Security Over the Top

And I thought the New York City school cellphone ban was stupid. An upstate school system goes berserk in the name of security.

'The Question' causes furor at local high school
Did security gaurd violate girls' privacy?

By Heather Yakin
Times Herald-Record
September 28, 2007
Grahamsville — Several television news crews from New York City are camped outside the Tri-Valley Central School following the story in today's Times Herald-Record about what question a school security guard asked a 14-year-old female student.

The girl was called out of class by a security guard during a school sweep last week to make sure no kids had backpacks or other banned bags.

Samantha Martin had a small purse with her that day.

That's why the security guard, ex-Monticello cop Mike Bunce, asked her The Question.

She says he told her she couldn't have a purse unless she had her period. Then he asked, "Do you have your period?"

Samantha was mortified.

She says she thought, "Oh, my God. Get away from me." But instead of answering, she just walked back into class.

At home, she cried, and told her mother what happened.

It appears that at least a few other girls were also asked the same question.

I'm Such a Failure

Teenager is nearly mute. I lost the photo form and yesterday was picture day. Called the school office, was told she could pick up the form in the morning and there'd be no problem. She was all dolled up. Got there, got her picture taken and then was told she'd have to take it again today since she didn't have her form.

So today, dressed in her soccer uniform for a game later, she has to go get her picture taken again during lunch. The form says that the company won't print a picture until the form (and more important, money) are in; she says she has to have her picture taken again and she, of course, is no longer wearing her favorite outfit. Oh, the shame.

UPDATE: Oh, my, clobbered by West Islip, 5-0. Yikes.