confront, cajole, or ignore

For the sake of this argument

cajole; to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance

confront; to come face to face with, especially with defiance or hostility

ignore; to refuse to pay attention to; disregard

Within moments of arriving at school; authority figures will witness misbehavior. Let us assume that the misbehavior, if continued, will adversely affect the safety and/or well being of other students. And therefore cannot be ignored.

This argument concerns a specific type of student; not all students. This type of student, when asked to stop the misbehavior, and then accompany the adult to the place where appropriate consequences will occur, will say, no.

What does the adult do then?

The administration will say, cajole, don't confront.

So the adult tries to persuade the hoodlum with flattery and/or gentle urging to come along to get punished; with the same inevitable result.

The teacher now has two choices; confront or ignore.

If the teacher chooses to "confront", to stand their ground as a matter of principle; their future becomes uncertain. There is at least some possibility that a physical confrontation may be required to carry the thug to his/her consequences. It is possible that at any point in the process they will find themselves "on their own"; abandoned by the leadership of the APS.

The leadership of the APS refuses to state on the record; their expected reaction by the adult authority figure. The teacher, or whomever, is entirely on their own.

There is not even a district wide discipline philosophy,
to which the teacher might look for some kind of guidance.

The teacher's choice at this point is to embark upon a defense of the rule of law in a civilized society, with uncertain, but certainly far reaching, consequences;

or they can ignore the misbehavior.


I reported to you that Rio Grande High School had three students arrested for assaults and interference with adult authority at school.

I reported to you that the leadership of the APS, Delores Griego and others are concerned that the adults involved should have handled the matter differently; that they had behaved inappropriately when they "confronted" student misconduct.

I have reported that the teachers at West Mesa High School (and others) have chosen to ignore misconduct rather than confront it; and that as a result, students unsafe/less safe at WMHS. They are kept safe by as few as seven adults during lunch and passing periods.

I wrote that Manzano High School's administration has commissioned a student militia in order to address student violence issues.

Monica Armenta has had more than enough time to respond, refute, or rebut any of these allegations.

She chose to ignore them.


The leadership of the APS is absolutely responsible for establishing and maintaining the authority of adults over children in schools.

They have chosen to ignore that responsibility.

They have chosen to ignore questions about that failure.


In the Journal this morning, you will find no stories about student and campus safety and discipline.

You will find reporting about what's for lunch in the public schools this week.



If your kid makes it to lunch this week.