Page 34 - 1980

Newsline School Politics

Being a human Xerox machine ...

f f f j lagiarism is using paper to a friend or hand
■ another person’s it down to a younger
words or ideas without brother or sister.
giving credit to the origi­ “ I think the policy will
nal author; it is a form of call attention to students
stealing. Plagiarism shall who aren’t aware that
be considered an aca­ they are doing anything
demic offense in all Ral­ wrong,” said assistant
ston High School classes. principal Earl Taylor.
A panel of three members The reason for the pol­
composed of the princi­ icy is to give the teachers
pal, the department head, a process for handling a
and the involved teacher plagiarism case. In order
will review incidents of to provide a fairer opinion
plagiarism and will of whether plagiarism is
recommend academic involved or not, a panel of
disciplinary action when three will be chosen.
necessary. Disciplinary “ I particularly like using
action may include, but an objective panel to
not limited to, a failing make the decision. A
grade for the course.” panel can be more objec­
This definition of pla­ tive in making disciplinary
giarism was given to stu­ decisions than one
dents during a home­ teacher,” said guidance
room, Sept. 17. The policy counselor Jo Rives.
was issued because of The policy will be
the growing problem of included in the 1980-81
plagiarism. handbook and be consid­ Don’t be such a copy-cat. English department head Martha Novak briefs students on the plagiarism
issue
The hardest hit area ered as a major student
was the English depart­ offense. ‘‘Plagiarism is conscious,
ment. Students were English department purposeful theft. This pol­
found copying another’s head Martha Novak said, icy is long overdue.”
work, such as a report or
essay. Graduates would Where have the kids gone?
often loan an old term
re students missing too much school for outside activi­
Tow trucks A ties and field trips? This was the question debated in a
welcome!! survey by English department head Martha Novak. The pro­
ject involved parents, students, teachers, and administra­
ver the intercom a tors.
Ovoice was often heard The survey revealed the exact amount of time students
saying, ‘‘Attention, all missed for a field trip or activity. According to the tabula­
cars parked in the fire tions, 116 total field trips were taken. That involved 48% of
lanes must be moved or the school days. Of these activities, 27 outings were for
they will be towed!” sports and 65 for extra curricular activities. However, results
Stronger measures of the effects of students grades revealed that grade point
were taken for the viola­ average increased in proportion to the participation of
tors of the no parking school activities.
areas as tow trucks The survey also showed the views expressed by the fac­
hauled away cars at the ulty on the activity situation. Fifty-nine percent felt that too
owner's expense. After many students missed too many days, however, 99 % felt
the guilty drivers paid the that the activities were a valuable learning experience. Outdoor ed students take a day oft from school
price to have their cars Mrs. Novak suggested several solutions during some to canoe at dam site 16
back, they learned their meetings in May. A new solution will go into effect next fall
lesson. and will be explained in the student handbook.