iPod banned in school

[nicoli80]

Hey yall. I go to a crappy high school in Vermont and at least 60% of the people in my school have iPods. They are everywhere and I LOVE IT. iPod discussions happen everywhere, everyday. Most teachers let students listen to them in class during writing assignments and people listen to them in the hallways. But recently the pricipal decided to step up and BAN THEM FROM THE SCHOOL. Anybody seen using one will have their taken away untill a parent picks it up. Oh what hell. Now my hot 40gb iPod photo is used 50% less than before. So I set reason aside and purchased a 512mb iPod shuffle because I can keep it more hidden and I also purchased the Shure Ec3 headphones because they look more hidden and at first glance you can't really tell that I am wearing headphones. So it all seems to be working. But I'm still totally ####ed that iPods were banned and I have to kep mine in the shadows. Any suggestions or things I should tell the principal?

[cajungirl]

It is happening all over.

I would not say anything to your principal if you want to avoid suspension.

[smorzander]

use some generic brand of mp3 player. then when he tries to take it away tell him its not an ipod. you could get a laugh out off that.

[spot1701]

Look at the big picture. They are banned because:
a) It will interfere will lessons. Like you said, some smart alecs will try and listen to their ipods without the teacher noticing.
b) To prevent stealing. The big boys used to steal your lunch money. These days, I'm sure they'd prefer your ipod.
c) Legal battles. When little Johnnie drops his ipod and breaks it, the money grabbing parents will be lining up to sue the school.

It's a fact of life. I would get used to it.

[Hawkeynut]

I applaud the decision... the last time I checked school was for learning not playing with an mp3 player. Although I do not approve of schools banning one type of player over another, it is the concept and not the name brand that should be banned.

I also applaud the banning of cel phones as they also are a big distraction.

Now, I am not saying that an outright ban on mp3 players is the right way to go, but I believe banning them from any classroom would be the right way to do it. Libraries, cafeterias etc would be fine as those are common areas and learning isn't usually conducted in those areas. I mean when these kids hit the real world, 90% of jobs that they will get will not permit a mp3 player stuck to their heads, so the school system might as well get them ready now.

So now as I get off my soapbox, if your principal is only banning iPods and no other mp3 player, then that is very stupid. But if they are banning all mp3 players.. then I can see his/her point.

[skruggie]

Originally posted by Hawkeynut
I mean when these kids hit the real world, 90% of jobs that they will get will not permit a mp3 player stuck to their heads, so the school system might as well get them ready now.

I wouldn't agree with this at all - most people I know who work - myself included - sit in a cubicle and listen to music of some kind to get through the day.

And this is comeing from a 30-something. Pretty much every cubicle at my company has someone listening to music with headphones attached to it....

[sabresfan007]

Originally posted by Hawkeynut
I also applaud the banning of cel phones as they also are a big distraction.

At our High School, cell phones cannot be used between Homeroom and the end of the last period. This is the best decision...not banning cell phones. Look at school shootings... and other school crimes. Cell phones and 1st reaction devices that shouldn't be banned, but also shouldn't be used during school hours.

Just my 2 cents.

[nicoli80]

Sorry everyone. This is kind of why I left the imdb.com boards was to avoid a soapbox. But at least I'm interacting.

[Vilpuri]

High School Banned iPod??? What has this world come to....

Errmm... hopefully you're not attending BFA St Albans?

[honeybee1236]

There is a silver lining in every cloud so look at the bright side of this:

Take the time spent for listening to the iPod and use it for doing something more constructive that you can do. If you have homework you can do some of that or do some reading or helping a friend who may be having a problem. Just look at other things you can do with that time and if it's most or all of your homework this gives you more time to listen to the iPod when you get home.

Cheer up and use this as an opportunity for good.

[Madkins007]

You might want to try to ask the principal why the ban exists (possibly bringing it up to the principal via the PTA or something if he/she is not real approachable otherwise).

Once you know the 'why', you can begin your campaign to reverse the decision, if you so choose, with petitions, student government input, etc.

On the other hand... this seems like a fight not worth fighting at this point. Personally, I'd let it pass and see what the next school year brings.

[Paracaine]

A lot of people work better if they are listening to music...

[AmorYSuerte]

Not surprising, when I was high school no CD players, walkmans, cell phones, hand held games or anything! They would always get taken away. Maybe it's best with so many sneaky people around.

[cheezhead999]

I am now at a different school, but at my old school (private), they actually checked our lockers for electronics. Now at my new school, they don't care if you have one with you, but if you are found using one, then you can expect it being taken away.

[jaroque]

i'm totally behind the ban. granted, a lot of people do have mp3 players at work - but work is a work environment, not a learning environment, like high school. here's an idea - pay attention in class.

you can make it through the day without your ipod, i promise you. me and everyone else on ipodlounge believes in you. if you really can't do it, see a psychiatrist, because it ain't healthy.