needed interactions between teachers and students.

I strongly oppose this policy

Student-teacher relationships are apart of school and enacting this policy would be a huge mistake.

Personal relations with teachers are what get me through the day. It provides a sense of security through the roughest of days and comfort throughout the stressful years of high school. If this is taken away, so will the motivation for learning.

I think it's very important for students to be able to open up to their teachers if they feel comfortable why create a barrior when a lot of times abuse in homes in conveyed to a teacher a student feels close to. This is ridiculous and I hope when my kid goes to school this policy is not in place

I understand the intent of the policy. The policy itself is poorly written. Having been in education and educational administration for over 20 years, I can say there are significant problems with the wording. I take specific issue with "Social Interactions" items 3 and 16. If a student in a classroom has a major illness, according to this policy, the teacher would not be able to send a card "hoping for a speedy recovery". If a student opens up to a teacher about a personal problem, the teacher is to resist their feelings of empathy and direct the student off to a counselor-useful yes, but creates distance in the very relationship that has worked so well for generations. Lastly, in application of the policy, their is no clear algorithm on how disciplinary action is taken. Is it up to the principal, the school board, a review board, etc. ? Does the accused have a right to due process? I suspect the school board was trying for the right reasons - this policy falls very short on several levels.

This policy is straight up buns.

Boo this policy sucks

Yea nah nah nah yea nah yea give this petition a whack

I know for a fact that teachers are the reason my children are successful students today. They lost their dad at ages 7 & 8 and without have the relationships with their teachers that they did, they may not have stayed the correct path. A child's personal life has such a profound affect on their school life that without teacher/student interactions and relationships your students will lose interest in school and ultimately their futures could be significantly impacted. I would implore you to really think this through as a parent of children who suffered huge loss, had they not been able to talk to who THEY felt comfortable speaking to, I don't know where they would be!!

It sadens me to see that communication and interaction with ones peers and adults will become a talent of the past. I don't believe the benefits will overweigh the cons here. There is no need to protect students to the point of awkwardness. Let's make them strong, respectful adults in an the environment they spend the most time in... School!

As an HHS alumna whose success in high school was dependent upon the personal connections I made with my teachers and as a high school teacher (in another state), I attest to the fact that this proposal is detrimental to the success of students and to the morale of the faculty. Allow professionals to be professionals (teachers) and build the relationships necessary to support students in their endeavors.

With out teachers sharing personal stories I along with many other students would not find class as enjoyable.