We need more time between classes

By Bryan C.

I think that our school needs a big change. The change would be more time between classes. We need to have at least five minutes to get to our next class. This change would help people to get to their lockers, go to the bathroom, or chat a little bit with some friends. I also think that this change would keep the tardiness population down. This change should also help slackers from being late. I hope that the student council will meet to discuss this idea. It would really help people from missing out on something in class.

Current treatment of flag is unacceptable

By Andrew S.

Peacock Middle School has a great reputation as a school with a lot of smart students. But still nothing is perfect. Peacock has a few minor flaws including the fact that we never lower the flag, in rain, snow, etc. This is because the pulleys are too high to reach to lower it. Leaving the American flag up in the rain is considered disrespectful to the people who have died to keep us free.

It is also disrespectful to leave the flag up overnight without shining a light on it. One teacher agreed that it is wrong, but said "there is no other way" because if the pulley was lower, someone (not to name anyone in particular) might go over and fiddle with it, especially after school hours. I think, however, that the school could put some metal casing over the pulley and replace the pull string with a cable that could not be cut. It would be expensive but worth it.

One other idea to solve our flag problem is that we could take the flag down after school. During the school day, Mrs. Purtell & Mrs. Doyle would be able to see through the window anyone who tried to run something up our flagpole.

Our flag is ripped because the school never takes it down. The Itasca Fire Department has to come and replace the flag for us, which is wrong. The firemen have to bring their trucks over to the school, which is dangerous because if someone needs help it is usually the fire department who go to help. Last time I went to the fire station, they were in and out every five minutes or so.

The American flag is an important part of our culture. I think that the school should find a way to lower the flag without depending on the fire department. Be sure to sign the petition to fix our flag that will be passed around.

The Flag Code It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flag staffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness. The flag should not be displayed on days when the weather is inclement, except when an all weather flag is displayed. The flag should be displayed during school days in or near every schoolhouse. Source: The American Legion, http://www.legion.org/flagcode.htm

Student Council dance was a flop

By Scott P.

Student Council was going too well this year. The visits to the Arbor, the pep rallies, but they finally slipped-up. The November Student Council dance was a bust. It stunk. I'm serious. I recently talked to our student council president, Janelle Bezdicek. She claims they never got around to ordering pizza. It probably wouldn't have been that important--if people didn't rely on it for their meal that night. Ryan D., who attended the dance delicately said, "It STUNK."

And, as if that wasn't bad enough, by 8:15, in just over an hour, all they had left was a liter of diet pop. Oh well. What can I say? I've seen better dances, but then again I've seen worse. Don't forget - we can always rely on music boosters and the PTO for goo...well, I can't exactly say "good dances," but at least for pizza and pop at the dances.