Payton Harris

Staff Writer

   For the past five days I have sat in in-school detention (ISD) and watched kids come in and out daily. When I say, “kids” I mean essentially the same students are attending the uncomfortable classroom.  Although the fact that I’ve been in there for a week would suggest otherwise, I’m definitely not one that has spent much time in ISD.  Yes, sometimes there is occasionally a “new kid” that comes in for the day because of a tardy or something small, but overall it seems like it’s the same people that are in and out. Does ISD really straighten kids out or keep them out of trouble? It doesn’t seem like it.

    The discipline procedures and consequences at LOHS are designed to keep students in school where they can learn. Recently, the administration has started not only an after school detention but a Saturday school program as well. Students with discipline referrals will spend time in one of the three, based on the “crime” they have committed. Assistant principal Matt Houser says, “The last thing we want to do is take a student out of the building such as alternative school or suspension.  We would much rather them be able to do their work and get back to the classroom.”  Regarding the number of “frequent flyers” and whether ISD is effective at changing behavior, Houser said, “It’s different for every student.”

    Some students actually say they like it! A few kids that I talked to, whom I will not name, told me that because they miss class, get to sit all day, and finish their work, they would much rather be in ISD than regular classes. So it seems that ISD isn’t really resolving anything.

    To make an ISD placement as unpleasant as possible, “cubicles” have been installed to further isolate the students.  Other rules include no cell phones, not getting up without asking, and not speaking unless spoken to.  The new ISD teacher Jesse Byrd vows, “No longer will ISD be fun, or a free day for students like it’s been in the past.”  Byrd is also persistent in getting work from the teachers so students who are placed with him can stay caught up in their classes.

    To me, five days in ISD is one of the worst things I’ve had to do. Sitting in the same spot all day and being isolated from the outside world is very uncomfortable for me. But, as Houser suggested, it must be different for everybody. If their regular visits to this place is any indication, some of the kids in here love it.