Scrap Military School Plans
A good amount of misrepresentation is evident in the reporting of the possibility of a military magnet school in Hartford. I’m surprised at The Courant for continuing this trend in its Dec. 7 editorial supporting this option ["Right Time For Military School"].
A schoolwide focus on “discipline, [setting] high academic expectations, [instilling] good work habits and [building] character” is not exclusive to military schools. I attended Quirk Middle School when Amado Cruz was principal. Believe me, nobody wanted to go to Mr. Cruz’s office for disciplinary reasons. I then attended Northwest Catholic High School where, if one wasn’t in school by 9 a.m., a phone call went to your house inquiring about the absence.
These are examples of how a tough administration and sound, logical procedures can be partnered with reinforcement at home to give students the same attributes that The Courant says military schools provide.
What differentiates magnet schools from public schools is that a magnet’s curriculum emphasizes a certain theme: arts, science, sports science, etc. By that definition, would a military magnet school emphasize military history or other subjects from a military standpoint?
Our inner-city, at-risk youths are already the target of military recruiters upon graduation. We don’t need to give this industry access to our children any earlier than that.
The option of a military school is ridiculous and should be shredded as quickly as it was conceived.
Luis et al,
Great website Luis. Saw it from the undercurrent. Did you read my piece, “Who is a Warrior” Helen Ubinas, Sue Campbell, the Trojan Women of the other Courant have been supporting my thesis that the violence learned from our militarised society is evident in the use of violence by the kids. They see how adults in our governments use warfare to coerce people and they emulate it. We will reap what we sow.
dave ionno
veteran for peace