What's Really Going on in the Suburban Schools?

I saw Southport High School on the news this morning. They showed alot of spirit at their pep rally. Unfortunately, I must question where this spirit comes from. I have recently withdrawn my son from Southport and moved to Franklin Township due to a lack of security and lack of attentiveness from the faculty. The idea that Perry Twnshp Schools were a good alternative to IPS' system is far from being true. Because that statement could not be more untrue. Several years ago there was a study that compared school districts in the area and found that Southport High School had the lowest crime rate, but the highest drug usage rate! Reinforcing this study, I noticed as I walked through the school last year that there were three couples in the cafeteria so wrapped up in each others clothes that it was inappropriate enough to justify bringing it to the attention of the principle (who wasn't available) and so, I reported it to the asst. principle. I got the response "I'll look into it...".

As I continued down the hall there were screams of curse words and books flailing through the air within five feet of three faculty members. Unfortunately, over the past three years I have met four people who graduated, either Southport or Perry-Meridian, and were unble to spell or write effectively and one of those persons could not read at all! I've watched over eight students (that I know of) drop out in these past three years. I have also witnessed many get expelled for attendance reasons. Not drugs, not inappropriate sexual behaviors, not criminal acts, but ATTENDANCE!!! I apologize for being so abrupt, but this is our children's education and future that's being discounted. The proverbial saying "turn your head the other way" and "what we don't know, or see, can't hurt" is faulty thinking on our part. These students have too much time, money, and resources. They are spending much of their energy in working to buy drugs and alcohol. Is this where they get all of that pep!?! Doesn't anyone else realize what is going on after the games and behind the bleachers?

How about in the parking lot...where I caught my son and several of his friends smoking pot and drinking before the a.m. school bell rang? Parents, we must stick together on this and stop long enough to question ourselves. Is this really what I want for my child?I am putting myself out there. A place that no other parent wants to go. It's hard to admit when your child is doing wrong. Maybe because it's a reflection on us, but to ignore the situation or to hide it, is the worst reflection that we can protray to the rest of the community!