Walton Co. School Board Meets about Blithe Spirit!!

I am confused on this. I thought the School Board was an appeal body that decided to ultimately NOT ban the material. The system is broke in that the play was disrupted while all of the appeals were happening. But it seemed to me that the system actually worked.

If the system had worked, the play WOULD have been performed.
PERIOD!
This had been checked by many people (including myself) who have taken the time to call the schools who DID present the play. NO problems.
NO protests. No weirdos. They are amazed that I even asked!

No one at the school board WANTED this fight. There were AFRAID of the opposition.

Much easier to give up. Yes, it WAS approved to be "left in the school curriculum". DO me a favor and look up that important words.

Curriculum definition: To keep it short:
" In formal education, a curriculum (plural curricula) is the set of courses, and their content, offered at a [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School"]school[/ame]...referring to the course of [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deeds"]deeds[/ame] and experiences through which [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children"]children[/ame] grow and mature in becoming [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adults"]adults[/ame]."

PERIOD. Now tell me HOW a teacher can TEACH this PLAY without performing it? The two people who decided to take the law into their own hands are the end culprits here. THEY will NOT ALLOW it. So, what kind of signal does that send to our kids?

The laws are rules of our society are meant to be obeyed ONLY if you want to! AND there are no punishments for doing otherwise. They saw this "True Review of Governent" live and in person.

Questor, I have a question. If the play has been left in the curriculum, can't it be taught in the classroom? I understand that the school has a set curriculum to be taught, but let's say an English teacher choses it for a Jr. level class and she had 5 sections. He/She would be reaching a large amount of students with this work. Heck, a teacher could offer it as an extra credit reading to their students.

I also wonder if the real truth of why this debacle began in the first place will ever see the public? Things aren't always as they seem...just like in "Blithe Spirit".

Gladly.
Here the "Good Ole Boys" decide amongst themselves who will be their leader and guide the direction of their decisions. Mark Davis was under a lot of stress and he has my admiration for being able to stand up for the rights of those he represents. He is a glimmer of light in darkness of repression.
It was easy to see he was under a lot of stress and I feel sorry for him. On the other hand Mr. Darrill Barnhill made NO effort to hide the fact that he would BAN the whole Drama department if it was left up to him. He was practically gloating over what he would cut out.
JMHO!
It is a sad day for Freedom in Walton County. The luntatics are in charge of the asylum as they say. Look for more "heavy handed edicts" to be handed down from the powers that be.

Elected officials tend to listen to those that show up. I went to the SW meeting from 5:10 to 5:45. Had to be at another meeting at the annex so I had to go. I was amazed, after reading all the comments on this board, the one sided turnout at the meeting. 275 people of which it seemed to me that 75% were clearly against the play. It did take a lot of political courage for Davis, Wilkerson, and Laird to vote the way they did. Historically, mob rule takes place with that type of turnout.

But if people want meaningful change, then why is it they are not at all of the other meetings. Constant complaints are heard about school taxes yet at the budget hearings there is myself and a member of the WCTA present asking for relief. Constant comments are made about the dress code yet at the public hearings there are two parents, a grandparent, and a room stacked with school administrators that are certainly going to have opinions inline with administration. Government is participatory. The citizens of Walton County appear to be getting what they want, since they rarely participate.

I think it would be a great idea to have some sort of student participation at the board meetings. Maybe a duplicate board made up of the student council presidents from each high school? Would we not then be cutting out middle and elementary school students? Do we need to allow Pre-K to have a seat at the table?

It is pretty common for the various boards to choose their chairperson. Because it does involve additional work it is usually rotated among those that express an interest.

Questor, I have a question. If the play has been left in the curriculum, can't it be taught in the classroom? I understand that the school has a set curriculum to be taught, but let's say an English teacher choses it for a Jr. level class and she had 5 sections. He/She would be reaching a large amount of students with this work. Heck, a teacher could offer it as an extra credit reading to their students.

I also wonder if the real truth of why this debacle began in the first place will ever see the public? Things aren't always as they seem...just like in "Blithe Spirit".

I was told that the whole hearing was moot because the principal had stated that he would not allow the play, or any like it, to be held at his school.

I tell you one that really got me. One of the Pastors stated at the hearing that the play was perfectly fine to be performed at the college level. But was inappropriate at the high school level. I had never realized how much difference a year made in maturity until that night. And another kept referring to a school district in California that must have been taken over by witches and goblins after they did something similar. Do not remember the name of the district but if someone does I would appreciate a post about it. Wanted to see what it was he was talking about.

Elected officials tend to listen to those that show up. I went to the SW meeting from 5:10 to 5:45. Had to be at another meeting at the annex so I had to go. I was amazed, after reading all the comments on this board, the one sided turnout at the meeting. 275 people of which it seemed to me that 75% were clearly against the play. It did take a lot of political courage for Davis, Wilkerson, and Laird to vote the way they did. Historically, mob rule takes place with that type of turnout.

But if people want meaningful change, then why is it they are not at all of the other meetings. Constant complaints are heard about school taxes yet at the budget hearings there is myself and a member of the WCTA present asking for relief. Constant comments are made about the dress code yet at the public hearings there are two parents, a grandparent, and a room stacked with school administrators that are certainly going to have opinions inline with administration. Government is participatory. The citizens of Walton County appear to be getting what they want, since they rarely participate.

I think it would be a great idea to have some sort of student participation at the board meetings. Maybe a duplicate board made up of the student council presidents from each high school? Would we not then be cutting out middle and elementary school students? Do we need to allow Pre-K to have a seat at the table?

It is pretty common for the various boards to choose their chairperson. Because it does involve additional work it is usually rotated among those that express an interest.

Your comments are excellent.

Of course more parents would have been at the meeting if they had known about the meeting. The school did not notify the parents of the issue at our school, in fact, I received a heads up from a friend by e-mail. This is something we will be working on- making sure SWHS parents are aware of issues and events at our school.

Wasn't mead more from the Vikings than the Bible? (I've only read about wine in the Bible...)

Since the alcohol doesn't really advance the plot in any way, I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. Most public high schools I work with tend to do the same sort of subtle editing.
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Maybe you are right. I'm sure you recall that story in Genesis 19: 30-38, so you know that drinking leads to incest, which leads to daughters getting pregnant, then those children grow up and become rulers of nations.

The next thing you know, they'll be sanitizing the Bible so that it is clean enough to use for Christians. Oh, wait, the Catholic Church already edited it a few times.

Maybe you are right. I'm sure you recall that story in Genesis 19: 30-38, so you know that drinking leads to incest, which leads to daughters getting pregnant, then those children grow up and become rulers of nations.

You sound like someone who grew up on the Georgia-Alabama line!

I just finished a musical that was based on a very loose version of Genesis, and I kept yelling up out of the pit to the gorgeous kid who played Noah: "Where's the scene where you're drunk and nekkid in your tent? I wanna watch that part!" (Maybe there's more than one reason that they put me under the stage...)

As for the alcohol on stage, around here I think it has to do with the drug/tobacco/alcohol-free campus issues. There are usually pretty serious consequences for possession (by anyone, but particularly students) on campus, and the temptation can be too great for the kids to have realistic "props" and then say, "But it was for a play I'm doing!"

Yeah, right JDarg. Happy Thanksgiving while you can. That man might even ban it next! And watchout for Santa Claus. His days are numbered in more way than how many shopping days left till....
The Walton County School Board is getting a bad reputation. Mark Davis was the best man (person) on it!
Why is it that the people most affected BY the School Board have NO say in it?:angry:

The next thing you know, they'll ban school. Another example of Whitey trying to hold a brotha down. (reference from "The Jerk") (Whitey being gov't and brotha being the people.)

I am confused on this. I thought the School Board was an appeal body that decided to ultimately NOT ban the material. The system is broke in that the play was disrupted while all of the appeals were happening. But it seemed to me that the system actually worked.

Did the system really work? Maybe the process of gov't worked, but it seems to me that two things really happened here. 1) The kids lost out on their education in performance arts, and 2) The kids got a lesson in Local Gov't. Maybe #2 outweighs #1.

Did the system really work? Maybe the process of gov't worked, but it seems to me that two things really happened here. 1) The kids lost out on their education in performance arts, and 2) The kids got a lesson in Local Gov't. Maybe #2 outweighs #1.

it seems to me the system did not work. hopefully the kids learned something, but I don't like the stress and negative pressure placed upon the school, teacher and children.

thanks to parents like jdarg who have the energy and ability and determination to be such leaders in our community. you make a tremendous difference. and the children learn good things from your actions.

another good thing that may happen here: drama department and students working with the Seaside Rep, and perhaps performing the play in the community where they will receive even greater experience, visibility and support. an alliance with our professional community theater sounds like an excellent opportunity for highschool students serious about drama.

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As for the alcohol on stage, around here I think it has to do with the drug/tobacco/alcohol-free campus issues. There are usually pretty serious consequences for possession (by anyone, but particularly students) on campus, and the temptation can be too great for the kids to have realistic "props" and then say, "But it was for a play I'm doing!"

Props are only symbolic. Reminds me of the kid who drew a picture during class which had a guy holding a gun. He was removed for school for breaking the No Gun on Campus policy. I guess they should also ban American and World History from the curriculum.

I understand the idea of not glorifying alcohol consumption. The truth is these kids learn more about drinking from tv, music, and their parents, than they will learn about it in a play. It is a freaking play.

Going back to WaltonGOP's comments about participatory gov't. I, too, am amazed at the lack of interest (scratch that), make that "energy," in our citizens regarding their input in gov't. Attending County meetings is exhausting, but if you want to create your community, get involved and keep up with what our local gov't is doing. If you feel crazy enough, run for office to fight for your cause. These "leaders" only hold an office of leadership, but that alone doesn't make a leader. Too often, I see people show up for one item on the agenda. They do make a statement about their opinions by just showing up, but there are numerous important decisions being made at every meeting. I am still surprised that we don't have a local tv channel broadcasting every County Mtg, like they do in other towns.

It does sound like much energy has gone into this one issue, and that is a start. I know it can get exhausting, but keep up the fight and "always question all authority." Get involved and stay involved. It is OUR gov't and let's remind the elected officials of this very often.

Props are only symbolic. Reminds me of the kid who drew a picture during class which had a guy holding a gun. He was removed for school for breaking the No Gun on Campus policy. I guess they should also ban American and World History from the curriculum.

I understand the idea of not glorifying alcohol consumption. The truth is these kids learn more about drinking from tv, music, and their parents, than they will learn about it in a play. It is a freaking play.

All that you said is absolutely true. The plays are not a problem, nor is the kid who drew a picture of a gun. That's just plain ridiculous.

But I've known too many kids to count who will bring their liquor bottles in for a play without emptying them of the original product first. Like I said, the temptation is too great.

I love kids, and think that every one of them is amazing. But out of every 20 who would read this and say, "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, and I would never do that!" There is one who has had a momentary lapse of reason and has done something like that.

As a teacher or administrator, it really is simpler to take alcohol and firearms out of public school theatre altogether. I know it's a slippery slope, and I know I'm being the devil's advocate here. (And I'm also preparing myself for my upcoming stint in military school! They can't even have aerosol deodorants there...)

So it sounds like your "fear" would be that the actor might actually get drunk on stage. That is lame. No one ever said they had to actually have anything in the bottle for a play. The focus should be on the acting, not the props. They don't even have to have a liquor label on the bottle. They could even use a drinking glass as the prop.

So it sounds like your "fear" would be that the actor might actually get drunk on stage. That is lame.

I hardly fear that, and it truly is lame. (Although I have a friend who was suspended back in the early '80s for getting drunk on stage when GHS did Grease! It was the last show of the year, and he was a senior, so he was celebrating...) But I fear that one of my kids will get suspended for bringing alcohol on campus a few days before the play, which is a fear that I've seen turn to reality over and over.

No one ever said they had to actually have anything in the bottle for a play. The focus should be on the acting, not the props. They don't even have to have a liquor label on the bottle. They could even use a drinking glass as the prop.

Usually in plays like Harvey, that's exactly what they do. The director supplies the water/apple juice. But most directors won't mess with a bottle at all, label or not.

I cannot help but think about ShallowsNole telling us that in Defuniak Springs, the females working in County offices are required to wear dresses or skirts.

If a kid is going to get drunk and show up at school, I don't think anyone can blame it on a play. There are numerous things which could happen to any of the actors anytime up to and including during the play. That should not be a fear. I'd be more scared of one of them getting in a car crash, but that too seems senseless worry.

I cannot help but think about ShallowsNole telling us that in Defuniak Springs, the females working in County offices are required to wear dresses or skirts.

If a kid is going to get drunk and show up at school, I don't think anyone can blame it on a play. There are numerous things which could happen to any of the actors anytime up to and including during the play. That should not be a fear. I'd be more scared of one of them getting in a car crash, but that too seems senseless worry.

But I think that the title of this thread shows that people will do dumb@$$ things and place blame whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Like I said, I'm just playing devil's advocate. I agree that it's an awful way too look at things.

As for the other hazards, the kids in my upcoming college play are already getting speeches on wearing seatbelts, washing hands, not sharing food/beverages, getting enough sleep, taking care of their voices...

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As for the other hazards, the kids in my upcoming college play are already getting speeches on wearing seatbelts, washing hands, not sharing food/beverages, getting enough sleep, taking care of their voices...

You should include, not eating poultry which has been sitting out for more than two hours. Gobble, Gobble!

Questor, I have a question. If the play has been left in the curriculum, can't it be taught in the classroom? I understand that the school has a set curriculum to be taught, but let's say an English teacher choses it for a Jr. level class and she had 5 sections. He/She would be reaching a large amount of students with this work. Heck, a teacher could offer it as an extra credit reading to their students.

I also wonder if the real truth of why this debacle began in the first place will ever see the public? Things aren't always as they seem...just like in "Blithe Spirit".

Care to share what you know? Is there a grudge held by someone who has decided to make the whole school along with the drama department suffer because of it?

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Your comments are excellent.

Of course more parents would have been at the meeting if they had known about the meeting. The school did not notify the parents of the issue at our school, in fact, I received a heads up from a friend by e-mail. This is something we will be working on- making sure SWHS parents are aware of issues and events at our school.

Another pet peeve of mine. This county has literally spent millions over the years on technology and I can not get an email or txt message about something going on at school that affects my child. They rely on my being noticed by my child. My child who can not remember what I sent him to find in a room 10 feet away, 15 seconds later.

Another pet peeve of mine. This county has literally spent millions over the years on technology and I can not get an email or txt message about something going on at school that affects my child. They rely on my being noticed by my child. My child who can not remember what I sent him to find in a room 10 feet away, 15 seconds later.

Are you telling me that they don't even use the old system which my teachers used -- pinning the note onto the back of my shirt for my parents to see?

Questor, I have a question. If the play has been left in the curriculum, can't it be taught in the classroom? I understand that the school has a set curriculum to be taught, but let's say an English teacher choses it for a Jr. level class and she had 5 sections. He/She would be reaching a large amount of students with this work. Heck, a teacher could offer it as an extra credit reading to their students.

I also wonder if the real truth of why this debacle began in the first place will ever see the public? Things aren't always as they seem...just like in "Blithe Spirit".

That remains to be seen. Let me ask you..Would YOU be the teacher who would DARE to even mention the name of the play much less "teach" it. A play is acting, not just words...not just a poem to be read.

Acting requires "emoting" and being able to play the part of a character. I seriously doubt any teacher will ever truly "teach" this play at WCHS. It has effectively been banned, (for the time being) by the principal and schoool superintendent who chose to disregard the vote.

As for whether we will ever see the REAL reason for this, that is the $64,00.00 Question, isn't it? Everyone involved KNOWS what the real reason was but no one can PROVE it beyond a doubt.

However, it is strange how things always have a way of "outing" themselves. All it takes is patience and time. The TRUTH is more powerful than any oppressor and those who bear false witness will see their just rewards.

Just my Humble Opinion.;-)

Another pet peeve of mine. This county has literally spent millions over the years on technology and I can not get an email or txt message about something going on at school that affects my child. They rely on my being noticed by my child. My child who can not remember what I sent him to find in a room 10 feet away, 15 seconds later.

I have long had the opinion that the local school system would rather you NOT know what is going on. Through the years, not just at the High School level, but at the grade school level as well, the teachers (some of them) would wait until they issued your childs report card to put in a derogatory remark about behavior which, if it had been brought to your attention when it started, would never have continued.

I have lived many places and the seen several school systems and I can tell you that Walton County has a LONG way to go in the "parent/ teacher/student being on the same page" department.

Mr Ewing once bragged to the students at an assembly that SHWS was an "A" school. The following day the Daily News printed out a chart showing the REAL grades for the local schools; SWHS was either a "B" or "C".
He also likes to make the point that SWHS is the "most improved high school in Florida" which only means that it had the most room TO improve. If you are at the bottom you have nowhere to go but up. I could go on but it all runs in the same vein and it won't do a thing to help.

We really need a PARENTS organization to get anything done here. The school's administration are definitely part of the "good ole boy" system. And none of them are going to "rock the boat".

We really need a PARENTS organization to get anything done here. The school's administration are definitely part of the "good ole boy" system. And none of them are going to "rock the boat".

Could you comment further on the "good ole boy" system that you refer too? I consider myself pretty well connected to most of the elected officials in this county. A majority I consider more than just acquaintances. And for all the times I am around them and interact with them I have never stumbled upon or been involved with this "good ole boy" system. People who participate in the process and try to work out solutions do seem to have a better relationship and are more likely to get things done than those that just gripe all the time from what I have seen.

I have seen what appeared to be retalitory actions by those in charge in the past. It is not near as bad as it once was. But again the way to really get a hold of this sort of thing is for people to participate in government. Voting would be one such action. And for all the complaining that I read on these boards, the people of south Walton have one of the poorest records of participation in something as simple as voting that I have ever seen. General elections are not that bad. But primary and special elections are dismal. Off the top of my head I believe it was out of over 5000 registered voters in the Miramar precinct, the last special eleciton 100 showed up to cast their ballot.

Politicians fear crowds. Crowds bring with them sunshine and accountability. So again, getting involved, would go a very long ways toward correcting quite a bit of what it is that you say is wrong. If you could get organized, you could choose our direction.