"IN THE AIR TONIGHT" phil collins

Today my second visit to Harvey took place. I am happy to report that, for the most part, you have a group of teachers who want to teach and a student body that wants to learn.

Can things improve? Should they? Yes. I along with many others believe the new members of the school board will be expecting greater results from everyone. I also believe we will see the system more transparent in the near future.

A young lady questioned me about the reason for my visit. I explained that there was a report circulating that claimed that less than 25% of the community cared about the students. One reason for being there was to disprove that thought. We, as a community, care for many different reasons.

I questioned the SRO officer about the fight reported to the blog last week. I asked him if he was out of the building. No, he was never informed about the fight from any administrator. He assured me that the respective people responsible for him and the school have reached an understanding about his duties in the building. He believes that situation has been corrected. All of this over a paper trail?
The student was NOT transported by EMS to Tri-Point… but a parent took him to the hospital. Again, no paper trail.

In my visit today, it seems that Fridays there is no dress code enforcement. A student mentioned that if it is not important on Friday then why is it important the rest of the week. I couldn’t respond to that question because I just do not have a good answer. Does anyone?

Yes, no headgear allowed but there were a few that just had to wear baseball caps in the building. Again, most students dressed appropriately. I’m getting old, so could someone explain what's with the ripped jeans with holes?

One thing that the school seems to be missing the boat on is that I always thought that when the bells ring you are supposed to go to your next class. It's amazing how many students are still going whatever they were going after the second bell rings. Along with school starting at 7:15 but apparently you have a grace period of 45 minutes before you are tardy. I believe that employers that will hire these students in the future will not have this liberal time schedule.

Again as a resident of Painesville, that SRO officer is needed and appreciated by both staff and students.

I believe his presence at Harvey is invaluable to the city and schools.

I also believe council members must receive his reports monthly and decide if the school should install metal detectors along with what else the school should provide at Harvey.

All institutions of learning must understand that they are responsible to the communities that they serve. Yes, no one wants his or her dirty laundry exposed. It is their obligation to use the resources at their disposal to provide a safe, learning experience. They should not be concerned about bad press…ignoring or hiding a problem only makes it worse. Deal with it now or deal with a bigger issue later. Ask the people in Happy Valley.