School security is an ongoing conversation throughout the nation, with various opinions emerging regarding the best approach to ensure the safety of students. It is widely agreed upon that students have the right to feel safe in school. In Arizona, laws such as the Arizona Revised Statute 13-2911 prohibit the possession of firearms on school grounds, except under authorized circumstances.
Happening in School
This category encompasses activities happening throughout Arizona schools. This may include sporting events, clubs, field trips, in-class activities, talent shows, fundraisers, guest speakers, and other activities occurring in our schools. Write an article about what’s happening in Arizona schools! Disclaimer: Please do not include real names of people or schools in these articles.
School districts may have a different policy on the use or presence phones during school. For instance, your school may allow them during certain circumstances, such as during lunch or when you're not working. Other schools may not allow them at all.
Arizona recently passed a new law that requires all high school students and GED candidates to pass a 100 question civic test. This test will become mandatory starting in the 2016-2017 school year and will require a 60% pass rate. The test will come from the civics portion of the Citizenship test and was created in the hope to create more informed citizens with a better understanding of the workings of the government.
School environments encompass a variety of experiences and emotions for students, some of which may be unfamiliar or challenging to navigate. Stressors such as academic assignments or interpersonal relationships can contribute to mental health concerns among students. Recognizing the importance of addressing mental health within educational settings, stakeholders including parents, educators, and students are increasingly advocating for improved resources and support.
Hazing, a ritual that colleges have attempted to extinguish for years, has found its way into the high school system. This week Hamilton High School, a school located in Chandler, Arizona, is at the forefront of the conversation. Six football players were arrested, five of which are teenagers, for crimes that started with hazing but lead to charges that also include sexual assault and kidnapping. Hazing originated as a right of passage to "teach newcomers respect for [group] policies, rules and leaders" but has been known to turn from mildly degrading to dangerous and even deadly. The first recorded death from hazing happened at Cornell University in 1873 and by 1912 death by hazing had become a common headline in newspapers. Since that time school administrators and legislatures have attempted to end hazing through hazing prevention laws like A.R.S. § 15-2301. Learn more about hazing in the school offenses section of this site.