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

Not even the schools in Mexico do stuff like this.

Though I understand the motivation behind this proposed policy change, I cannot help but feel that this proposition will lead to the deterioration of the teacher-student relationship at Hershey High. It appears that the Derry Township School Board is attempting to make changes in light of recent events, without actually recognizing its harmful implications. As a graduate of this school (Class of 2014) it pains me to think that if this policy passes, future students won't be able to develop the relationships that helped me through high school. The connections I made with my teachers were sometimes the only thing that kept me going when academic or personal struggle afflicted me. Hershey is utterly unique because of how much the teachers truly care about the student body. Put this policy in place, and I fear that this shining reputation will come crumbling. Boundaries are important. Protecting our students is important. But, the answer is never to cease connections between the teacher and student.

If the school board passes this thing I will lose what little respect I have left for them

It doesn't say you can only talk to a guidance counselor. Maybe take reading comprehension as an elective....

So? You want a medal?

Teachers are able to inspire their students because of the positive relationships they form. Removing this invaluable social interaction between teacher and student would be detrimental to the entire school community. As a Hershey High School alumni I cherish the bonds I have with my former teachers. Six years out of high school, and my teachers continue to inspire and encourage me. Today I strive have the same positive impact on my students as I manage my own classroom.

Im a voter

Nearly sixteen years after graduating from HHS, I still remember many impactful conversations I had with my high school and middle school teachers. Some of the most important lessons I learned had nothing to do with coursework. Because of the foundation Hershey's teachers gave me, I went on to graduate at the top of my classes- for both my BA and MBA. And, I have forged a career in non-profits, allowing me to make a difference in the world around me.

While the goal of the policy is noble, it is not reasonable to assume that we can legislate away predators. I feel for the administration -- I'm certain they were exposed to frightening behavior that led them to want to initiate this (some pair of teacher-students got too close, probably starting with personal discussions) and I suspect the backlash will help them find a more reasonable balance between our desire to have professional boundaries on one hand, and nurturing, adult mentors who teach our students content and good life decision-making on the other.

My mother passed away my junior year at Hershey. 18 years later almost to the day, I remember all the conversations, cards, flowers and support from these wonderful teachers like it was yesterday, and can't imagine how such a rule would change this for the worse.

Taking the joy and commitment out educating and being educated....is Trump president already? I refuse to live in a community that embraces such oppression.

As an educator, part of our job is to build professional relationships with our students, in order to help them grow in the classroom and prepare them for their future. With part of this proposed policy, it will hinder my ability to reach each student in the classroom because I will no longer be allowed to provide the support that some students need as they become more comfortable with an adult they interact with on a daily basis as opposed to an adult they may interact with once throughout the school year.

Not all students feel comfortable talking to their guidance counselor and some don't even like them, so making them the only person they may talk to is just going to be detrimental to the students and there will be a rise in student suicides and acting out behaviors.

I was already familiar with the proposal having already read through it. We already have existing policies in place for inappropriate behavior. We might as well have robots teaching our classes if this policy geys put into place. Let's be reasonable. Teachers are human and so are kids. And it takes a village so let's allow these relationships to develop. If there are problems there are ways to deal with them. Passing this proposal will do nothing to prevent inappropriate relationships but will prevent positive relationships from forming . Let's have some common sense

I have dedicated my life to childrens' health. Can we just use common sense and promote great role models that most teachers are for our children?

As a graduate of Derry Township school district, I am in favor of what this petition stands for. Many children, especially young children develop a trust with teachers that can be instrumental in a child's voice to be heard and understood. If pushed immediately to guidance staff, it could deter young children from voicing problems; at school, home, or otherwise. Kids trust their teachers and were always told they could.

"The heart of education is the relationship between the student and the teacher. Everything else depends on how productive and successful that relationship is." -Ken Robinson

Interaction regardining personal life challenges is very important, students do not always feel comfortable with a guidance counselor. Having a choice as a young person is crutial and forever impacting. A certain HHS teacher was my listening ear.. Its not that I needed advice.. I needed a trusting ear, and they provided that. Don't let this bill pass without the proposed modifications. I was in the class of 1993 - my friends Tim Russell and Ben Yupcavage were killed in a car accident, if this policy was in effect then.. Just think how many students we have not had that listening ear from a trusted teacher.

It's the bond and connections you make with a teacher that gives a student the drive to learn. If there are things going on in their lives that they can't let out, even in small passing conversation, then students can't thrive and you are setting them up for failure.

Lower dauphin alumn, and I have benefitted greatly from the relationship I had with teachers. I know Hershey students who have been blessed similarly. Don't take away the teachers' opportunity to support students! Those relationships are really important.