Education Reform School - Zero Tolerance

October 13, 8:07 AMDenver Homeschooling ExaminerJ. Anne Huss

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Zachary Christie wanted to use his cool Cub Scout spoon and fork set to eat his school lunch and ended up in "reform school" instead.

Yes, this is yet another example of how well the "Zero Tolerance" policy of public schools has failed parents and children alike.  The Denver area is no stranger to this debacle.  Last winter Marie Morrow of Cherokee Trail High School was suspended for having a replica rifle used for her role in the Douglas County Young Marines.

Here in Denver, we "get" the purpose of the zero tolerance law.  We remember Columbine even when others have moved on.  It hits home.

But did we all give away our common sense on that day too?  Was Marie Morrow planning on hurting someone with her clearly fake rifle?  Was Zachary Christie going to get in a scuffle and gauge another child's eyes out on the playground?

"At this time, the Student Code of Conduct does not take into consideration a child's age in a Level three offense," read the statement from the Christina School District in Newark, Delaware.

A Level three offense.

The government schools have gone insane.  I have been homeschool my kids ever since a mother walked into a junior high school in Fort Collins, proceeded to find her way to a classroom where my daughter was sitting, and start to beat up another student.  Where was the zero tolerance policy that day? 

I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that they are in control of their children and the education they receive.  This fact is easily lost on those who have never stepped outside the factory school model of education.  Zachary Christie was sentenced to 45 days in reform school, but ya know what?  It isn't Zachary that needs reform, it is the government school system.

If the government schools expect students and parents to adhere to the zero tolerance law, then parents and students should have the same expectation of them.  Zero tolerance for stupidity, ignorance, and lack of common sense.