The new school year has brought with it several changes to the THS handbook.

As most of us know we are no longer allowed to bring drinks into the school because in years past there has been a problem with students bringing alcohol to class. T.H.S principal Marty Wood explained:

“The reason we have a new drink policy is because in the past we have had a problem with alcohol being brought inside drinks after lunch. If I become aware that there is a problem, it means that it has happened excessively and needs to be dealt with. I have relaxed a previous rule as a result of the new one by leaving the juice machines on during the day so students still have access to drinks. I have added a new rule and relaxed an old one; I don’t like to make new rules because that means I have to enforce them.”

A number of electronic devices are no longer allowed to be used during class this year because many feel that these devices according to the THS Handbook “are disruptive to the learning process.” These electronics include pagers, cell phones, I-Pods, CD players, and cassette tape players. “ In past school years, cell phones weren’t even allowed inside the school building and now the rule is they aren’t to be used in the classroom. The new rule states that cell phones can be used in the halls as long as they aren’t a disturbance. As for the rules regarding other electronics such as I-Pods and CD players, the community insists that what students are exposed to in school be monitored. Obviously, it is impossible for staff members to monitor what students are listening to if these devices brought into classrooms,” said Wood.

There has been a problem with students drinking and then coming to school particularly, after lunch, so there is also a new rule regarding tardies that is intended to prevent students from doing this.

Wood commented, “Anyone who is tardy from lunch is subject to a drug and alcohol test. This is a result of a number of students drinking and coming to school late after lunch in the past.”