Student told she can't have candy corn at lunch

[LWolf]

36. I can argue both sides of this one.

For the sake of constructive argument:

First, I'll acknowledge that authoritarian rules often backfire, have unintended consequences, and that we ought to err on the side of liberty rather than more rules.

Then I have to point out, though, that anyone, parent or community member, who thinks we ought to butt out and let kids have their candy at school...THOSE people need to spend all day in an overcrowded classroom trying to teach 30+ students who are spiking and crashing on sugar highs and lows...and have their job evaluations and security be based on how well those students perform on standardized tests.

You are correct when you say that we should educate, not dictate. A good way to do that would be a blitz of public service announcements on tv and radio, since the majority of America spends a lot of time there. We can't pay for the education we demand at this point, though, so where does that money come from?

Sending more stuff home that parents don't read is not the way.

My school does not have any rules about candy or soda. I do, though. No candy or any drink except for plain, non-flavored water is allowed in my room at any time unless I've given advanced permission for some sort of special treat. The students know why. The parents, if they ask, which they never do, learn why.

(Exception: my diabetic student has juice and candy in the cupboard, along with testing supplies and medication.)