Truly shocking, Martha. I had no idea that high schools were like that anywhere in the US. I visited a junior high here about 4 or 5 years ago - it was very traditional - sign in at the front desk & that's it (we were volunteering with a class of students for the afternoon). No guards, no shack, no gate.

I'd hate to think kids were kept as prisoners in their schools : (

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http://stuffedveggies.blogspot.com/

Wow! I don't think I've been to a Middle or High school since I was a student in one. My ds's elementary school was on a military base, so they didn't need extra security precautions inside the school. When I was in HS, I didn't eat in the cafeteria, either, and sometimes left the school for lunch.

Kids skipping school or leaving for lunch is nothing new, but they're acting like it's something that just popped up. And if the number of kids skipping is rising, that should say something about the poor education. I skipped almost all of my classes my Freshman year of school and almost dropped out because I was not learning a thing in school. It was too easy for me and a waste of time. I think I learned more while skipping school, than I did in that school. When we moved and I was actually challenged in school, I had perfect attendance and put in an effort.

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Mom to Christian (13), Saphira (10), Xavier (5), and Adrian (2).

I very rarely have bad dreams, but when I do, they're often highschool dreams. Futile assignments with arbitrary due dates.

Socially, high school was pretty good, and reasonably enjoyable. But 85% of it was academically futile (except home ec! : )

As I educate my DD, I find myself growing more and more resentful of the so-called education I received as a child. I went to "good" schools and got a "good" education. But really, we can give our kids so much more!

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http://stuffedveggies.blogspot.com/