At the beginning of the school year, Principal Mark Jensen of St. Michael’s Academy for Boys in Little Rock, Arkansas, stirred up quite a debate with a bold message to parents: if your son forgets something at home, don’t expect to drop it off.
The school’s Facebook post went viral, accompanied by the statement: “Welcome to St. Michael’s Academy. We teach reading, writing, arithmetic, and problem-solving.” The note instructed parents to “please TURN AROUND and exit the building” if they came to deliver forgotten items such as lunches, homework, or sports equipment. It was noted specifically that this policy applies to “sons,” reinforcing that it is an all-boys school.
Jensen explained to TODAY Parents that teenage boys often resort to calling their parents for help when faced with a problem. “We encourage our boys to resist that urge and think about how they can resolve issues independently,” he stated.
For those of us with younger children, it might be hard to understand the implications of constant parental availability through cell phones. Kids often text their parents for forgotten items—a habit that some schools are now attempting to curb. Last year, a principal in Florida implemented a similar policy, stating they would not accept drop-offs of any items.
Reflecting on my own teenage years, I remember never daring to call my parents for something I had forgotten. Lunch? Homework? Those were responsibilities I had to manage on my own. Some parents, however, see this approach as overly strict. Comments on the post ranged from empathetic to outraged, with some saying, “You can’t solve problems on an empty stomach” and others arguing that it’s unreasonable to expect children to manage everything without support.
While it’s understandable to worry about our kids going hungry or failing to submit assignments, it’s also important to recognize that life doesn’t come with a safety net. Teaching children about accountability can be crucial for their growth into responsible adults.
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In summary, while the school’s message may have sparked controversy, it opens up an important dialogue about independence and problem-solving in our children’s lives.
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