Rashell Elias

Reflection #4 (11/23): Discipline

The entire week of the election was a bit hectic in school. Students
were getting mistreated for putting up signs on their locker for what they
politically believed in. Other students commented back, clearly from the
other political party. The message was hurtful to the student and it began to
go viral. Once the principal was notified she called a meeting with the entire
Flex program, which was greatly effected. She remained neutral in her
stance, but made it evident that it is her responsibility to make sure that
every student is safe when theyre at school. The way that the principal
spoke was calming, but there was an authoritative tone still present.
Internally, after observing the way she gave her speech I really idolized
the way she took something so controversial and disheartening and made
the students feel warmed while still being authoritative. She did not focus
too much on the act itself, but more on how this problem would be resolved.
She stated her stance about the signs on lockers, and as for now they are
allowed but she has not decided whether or not they will be banned as an
entire school. She acknowledged her audience by asking if anyone had any
questions and she didnt hesitate while answering any of the questions. She
remained calm and confident throughout her speech.
While analyzing the way she spoke, it seemed as if she planned what
she was going to say before calling the meeting. I am not sure if this was the
case of not, considering how sudden it occurred. She referred to factual

evidence regarding policies and code of conduct that must be followed and
the steps that must be gone through in this case. She provided that form of
discipline, but the questions and suggestions covered it up from being so fact
based and insensible.
As for me as a future educator, I really liked how she brought factual
rules in to place as well. I think when there are rules that everyone is aware
of beforehand, they really help back up any situation. I am sure that I will
have to go through several controversial situations, but I really think the
rules can prevent it from getting out of hand. There is only so much room for
argument when there is rules put in place from day one. In a smaller sense,
this is something I would like to see in my future classroom. I would like to
have rules that are student selected the first week of class. Having rules also
helps approach parents regarding an issue if necessary, because you have
factual evidence to fall back on. Overall, I really like how she displayed
discipline and the seriousness of the topic, but also created an
understanding middle ground as she opened the floor to questions and
suggestions to improve the community at Seaholm.