Comments on: Reports of Students Turned Away Over $2 ID

By: Stefon Moo

Stefon Moo — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:26:05 +0000

Good day All.

This is sad on all fronts. But it is a teachable moment for all parties involve. The truth is we sometimes end up majoring on the minor. This fund raising effort with careful planning would have proven a breeze. The punitive approach to sending students home back to unmonitored home environments without parents or guardian notification is careless and ego driven.

As an educator you have to realize that all you do and all that you give should be in support and towards the development of our students. Sometimes as educators we loose sight of it and get caught up in our titles, degrees, positions and neglecting our most important job of work; to teach our students.

There were so many other paths that could have been taken by the administration to ensure student entered the safety of the building and had access to there lessons for that day. Instead it took the direction of putting our kids at risk not only academically based on the classes they missed but by sending them out within a period that the parent would think they were being monitored, they were sent out to the streets to roam aimlessly.

The truth is before we seek to set others straight we should seek to straigthen ourselves and our whole perspective will change. Administrator, get a grip, refocus your energies, if you have lost sight of why you are there or how you can positively impact our students; PLEASE STEP ASIDE, stop scaring the nations future citizens.

Sincere regards,
Stefon

By: Truth speaker

Truth speaker — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:24:54 +0000

You are so right. People will always blame the school for things like this, BUT if a random (non student) dude shows up in class and stabs or shoots someone they’d all blame the school and security.

I don’t know about everyone else, but I’d prefer for folks to be denied entry…

By: an actual student

an actual student — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:34:20 +0000

Can i just say that it is the eptiome of stupid to send children home for an ID. Here we have children that are actually showin up to school and you are going to send them home (and I know a lot of people out there are under this perception that all children attend school and its their duty and obligation well as a student let me inform you that the number of student who skip school, have parents call in sick for them and all together drop out would astound you so please, come down off this moral high horse that you have). And lets just really think about what this is saying. If your child doesnt have $2 on them (God forbid for some reason your child doesnt carry around money considering that they may bring their own lunch and not but it in, buses are free, and seriously who still uses pay phones so children without cash is a reasonable expectation) that your child will sit outside and wait for until you can get their. These IDs are checked at random times so its clearly not a security risk because if it was they would be checked everyday at the door. Better yet when they do have ID checks if you dont have one you can get a detention will you know where students tend to lose a lot of things, in school so now its quite possible for them to have to pay $10 and ge a detention because they lost their ID at recess and you decided to have your spot check after lunch. Completely ridiculous. Further more the school is open anybody wishing to get in dressed as a CBA student can do that its not hard. Also lets just remember that this was a charity day, students were coming to donate and as someone who has personally lost someone to breast cancer I can say that I find it incredibly silly that you would reject a donation because someone wasnt pink enough for you, like seriously, get real. (lets also note that this temporary ID is just a reciept so whose to say that the bearer of the reciept is the actual person. Now i am NOT completely bringing down CBA or Mrs. Richards but what I am saying is when we follow rules for the sake of following rules it makes no sense. I am sayin that if this ID was important it would be needed everyday. I am saying sending students home because they didnt have on enough pink is silly (lets face it pink is judged as a girl color and some guys simply may not have it no reason to send them home or not let them come in grub clothes and donate). I am sayin can we please stop being so silly and following petty rules and get back to teaching. As a student it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

By: Uncle Ruckus

Uncle Ruckus — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:24:39 +0000

Well some probably did it on purpose. They had grub day today, they know that no id = sent home in my regular clothes = fun day in town with my friends instead of school. But like others who currently attend have stated they were never given id’s so why should they pay for a temporary one? $2 or not. You are really exaggerating with the LV bags and $350 jeans.

By: Uncle Ruckus

Uncle Ruckus — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:21:05 +0000

Because schools are much like prisons. You aren’t a person or a name, you are a number. 1 of 300 or however many prisoners, I mean students they have.

By: Uncle Ruckus

Uncle Ruckus — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:15:45 +0000

LOL thank you! You know the media only gets half the story anyway though. They don’t get the info of the schools f##king up. School is about learning and getting an education but they send them home for the smallest infractions.

By: Uncle Ruckus

Uncle Ruckus — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:12:18 +0000

Same thing I said. How can they id you for a temporary one? LOL! Bermuda is another world is the truest thing I’ve heard. Everyday it’s something new.

By: Limerick

Limerick — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:08:04 +0000

“Also if a temporary ID can be issued immediately, what is the delay on the permanent ID”

Ding ding ding!!!

By: CBA Parent

CBA Parent — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 23:00:21 +0000

Ok my daughter and I have been reading the comments and have had a few giggles. Some of you had some great points. Others are just plain ignorant but these thoughts are being passed on to your children.
1. ID are required to enter. My problem with this is that some students have not gotten them. A temporary ID is $2. This temporary ID I might say is just a receipt paper which is good for one day. So this means it is costing $10 a week. And they do not have a picture on it just their name. Those who have not gotten there ID should not be penalized at all. They should be on a list at the front office and provided to security (with just their names).
2. The schedule has always been an issue. Now you had the ministry of education change the curriculum yet again. Each period has been changed from 45 to 55 minutes. You also have children who have not passed classes from the previous year. This messes up schedules tremendously. Not to mention they didn’t have enough substitute teachers, let alone regular teachers. There’s always something.
3. The grub day was for cancer awareness. They were told ahead of time what would and would not be acceptable. Unfortunately some chose to do what was not acceptable. Rumors are spread by the children that they are being sent home for this. The followers did just that and left instead of going to the school to find out if this was correct. When in fact they might have had to go home and change, or not.
I personally do not a problem with CBA. I have a big problem with the famous blaming game. It’s like throwing a tiny pebble in a pond the ripples get bigger and bigger. Do you ever hear about the private schools bickering. It’s not that they don’t have problems. WHY DO WE LOVE TO PULL EACH OTHER DOWN. WE NEVER TALK ABOUT THE GOOD BUT CANT COMMENT ENOUGH ABOUT THE BAD.
WE ALL HAD SCHOOL RULES. If you went Warwick Sec. Mrs. Pearman’s uniform checks were regular everyday. We didn’t have ID but we were known by name by our teachers and principal because there were so few of us compared to now. Come on you had a fight it was one on one (a rule) now they are fighting for their lives. Times have changed people but rules should remain the same.

By: Total Agreement

Total Agreement — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:43:29 +0000

Ok I get it if they wasn’t given an ID they had to pay $2 for a temp one. How interested are these kids in learning or school period if they couldn’t part with $2. Half of them are walking around with LV school bags and buying $300 jeans I’m sure they had $2. I know for a fact that if my momma knew that I left school instead of paying $2 she would have cut my a$$ adn tried to send me school on Saturday for the day I missed..LOL. Come on parents this is nothing to be upset about damn the teachers didn’t get paid but they still showed up.

By: observer

observer — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:34:19 +0000

If there are students who don’t have ID this late in the year, more than one person is at fault:
1. The school, for not providing it.
2. The child, for taking no responsibility to go get something that is required.

That said, this story is ridiculous. Given the state of Bermuda’s education system, it’s absurd to send children away.

By: Erik G.

Erik G. — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 19:01:37 +0000

22 square miles. 700 miles at sea. Population 60,000 (give or take) and students need ID to go to school that is next door to the Police Headquarters?

By: Why have ID?

Why have ID? — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:28:27 +0000

Why do the students even need ID? When I went to school the teachers were able to recognize the students. Of particular stupidity is:

“If you do not have your ID, your name will be emailed to the Principal, Deputy Principals, Year Heads and security and you will be issued a Friday Detention.”

E-mailing the name of the student without the ID means you can identify them.

Cedarbridge seems to have confused itself with some North American mega-school where having an enrollment of 3,000 or more students means the staff can’t actually recognize the students. In Bermuda a teacher should know the student, the parents, the cousins and the friends.

By: Nonsense

Nonsense — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:27:41 +0000

Sorry “I agree’ that comment was not directed toward you. Did not mean to directly reply to your comment.

By: Nonsense

Nonsense — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:26:42 +0000

$2 is a lot for some families, so why must these students and their families be penalized because Cedarbridge does not have everything sorted out? Tired of everybody placing blame on students and parents…administrators need to take responsibility too!!!

By: I agree

I agree — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 17:35:46 +0000

Very well said! There are 2 main issues here that I think are getting lost with all of the opinions posted here. Cedarbridge needs to explain why:
a) Some students still have not yet received ID but are expected to pay $2 for a temporary one
b) Students can enter if they pay $2 for a temporary ID – where is the security in this?

By: hmm...

hmm... — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:51:16 +0000

If a Temporary ID can be issued for a cost of $2 where is the security aspect coming in to play .. they must be able to identify the student if they can issue a temporary id !!!
Also if a temporary ID can be issued immediately, what is the delay on the permanent ID .. how different can they be ? Assume for security purposes both show the students picture… otherwise the temp id is a pointless piece of paper.

Certainly students should be responsible for having their IDs but everybody forgets things occasionally. One day’s grace could be provided to be fair and then if more than once, then fine them/ punish them. For those students who haven’t been issued a new ID, why should they pay for delays on the part of the school..that just seems like a money racket.
Btw what happens when a teacher forgets their ID ?

By: Former CBA Student

Former CBA Student — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:41:07 +0000

thats different I am speaking generally on the issue! If the child was never given an ID she should be excused and should have spoke to the appropriate about it.

By: ex student

ex student — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:25:03 +0000

Now the other senior school did have their schedules and stuff ready at the beginnig of school and no one sad nothing to that so u cant go there and i’m and ex student of CBA and we had to do the same thing and we lived get over it and follow the rules and you will have no problems. i could see ya point it they werent told but they were so.

By: D

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:58:20 +0000

How are you supposed to bring an ID if it was never given to you?

By: query

query — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:58:01 +0000

Parents please question your children as to who sent them home. The reporters did not seem to answer that question. If your child listened to other children via word of mouth, text or messenger and then went home – they and you got played. Find who specifically said to them go home, why and where they to return to school today. Then you rectify the problem.

By: Former CBA Parent

Former CBA Parent — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:55:00 +0000

I understand the need for needing ID to enter the school, but don’t they (CBA security/staff)think they need to be more consistant?! One day the kids are allowed in with no ID and the next….. And even if some kids still do not have ID – which is nuts – give them a temporary card or something. Now if the student has left his/her ID home or lost it, that’s on them – be more responsible!! It goes both ways!!

By: Former CBA Student

Former CBA Student — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:32:52 +0000

All students who enroll in CBA know its is MANDATORY for the to have their school ID at hand before they enter the school in order to get if they don’t their access into the school will be denied. They MUST HAVE IT AT ALL TIMES REGARDLESS if its GRUB DAY OR NOT!!!!! They know the rules and they know better many incidents have gone down at CBA this is why this rule is put in place in which these students NEED to abide by!!!!

By: Nikki S

Nikki S — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:31:36 +0000

Safety of the school and all those in it comes first! With what is going on in Bermuda these days are u really surprised that CBA is requiring ID’s?!! Come on people…this is the problem ..we have to many non-right thinking parents who are quick to blame everyone but their child/children! Security no matter where u go on this island is absolutely imperative, and having an ID encompasses all of that…Kudos to CBA! Keeping are islands children safe!

By: Frustrated but supportive parent

Frustrated but supportive parent — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:30:19 +0000

My child, a student who attended CedarBrigde Academy this morning in school uniform was refused entry. She has not been issued with a new school ID this year and was asked to pay for a temporary ID. My concern is the request for an ID that has yet to be issued. I completely support CedarBridge staff and policies but a mistake has been made in this case. I have contacted and await a reply from the principal. I hope the school will make a public comment to clearify the truth.

By: Sunshine

Sunshine — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:03:34 +0000

CASE AND POINT – My (hypothetical) child goes to school to LEARN! Yes he/she should be dressed properly and have all the necessary items. BUT if my child is sent home and ends up wondering around town, as teenagers to, I’ll be pissed at my child and the school. I understand it’s a lot of children to keep track of but they should be in class!

By: TWS

TWS — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:59:34 +0000

This is absolutely ridiculous, its mind-boggling how Bermuda’s education system and is so out of it , it’s sad! If all of the students have obtained a student ID card at some point, it must mean their photograph is on record within the schools computer system, granted when a student arrives to school without and ID card, should they not be able to refer to the photograph taken previously to identify the child? – Instead lets turn them away, real smart Bermuda. Education is KEY, and this is an extremely poor attempt to ensure the prosperity of our youth on this island…

By: TRIVIAL PERSUIT

TRIVIAL PERSUIT — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:52:29 +0000

HELLO!!! WHAT PART OF ID’S NOT GIVEN OUT DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND??? OH I KNOW – YOU ARE PROBABLY A “FORMER STUDENT” WHO KEPT GETTING SENT HOME AND MISSED COMPREHENSION CLASSES………… So you really think that parent’s condone this foolishness? The point being made here is that trivial matters are more important that actual learning. And piggy backing off of Tit For Tat, these are the sort of things they do when the teachers are having a dispute with Department of Education. AND to further that comment made by two other people, BERNEWS needs to ask how long did it take for students to get a finalized (if at all) class schedule (without duplicate classes as same time periods etc) and also why every child is not being able to sit EVERY GCSE OFFERED because there aren’t enough spaces/classes available/offered.

By: Truth is killin' me

Truth is killin' me — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:50:30 +0000

Make your children more responsible you lazy ass parents! YOUR PARENTING SKILLS ARE PATHETIC! It’s not the school’s fault. Cedarbridge is the best school on the island and the teachers try and do the best with what they have…even if the Government forgets to pay them!

By: Curious

Curious — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:48:28 +0000

I understand what the shcool is trying to do. With a school of that size with so many students, they should be required to have their I.D.if not anyone could get into the school. They should especially have their I.D. if there is a grub day. The trying times we are living in now you never know, if someone wanted to cause trouble or harm a student theywould be able to just walk right in even have on a uniform and then I’m sure eveyone would be in an uproar. I don’t however agree that a student that has not been issued an I.D. should have to pay for a temporary one it should be given to them for free until the real one is issued. I’m sure the school has advised the students of the rules and they are aware of what is expected of them.

Parents are always ready to blame the school instead of adressing the issue with their child. Just like the beginning of every school year children get sent home for improper attire, shoes etc. and there is always a parent on the radio or newspaper blaming the school. When I was in school we knew what the school rules were some chose to break simple as that but for heavens sake don’t blame the school which is only trying to keep order which is what most of these children need in their lives because they sure as heck aren’t getting it at home.

By: Former Student

Former Student — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:33:20 +0000

It’s the responsibilities of the students to get there ID’s if a warning was giving. Parents would be the first to blame administration if an incident happened due to security reasons that could have been prevented if an ID was used. They weren’t SENT home, they had the option to pay ‘$2″ and chose not to. ALL schools have class scheduling issues even Bermuda College… Just saying… So stop bashing CedarBridge Academy… Best school EVER!!!!!!!!

By: Damned if you Do or Don't

Damned if you Do or Don't — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:28:58 +0000

Umm sorry but why are you blaming the school because your children left their ID home. Go back home and get it and be back by 10:30am if not you will be marked as absent, plain and simple. NO ID NO Entry, especially on grub day when anyone can say I left it at home. What would happen if someone that shouldn’t be there enters the premises and starts a big fight or now days, shoots someone in the school. I know, then you all will be blaming the school, asking why did they let them in if they didn’t have ID. Parents stop blaming others and make your children take some responsibilty, if they are supposed to have ID on them why not remind them everyday until they automatically have it shown on them where you don’t need to remind them. I’m sure you all remember to take you job access card with you being that most if not all places of employment have them.

Now if you where not issued a pass then yes you should be allowed access without having to pay but their name should be on a list and passes should be made immediately.

By: Sunshine

Sunshine — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:06:35 +0000

This is just flat out unacceptable. I thought schools were a place of friggin learning, I doubt children are trying to sneak into CBA in uniform or grub day clothes. GROW UP CEDARBRIDGE! And as Irate Parent stated there always seems to be an issue at that school with class schedules and what not..SORT IT OUT!

By: systemfailing

systemfailing — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:55:16 +0000

Tit for Tat – Teachers no pay – students no entry

By: Annoyed Grandparent

Annoyed Grandparent — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:54:00 +0000

What a shame that so much emphasis is being placed on such trivial things. Yhis just reinforces in the minds of our youth that their education is not important. When children come to school in uniform, for goodness sake let them in to learn. Shame on the administration of Cedarbridge.

By: IRATE PARENT

IRATE PARENT — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:42:48 +0000

I am so sick of all the crap that is going on at CedarBridge when it comes to everything. Why don’t you fine Ms Richards for not having her school curriculm and class schedules ready for the start of the school year, not having enough GCSE classes for ALL of the students to get into and for not having all of the student ID’s issued in a timely manner. After all, its only been ONE MONTH that school has been in!!! As Peace and Love stated: She needs to be glad that they come to school ready to learn and she needs to stop detering these kids and undermining their morale at every given opportunity!!!!

By: Peace and Love

Peace and Love — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:44:40 +0000

Wow! are you serious!!! shouldn’t we be glad that they showed up for school!! Just a suggestion: “Johnny if you don’t have your ID TOMORROW you will be charged $2, now go to class and enjoy the rest of your day!’ Just athought….WOW!!!!

By: D

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:33:31 +0000

I wondered my I saw some students in town this morning. This reminds me of bus drivers refusing me access because I could not provide my regimental ID, which also was never issued. Might I add that I was also, in uniform.

This is very upsetting. Students at school being refused entry.

By: Reality Check

Reality Check — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:22:06 +0000

Must be a new government scheme to raise enough funds to to pay the teachers