Despite the incorrect information in Mr. Hellmann's last post, I will not spend this comment defending the so called "Senior Prank Day." Instead I want to stand up for the administrators who have provided me with an excellent public education. These people whom Mr. Hellmann seems to despise so much in this post worked overtime on this day. They were constantly, actively, and seriously ensuring that no harm came to any students at Barrington High School. Furthermore, they spent the entire year demoting the day by holding countless assemblies.

Mr. Hellmann has written numerous editorials in previous years attacking Barrington's Public Schools. He has attacked teachers' salaries, the teacher's union, and now he is trying to use this opportunity to attack the administration. Mr. Hellman, while he was an employee at Barrington High School, never used to publish such scathing editorials. Unlike him, I have never been a comedian, but these facts still seem funny to me.

Mr. Hellman's rage has remained unchecked in editorials and I am glad to see that people are finally standing up to him. Hopefully he will finally realize that this has not been because he is right but rather because we have not yet been so moved to respond to his petty comments.

This is actually the biggest pile of dung I have ever read!

The real question in my head is "should someones first amendment right be suspended because he posts inflamatory garbage on his local blogspot"

Look Joel, Your childishness as evidenced by your responses to our post simply proves that it is ACTUALLY false that wisdom comes with age.

1. If you are displeased with the way tax money is spent in your town, then please by ALL means leave. I mean, I'm sure that the majority of people on this forum can agree that you have posted more things trashing Barrington than supporting it. So why not leave??

I bet your answer to that question is because the schools are so good. (Wow doesnt that just disprove what you have been arguing the whole time?)

2. If you want things to change, run for office...(oh wait.)

3. What horrific things occur at the high school? Is there gang violence, weapons, abuse from teachers?

No there is none because our elected officials have done a damn fine job of cultivating one of the best school districts in the country. The administration is an excellent body that has trained some of the best minds in the country. These are people that will change the world.

Furthermore, there is no educational benefit from senior prank day. However, you seem to be the only one offended by it...You're insisting on making an issue where there is none!

I had the WORST DAY OF MY LIFE! I went into the school carrying my caesar salad in an open container and some mean spirited seniors sprayed it down with Italian dressing. It was soaked, the dressing permeated the layers of lettuce and tomatoes and cheese, and even soaked its way into the croutons. The salad was totally ruined, because, like I said, it was supposed to be a Caesar salad. Then, I had gym, and the bullys in my class made fun of me for not being able to dunk the basketball. So I went to the stairs and taped some rubber balls to my soles, and I was able to jump about 3 or 4 feet higher and easily reach the rim. Needless to say, I was hot stuff now, and all the girls (and a few of the boys) wanted a slice. But much to my dismay, the only condoms I could find were stuck on doorknobs! I couldn't find a condom, so I went to cry in the English hallway, where I was assaulted by a rogue rooster. After it attempted to rape me, I was saved by a recycling bin toting young woman, and I went down to the guidance department to seek council for the stressful events I had thus encountered. On my way there, I overheard some administrators discussing the fact that the school had spend over $230,000 on these pranks. Clearly a misappropriation of public funds, I thought to myself. Thankfully, something good finally happened. In the bathroom, I found a goldfish in the urinal, and I took him home. I named him Jenkins and he is my best friend, because he never pulls mean pranks on me.

So yes, let the adults decide. Here are your choices.

1. Listen to falsefied, irrelavent, inflammatory, and otherwise unsubstantiated testimony. That only serves to bash the town. (and the education that was provided to your children sending many to their dream schools).

or 2.

Listen and trust your children and what they say. They are adults at this point, at least enough to tell you the truth. They will tell you that Joel has blown every detail out of proportion to get a rise from people. And also listen to the people that you trusted ( that you ELECTED) who clearly have done their jobs with our district, to make it above and beyond most others.

When you make your decision, keep the truth in mind, as Mr. Hellman (an adult) seems to believe that it is inconsequential in forming an opinion.

Mr. Hellman, mischaracterizes not only the Class of 2011, but Barrington High School as a whole. The students who commented on your previous blog entry were not claiming to be the "absolute arbiters" of good and evil, but rather trying to clear up some misconceptions that you presented in your blog. In fact, their logical and well written comments are a testement to the quality of education in Barrington Public Schools.
Matthew Holmes made an excellent point in the previous post when he discussed the dilligence the faculty and admisitration showed on the senior's final day of school. Mr. Hurley, Mr. Messore, and Ms. Varone were on guard the entire day. They did not condone the antics of the senior class, and worked very hard to make it as normal of a school day as possible. In fact, I would argue that learning went on as usual for the vast majority of students (seniors included). Compared to last year's production, this was simply the last day of the third to last week of school.
Additionally, when one creates a blog, one puts oneself vulnerable to all opinions. The students of Barrington High School are just as free to express their opinion of the day's events as Mr. Hellman. Some felt as though his account lacked some perspectives, and that's what the comments section is supposed to provide. If he feels as though that's unfair, than I urge him to review the case law behind internet free speech.

Mr. Hellman continues in his role as the town gadfly. While I usual ignore him as do the vast majority of town residents and voters, I must speak out in support of the students and administration.

Joel, they were pranks. Nothing more, nothing less. Pranks by their very nature may offend a few people, you can't please everyone. If pranks and jokes had to pass your test there would be zero pranks and jokes. The graduates who have responded to you have done so thoughtfully and for the most part politely and any edge to their comments were driven by your dismissive attitude. I know that your quest to outlaw senior prank day will go nowhere but rest assure if you get any traction at all I will organize to quickly put a stop to it. These kids work very hard for the 13 years they are in this highly regarded school system, a quick look at the college and universities they are headed to proves that. The money we spend on the schools is worth every penny. One day of harmless fun is a tradition that I for one support.

Your comment that the students are running the school couldn't be further from the truth. The administration does an excellent job of running BHS and both this year and last year showed great judgement in deciding which pranks were in good fun and which needed to be stopped or punished.

Joel, I urge you to switch to decaff, there are a lot of decaffeinated brands on the market today that are just as tasty as the real thing.

While people are entitled to their opinions, I am somewhat concerned about yours. I think your article(s) beg two questions.

1) Where is your information coming from? Has 30% of the Senior class approached you to confess that they cheated on their Senior Project Paper? Has PETA contacted you in efforts to stop the animal abuse that is happening at Barrington High School?

2) If there is so much wrong with this town, why exactly do you chose to continue to live here? For the great nightlife? Or maybe the outstanding public transportation system it offers? And if BHS is so messed up (as you assert it is) why did you send your child (who was probably as well liked by the class as you are) to the school?

Mr Hellman, I have read your past two Blogs/Editorials/Tirades or whatever you would like to call them. After reading both I have a question for you: Do you have a sense of humor? Maybe that's why your comedy career failed in Los Angeles...? I also find it interesting that although this Senior Prank Day has been happening for years now -- you have only seemed to comment on it the year one of your children is in the Senior Class. I just find it odd. If you had really been keeping tabs on Senior Prank Day you would know that the class of 2011's pranks were significally less harmful, disruptive and destructive than years past. And also, your analogies are very farfetched and off. I just can't believe you have the audacity to write what you wrote. I'm thoroughly embarrassed for you. Have you realized that you have started online drama with 17 and 18 year olds? Good job!

Mr. Hellmann, in your post you seem to be very upfront about how the school is spending a large sum of money just for us young-ins to run around treating the school as a play pen. You also mention how our energy and excitement is damaging the student's ability to learn as a whole, thus making the day go to "waste." However, I feel that even though we use the day to celebrate our finishing high school, the day itself is not lost. From years past when my fellow class mates and I have experienced the seniors before us' last days, curriculum was on the agenda. Underclassman work diligently that day even with all that goes on around them. There are multiple classrooms where doors are shut to keep out the noise that may disturb the students. Why? So that students are able to get something out of the day. Teachers are making sure that this energy we seniors and seniors before us had does not disrupt the learning that should take place in a high school. The only way a student will not get something out of that day, is if the teacher has given up all hope, and rung in the towel; this however, DOES NOT occur as BHS teachers are known for their excellent teaching abilities. The other reason the day is not lost and money is not wasted, is that the school's administration (mainly Mr. Hurley, Mrs. Varone and Mr. Messore) are at work managing the hectic-ness that occurs on this day.

After all, it's their job to make sure every student comes out of that building with something new in their brain pan. I feel that you cannot state what you are saying without experiencing the day's events firsthand. We seniors are in no way trying to disrupt the school's learning, we are merely celebrating a tradition that goes on in thousands of high schools around the nation.

I was disillusioned and disgusted by the ill informed and ludicrous accusations made against Barrington High School in both this article and the blog post that preceded it. The assertion that defending our beliefs is akin to professing ourselves the “absolute arbiters of right and wrong” is an interesting accusation coming from someone who has epitomized the concept of a rebel without a cause by selecting, in a crumbling economy catalyzing innumerable problems of actual significance, an annual series of high school pranks as a “cause” is inane. This article literally prioritizes senior prank over standardized tests, graduation requirements, and subsequently, the value of our education. Perhaps, Mr. Hellman, tax dollars would be better spent if you committed your efforts to actually improving the education system instead of desperately trying to draw attention to the subject you can most easily manipulate into a “newsworthy” issue.

I feel it necessary to point out some fundamental misconceptions that have been made regarding the discourse over senior prank. Firstly, it must be understood that not all of these pranks are class decisions, and in fact the majority of the pranks you so adamantly condemn were in fact inevitable renegade pranks committed by either individuals or small groups of people without insulting the class. It should be acknowledged that not only the dedicated staff of Barrington High School, but the students as well worked very hard to maintain the integrity of Barrington High and the class of 2011 by discouraging these pranks. As someone who stayed up all night talking people out of pranks that would tarnish our school’s reputation, I am personally insulted at the groundless assumption that we are all content to sit back and enjoy the chaos. The pranks planned by the senior class as a whole consisted of slip-n-slides, streamers, and other harmless and good-spirited fun. We organized a cleanup committee and personally took responsibility for the pranks by ensuring that the janitors did not suffer the consequences of our celebration.

The deviations from agreed upon pranks were unavoidable. Mr. Messore and Mr. Hurley mentioned in addresses to our class that we are considered “the classy class.” I am well aware of their credentials; the opinions of these gentlemen are backed with years of actual experience in the field. What gives you the audacity to presume them false? Mr. Hurley and Mr. Messore dispatched teachers across the school, confiscated every possible threat in their wake, and called students houses in the middle of the night to put a stop to potential misdemeanors. What, exactly, would you have done differently, other than lose your temper and engage in unprofessional and shameful ranting and raving?

It should additionally be noted that yelling and exaggerating does not arbitrarily give merit to ideas. I believe I saw you at the last financial town meeting, Mr. Hellman; therefore, I would expect you to know that over 89% of our local revenue comes from property taxes, which are derived virtually singularly from the value placed on our (incredible) school system. Even disregarding the fact that the salaries are not so exorbitant as you suggest, (may I suggest teacherportal.com for an actual examination of state by state salaries in comparison to Barrington’s?), decreasing pay will stop attracting the amazing faculty that make our school systems great and cyclically benefit Barrington’s economy as a whole. For more information on basic economic reasoning, please see Mrs. McCarthy’s economics page on the Barrington High School website. There are many easily accessible sources that could facilitate your further education.

Also, you seem to be wildly exaggerating what my fellow classmates are trying to accomplish by expressing their opinions. We are by no means protecting “fun”- the people who have posted before me are honors students, scholarship recipients, and responsible and conscientious people. We are protecting the faculty that work tirelessly to ensure that we are given the best possible opportunities. You seem to be unaware how good we have it; as my colleague Daniel previously stated, there are some places where it is LITERALLY not safe to go to school. I think that your comparison between senior pranks and terrorism is insensitive, ignorant, and indicative of rampant desperation.

We are not so naive as to suggest that everything that happened on senior prank day was as we intended. Don’t be so naïve as to assume that because we are teenagers, we don’t have the right to defend our school, our class and our beliefs. I commend my classmates for protecting the honor of Barrington High, and in closing would like to say that if you are foolish enough to engage in what you will undoubtedly and childishly title “war” with some of the most mature and brilliant people I have ever spent time with, good luck to you.

Why do you insist on saying we're covering something up? Do you honestly think that the class of 2011 is a group of deranged, savage, insensible conspirators hellbent on hurting peoples feelings?

All you've failed to acknowledge is the truth that we have all laid out right infront of you. And because our vantage point doesn't line up with your sources, you label us as ignorant, disrespectful, and naive adolescents...(the saying "it takes one to know one" sounds pretty relevant right about now).

Shame on you for dishonoring our right to free speech and shame on you for reporting false, exaggerated claims.

We may be teenagers, but we're mature enough to defend BHS and the amazing faculty responsible for such a commendable school, otherwise known as the "undefendable"

Maybe you should take pointer or two from us next time Mr. Hellmann.

-A "disillusioned" inmate at Barrington High School Asylum

Mr. Hellmann, I would just like to direct your attention towards your own editorial article which you posted nine days ago on June the 5th. The teaser underneath the main title reads as such: "Selling Barrington as Rich, White, Drunk, Spoiled and Incompetent May Sell Papers But it is Bad Journalism. It is time the Projo tried to get it right."

Yes, this was directed specifically towards the Providence Journal, but I think it's time that you realize that this is still the pot calling the kettle black, and you can no longer hide this fact under the guise of an "opinion piece". In fact, every editorial article that I've read from you falls under this category. I've seen you call the kids spoiled and snotty, rich, drunk and drug abusing, and now I've seen you call the High School administration incompetent. Essentially, Mr. Hellmann, you're part of the problem. For all we know, though, you could just be gaming us for publicity, because you've certainly gotten your name out there, now. If this is the case, though, I doubt becoming the laughing stock of an entire high school class was your goal. But bad publicity is still publicity. I guess bad journalism really does sell papers, or page views, as the case may be.

Good luck regaining any semblance of a decent reputation.

-David Bohrer

Mr. Hellmann, I see that there is a School Committee meeting scheduled for later this week. I was wondering if you intend to present your views to the committee.

If Mr. Hellmann intends to present his views to the School Committee then I, as well as other members of the class of 2011, will be there to voice our own opinions and to make sure that his baseless convictions and factual inaccuracies have no influence on the meeting whatsoever.

While thoroughly entertaining, this article is absolute drivel. I applaud my classmates in their criticism and defense of the fantastic administrators that have led us through a a great four years.

Thank you Mike. I take these two articles as personal insults, and I, along with our classmates I'm sure, would truly enjoy articulating this (respectfully) to Mr. Hellmann in a public forum.

Our administration is fantastic and I would not trade my time in the school system (especially at Barrington High School) for anything. Mr. Hellmann, may I ask why you are giving the Class of 2011 yet another "illusion" to shatter?

These young people have articulated their thoughts in a manner that is a credit to the very education that you are condemning, Mr. Hellmann, and the only thing I can add is that I am immensely proud of them. I know many of them quite well, and have been delighted to befriend them and teach them over the years. The graduating class of 2011 has within its ranks some of the brightest, most creative and genuinely NICEST young people I have ever met and I am deeply proud of them. Proud and optimistic, that these people are part of the future. Kudos to them. And shame on you, sir, for finding one more blown-out-of-proportion thing to rant about.

You are quite the man Joel. I applaud you for taking your high school experience out on the Class of 2011. I'm sorry you had such a hard time in high school, but I think it is time to move on. You go ahead and keep writing this blog and maybe everyone in the town will listen to you!, no, probably not. I urge you to take your opinions else where if you have such problems with the town of Barrington. Barrington High School was one of the best times of my life, and for some reason you want to try and ruin it? The adults at the high school are there, and always will be, but I guess your speaking from a recent standpoint as a student right? How about you come and sit down with the Class of 2011 instead of writing this blog. You may learn something. Have a good one, Joel.

Personally I'd rather have a dead fish in the caf than a live one, but that is just me.

I want to give some credit to the class of 2011 for taking, for the most part, an articulate and balanced response to your attack on the class, the school and the administration. Mr. Hellmann, while I can appreciate your expressing your concerns about what is happening in the school, I believe you are making criticisms without looking at the whole picture. The fact is that while yes, the senior class let pigs run free in the halls (and while I can think of much worse things they could have done, I can understand why one might not appreciate the humor), BPS remains one of the few non failing school systems in the state. Not only does BHS fall far from failing, but is an undisputedly high achieving public high school not only in Rhode Island but in the country.

As the older sister of a member of the senior class I have heard a lot about what goes on in the walls of BHS and there is a lot that makes me proud. Like Ms. Edwards mentioned, the students surpassed most people's wildest dreams in raising money for Relay for Life. They worked with the Special Olympics to start integrated sports programs for special needs children. They have worked with the administration, the police department and the students to prevent many of the problems that plague high schools and have been an issue at Barrington High in the past. This incudes SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and Bay Team.

Mr. Hellmann, you are right in noting one thing and that is that mistakes have certainly been made by both the students and the administration. I would disagree, however, with your opinion of senior prank day, but that is not my point. I simply want to urge you, sir, to take a look at the positive aspects of Barrington High School. I've worked tutoring students from various high schools in Kentucky and have several friends who are teachers. I think the kids I worked with would have loved to attend BHS - their Sr. Prank Day might indeed have constituted as reckless endangerment by including knives, fire etc. Friends of mine who are teachers would love to teach at a school with such students who are motivated and consider it a prank to put goldfish crackers in the toilets.

There is certainly room for improvement from everyone and BHS is by no means perfect. Perhaps, you have even made some valid points, Mr. Hellmann. However, when you present your views as an attack you put people on the defense. I think Matt Holmes made a good observation. Your history seems to identify you as a person who is simply being inflammatory.

Mr. Hellmann, I have one question to ask you: What, sir, are you trying to accomplish?

Please look at the RIDE policy on antiBullying. I will approach the administration in my own time as I always do. Feel free to do what you like. I will keep writing and putting these ideas out there. We will see where it falls out. Good to see so many first time writers. Keep the comments coming. It makes my case that much stronger

Joel Hellmann, I will be honest when I say that I avoided reading and responding to your blogs so as to not give the temper tantrum that is your editorial page the attention it desires. At this point I feel that I need to speak up and not only defend my classmates who are more intelligent, caring, and responsible than the majority of adults in this world but also to defend the administration who has worked so hard to reach their positions and continually work to better this school. They are able to do this while balancing the opposing viewpoints of the Barrington residents (these contradictory viewpoints can even come from a single person as David Boher’s research pointed out). It is clear that they have don an excellent job considering we have among the Highest Test scores in the state despite our comparative lack of emphasis on test taking skills and our emphasis on actual education.

What exactly are the warrants to your claims? You are a columnist, not a journalist, but if you desire to switch positions, I truly hope that you have evidence and reputable sources for your scathing remarks. If not, I believe that these opinions have gone a step too far and into the arena of slander. How do our comments prove your point? What my classmates and our defenders have written are in much more controlled language than your own. Your articles resemble bullying far more than any pranks that occurred on our last days at high school.

Yes we are 17 and 18-year-old students, but what do those ages truly mean? Well for one, 17 year-olds are deemed responsible and honorable enough to join the nation's armed forces (which members of the class of 2011 have done) and even die for their country. Now what about those 18-year-olds, who comprise the majority of our class? Well for one thing we are adults, legal citizens of the United States. We have many responsibilities, including choosing our government officials. How dare you say that our opinions are not valid and should only be bushed off as teen angst?
I hope that you think before you publish next time and I hope to see you at the next school committee meeting.

Just so as not to mess up anyone's social calender, I am not available Thursday evening and will not be at the meeting. the year is long. feel free to voice your concerns in my absence. It only makes my case stronger as you know.

I plan to talk to administrators and school committee members individually first and get the information out to the parents before raising it at the school committee. the year is long and it does n ot have to get resolved until June. And it will. The adults know their responsibilities. they will act accordingly.

Well Joel, it seems like I may be the only one who at least partially agrees with you.
While I do think that some of your comparisons are a little strong in your posts (terrorism, racism...etc) it is after all a blog and you are entitled to write what you want.
I graduated BHS in 2004 and have to say that nothing like this happened. I first saw the pictures of the pigs in the hall and couldn't believe it. I wasn't upset by it and I certainly didn't think anything along the lines that you posted but as I spoke with other people who are a few years older than me and some who are much older the conclusion was that nothing like this would have ever been allowed when we were in school. I don't know if the pigs had to be sedated or not but I'm sure that no one would have planned for that happening when they came up with the idea to bring the pigs in.
Next, I am family to several members of the graduating class of 2011 and can guarantee that any singling out of individuals, targeted attacks with hate slurs based on sexuality or religion was not something that was planned but an unfortunate mindset of one or more individuals (do we even know if the people who did it were seniors?).

Continured:
I can see why people are saying that you are exaggerating the effect of the Super-balls on the stairways combined with the squirt guns filled with salad dressing. While this may seem like a trivial prank (most of the time it would be) anybody who slips / trips / falls down a stair way can be hurt, potentially with a serious injury.
In the end, some of these pranks did cross the line. I however do not think they went as far as you have implied but they had the potential to; especially if someone got hurt. Your two articles on this subject are blogs designed to spark discussion and get comments and you have succeeded.
Thanks to whomever takes the time to read this.
Tyler Fiske

Hey Joel. Long time no talk. How ya been? Oh dear, looks like you've been feeling a bit down lately to attack your daughter's graduating class. But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. I understand.
Having worked with you in recent past I would like to thank you for allowing me to see that I love acting and theater in general. However, it is because of editorials that I've read over the years (which seemed to start popping up even since you were fired from the school) such as this and not to mention the venom you shot at us kids about the "evils" of BHS theater was the reason why I, and many others quit your program.
It makes me sick to read the things you write to bash just about every aspect of BHS and even the town as a whole. You have made a laughing stock out of yourself on this blog as well as your already reputable spot at town meetings. I believe you referenced your laughing audience in your first post on the Patch. But you know, Joel, we can't all be hero's like your dog. We are only menial kids whose brains aren't fully developed. All we can do is tell you the truth.
We can tell you that Barrington High School has taught us everything we need to learn and more in order to excel in any dream we hold.

Not only have they taught us amazing academics, but we have also learned to hold good manners, morals, and to determine what is right and what is wrong. If you are going to falsely throw and entire class of student under the bus, then that is (as WE have learned it) wrong. Moreover, do you believe your daughter is just as "bad" as the rest of us. I mean, I did in fact catch her smiling at the pranks throughout the day. Shall I alert the police for you?
Senior Prank Day was harmless, enjoyable, and overall well handled by the administration and students alike. I even had two presentations that day, BOTH of which I was able to present without any disturbance from any senior prank whatsoever. To get your information from but 6 people is by far an insult to whoever taught your journalism class in college. You should know that 6 is certainly not enough. And as it has already been said, the only 2 harmful acts committed on June 3rd were neither affiliated with the 2011 class not know by the class until they were done. SO before you go about spreading lies, why dont you check your facts and your sources like your professor taught you.
Barrington High School has brought its students nothing but pride as shown in the students' comment above. Joel you should learn to at least trust your' own daughter's graduating class before tarnishing it with lies and your own vendetta against the school itself.

Oh and as for your career as a comedian, CONGRATS! It looks like it's gotten a second chance over the past two days.

Much respect,
Alice Guerrieri

I find it interesting that you ask us to consider how our age may be creating a bias in our opinions. However, are you able to explain how when I showed this to my parent they agreed more-so with the BHS seniors. Are you going to argue that a medical school educated graduate of Tuft's University is just as ignorant and unwise as you claim any 17 year old to be. In addition, in order to make real change in the town of Barrington you will need elected officials that support your viewpoints. Although I believe you will have you chance again soon, the polls of 2010 have already spoken. I would like you to respond to the question that so many have posed, what is it that you like about Barrington? If not the schools is it the high property taxes we pay to support those schools? You are in a position to move to a town where you believe the school system would be more sufficient in raising your children. When you have found a more successful public school system in the state I am sure we would all love to hear.
p.s. Where did you get the statistics that 20-30% of seniors cheat on their project? Even in an editorial any good journalist wouldn't simply pull numbers from the air, now would they? Although it has probably happened one of two times, I can assure you that I have never seen a student bragging on a Facebook post, as you claim they do, about cheating.

First off, I want to say that I applaud every one of the seniors of the class of 2011 for standing up for themselves and their class and writing what they believed in and felt- I certainly did not have the guts to do that at age 18! Speaking as a member of the class of 2008, and the older sister of a member of this current class, I have to agree with all of these seniors- BHS provides an excellent learning environment, and I can truly say that I would not be who I am today without that education I received. As part of the class of 2008, I am very familiar with people making immense generalizations regarding the students of that class. However, they are exactly that- generalizations, and nothing more. Every senior feels a sense of empowerment on their last day of class- I know I certainly did. I also know that it is always a very small handful of students who actually execute these pranks. If one "dangerous" prank occurs, it is a very safe bet that is was one, maybe two, students who acted upon this prank. No one knows what the prank is before it occurs, so how would administrators stop the prank from happening before they even know it is going to happen? That's like yelling at a director for a lousy performance before the show even performs. Sure, you can rehearse and rehearse all you want, but trust has to be put into the actors that they are going to put all of their energy into the performance.

I am also confused, Mr. Hellmann, as to what you mean by expressing frustration about the "truly horrific things that go on at the high school, and not only on senior prank day". I know BHS to be a wonderful place to attend high school, filled with supportive, attentive, and very effective administrators, teachers, and students. I am saddened to learn that you do not feel the same way about the school. BHS not only provided me with a wonderful education, but it provided me with friends and a chance to express my love of theatre and to be the President of the Stagemasters- something that, to this day, I am proud of. The fact that you feel that you are above BHS and their teachings disheartens me, and I hope that in the future you will try to open your mind more to the students and teachers and administrators, and not just from the perspective of one man, trying to raise an army.

We should be grateful that our only concern is this one day of pranks when many schools around the country face a real threat of violence and hate crimes on a daily basis. No school is perfect Mr. Hellmann, and you trying to suck the fun out of the one day students can truly let loose and get some slight vendettas on the teachers that made them sit through hours of studying and testing is not going to improve the school, but take out what makes school a dynamic and enjoyable place to be. If we take the fun out of learning, how will our students want to achieve. So to repeat the question that has been asked by many and NOT answered by one...what are you trying to accomplish here?

Alice--How cowardly of you to try to use my daughter against me. A tactict used by students all year. You have something to say say it to me. I write these blogs. I want senior prank day to end not her. She did nothing to you. She did no pranks. She didn't want want me to write this. Do the morals and manners you have learned and cherish include going after one's child to get to the parent. How despicable! Is that the person you are proud of being. Would you like to go after my 4 other kids as well. Would you like their names. and ages? You all have all called me angry before when I was not. Now I am. LEAVE MY CHILDREN OUT OF THIS. What kind of sad excuse for an adult .

I stand by this issue. And the more you write the more you prove my point. The more upset the adults will become.

I am going to accomplish the end of Seniotr prank day. Other schools do not have it and we should not have it. It is that simple. The more you all write the more it means it has to end. Keep writing

Emily- Are you saying that if I Idon't like senior Prank day I should leave town? I LOVE this town. I serve on town committees. I have run for office and because I don't like the bullying and unsafe behavior, I SHOULD LEAVE TOWN? Aren't you the little facist! Talk to adults in town see what they think. I have . I am comfortable with my position.

Joel, this proves my point that my popularity didn't destroy your program. Your own popularity that you gained over the years did.negative popularity.You sit in the back of the auditorium that is your mind and you plot.in this war you are ,as always, at least 3 steps ahaed of your enemy.You keep sitting there and you twist and twist this thing around until it works in your favour.Oh how much you must enjoy this.You have already planned out how you can use all the comments and the attention this post got for your goal. You will keep fighting and in the end you fail. as usual. You know that. I'd like to call this a "Hellmann Classic" . It has all the classical tacticts you use. The very typical and probably your most effective tactic that is using various public venues to "speak your mind" and put pressure on people. As well as talking to members of the school commitee personally.You think you have it all figured out.

Joel I simply it disrespectful to her that you would accuse her classmates and friends of hate crimes and picking on students when none of the sort was done on that day. All you have done here was avoid the question asked to you by students and adults alike. The more we write has nothing to do with why Senior Prank Day has to end, but with why your avoidance of the question "What are you trying to accomplish" has to.

Mr. Hellman you have insulted our intelligence, our maturity, and have diminished our accomplishments as a class, especially after our class has made a conscious effort to try and shed the stereotype placed on Barrington students. On the date in question, June 3rd, yes most of us actively participated in the senior prank. However for the majority of my classmates this day consisted merely of hanging streamers, blowing up balloons to fill the hallways, and other harmless pranks demonstrating school spirit. You have failed to note that in an effort to take responsibility for whatever mayhem occurred on senior prank day, seniors organized a group of underclassman to help the janitors clean up after school. You have also failed to mention that on the same day, a good part of the senior class came together and volunteered their time to stay up all night walking the track at Pierce Memorial Field to aid cancer awareness. You have condemned our entire class for the actions of a few individuals while refusing to acknowledge the positive qualities that we have tried to embody.

Alice

Leave my kids out of this. Period.

I am sickened by your words and your warped opinion of some of the finest people I have ever known. How dare you attack a graduating class of 273 people based on the word of 6. You pride yourself in being a diplomat, and a skilled politician, but the truth is you are neither. All you are is a bitter man, searching to stir up some unnecessary drama.

Granted, some of the senior pranks were juvenile. However, none of them were destructive, harmful or illegal in any way, shape or form. The “frightened, dehydrated pigs running the halls” were happy as clams hanging out in the science hallway. Your description of them is completely false. I saw them when they were released, and they simply lay down on the floor, along with fresh water and food. In addition, they ended up on a farm. And as for the administration you find so incompetent, they spent the entire day working their tails off to put an end to everything.

You mention in this piece, the “truly horrific things that go on at the high school…not only on senior prank day”, but provide no examples. Is Rachel’s Challenge horrific? Are the teachers and faculty members that dedicate hours to assisting students after school horrific? The answer is no. What’s horrific is this editorial, and frankly I am astonished.

So, congratulations Joel. You have managed to destroy any modicum of respect I once had for you.
And thank you to those of you who have commented. You are further proving the intellect of the class of 2011.

Joel,
It is with great respect for the BHS Class of 2011 that I feel compelled to respond to this blog. As the mother of 2 BHS graduates, I feel this is the most supportive, heart-felt, and challenging public school system in the state. The Senior Prank Day by the class of 2011 was controlled and monitored closely by the administration. June 3rd was a day for these young adults who have been in the school system for 12-13 years to let off a little steam in a safe, unified, and celebratory manner. This class has been described by school administrators as a "classy" class and I feel that their Senior Pranks reflected that, especially the fact that many members of the class stayed after school to help clean up after Prank Day was over. Having know many of these young people since they were children, I feel this BHS class of 2011 will leave the world a better place. They will make excellent doctors, scientists, teachers, engineers, nurses, artists, politicians, or whatever else they choose to do. In other school systems , a prank day may get out of control. However, this was not the case for the BHS class of 2011. As per their usual, they have proved their unity as well as their intellect (provided by the Barrington Public School System) in their comments on this blog. My sincere best wishes to the wonderful class of 2011.

-Jayne Starring, BHS Class of 1978

Mr. Hellmann, I implore you to come to the School Committee meeting. I find it very strange that you are choosing not to go when you have a reputation for showing up at public forums and being "the town gadfly" as Mr. Murphy put it, but I digress. I respectfully ask you to come and give us your opinion directly, and give us the opportunity to do the same. If you choose to do so, then I can promise complete respect and cordial behavior from any and all of my peers that watch or speak. We would all love to hear exactly why it is you feel the need to insult our school, our teachers and mentors, and our classmates and friends to accomplish what is a trivial goal at best. Who knows? you might even change some minds and as you said in your very first blog posting, you have no social standing to lose. If you truly are unavailable, there are Town Council meetings and School Committee meetings at other times this summer, and I'm sure you will find time in your schedule for at least one of them.

I just can't understand how someone can be so intolerably ignorant to the truth. You haven't backed up anything you've said with accurate information and that's all we've been trying to tell you. Like im physically concerned with how even your half a dozen sources could have agreed with you either. You've called us terrorists, fascists, racists, inmates at an asylum, and self-proclaimed arbiters of good vs evil at the basis of simple harmless practical jokes carried out once a year by the Senior Class. All we've done is protect our reputation that your set out to destroy.
.....
You must be just TRYING to piss us off or something, because your argument couldn't be any more untrue and insubstantial.
.....
You've got yourself into some deep quicksand with these "opinion pieces" and you're on your own tough guy.

Your personal vendetta against Barrington High School is evident in your posts. You argue that not only does BHS harbor "truly horrific things", but that the faculty and administration are incapable of doing their jobs. Though I have many opinions on your complete lack of respect and knowledge concerning the senior class of 2011, of whom many I love and consider some of the greatest people I will ever know, I am addressing your arguments concerning the administration and faculty within BHS.
BHS, and the community of Barrington as a whole, are shaped daily by the adults that run this school. The students are the primary concern in this school; not how much fun they are having, but their safety and education. You continue to derail the administration and faculty, arguing that as adults they must show maturity and order over the young adults enrolled in BHS. However, you show no measure of maturity or knowledge in the handling of young adults. Mr. Hurley, Mr. Messore, Ms. Verone, and each teacher working at BHS, display concern and control every single day of the school year. I cannot imagine a better learning environment if I tried. You say that the adults of BHS are afraid of the students, yet that is so far from the truth. Many students consider the administration and teachers not only as figures of respect, but as friends and people whom they can rely on.

The fact that you have the audacity to tear down such admirable people that work each and every day to ensure the success of all who attend BHS is atrocious. You should be ashamed of yourself. I hope you consider everything that all the students and adults of the Barrington community have had to say and realize that, although you may disagree with senior pranks, you have no right to attack the people who provide education every day to the young people of Barrington. There are students within the graduating class of 2011 and those to follow that will some day hold positions of great importance in the world. It is because of BHS and its incredible faculty and administration that such people will have the means necessary to be successful.

Free speech is one thing, pathetic attempts at terror tactics and exaggerations that frankly indicate a need to brush up on remedial punctuation are another. I do not appreciate the inflammatory language you are using against my classmates and suggest you stop before you lose whatever shred of credibility or worth you have not already destroyed. I fail to see anything negative that Alice said regarding your daughter. If you’ll notice, remarkably little has been said about her, and she is not being blamed for any of the foolish things that you have posted. You have fabricated “attacks” on her in a transparent attempt to gain sympathy from an entire town that you are succeeding in polarizing against you, and let me be the first to point out: it’s clearly not working. I adore your daughter; you seem to be the one intent on making her life difficult by slandering her class. Furthermore, your accusations that Emily is threatening you or that she is a “fascist” are laughable. How much further can you stretch the truth? We as a class welcome further debate; our four years at an incredible high school have left us more than prepared for it. But I implore you, for your sake, to maintain a shred of dignity in the anteceding discussions. It seems strange that you are trying to uphold a theater program and simultaneously acting in a grossly unprofessional manner towards the children of Barrington. Perhaps not the best thing in the world for business?

Joel,
I respect your freedom of speech, but you have gone too far. You have insulted the entire class of 2011 with your irrational and unwarranted writing. We have not striven to complete four years of one of the toughest public schools in the country just to have someone like you fabricate stories about us. I thank God that you are not in office, and I can assure you that if you ever run again you will not have my vote.
oh and when you say: "It makes my case that much stronger" I have to laugh, You have no case.

I totally concur with Jayne Starring. Overall, my experience with two very different children in the Barrington school system has been positive. I am grateful to the dedication and professionalism of the teachers and administrators who have helped guide my sons through their school years onto early adulthood. I am also privileged to know BHS students who are caring, smart, creative and unique, having been nurtured by their parents, schools and other local organizations to become responsible members of their community. Of course nowhere is totally perfect and we don't always get the outcomes that we think feel we deserve, but we live in a community where we are fortunate enough to be able to voice our opinions via many platforms. I personally feel that we should be responsible in how we conduct ourselves in these debates. As adults we have the responsibility to be measured and civil in our opinions and respectful of others whatever their age. Respect should be a two way street, something earned and not demanded because of seniority. I feel that the blog was written to be inflammatory and to undermine the sense of achievement that the staff and students rightly have at the end of the academic year. Whatever the reasons, it has given me a chance to thank both the staff and students for coming together to create a supportive learning community based on dedication, hardwork, co-operation and respect.
Congratulations to the class of 2011 & best wishes to future graduates of BHS

Joel-You cannot make blanket statements about the entire senior class unless you have evidence that they are as malicious as you claim them to be. Do not take your anger out on the students and faculty just because you were fired from your job at BHS. All you have succeeded in doing is to have angered so many honest and hard-working individuals and have made yourself out to be a fool.

Dear Mr. Hellmann,
I'm currently a junior at Barrington High School (class of 2012) and I will not take this time post negative comments or harass you but instead ask you to look a little carefully at the issue at hand. The first point I would like to make is that senior pranks are a part of life. Go to any high school around the country and you'll find one day where seniors let loose a little and celebrate the completion of their high school career. The pranks played in our school were not nearly as bad as some of the events that take place in other schools. The most important part of this is that nobody was hurt and learning was not affected. I went to school that day and learned in the same fashion and manner as I would have any other day thanks to in part our principals, teachers, and rest of the student body. Also, I would like to mention how some of the pranks if not all of them do not reflect the entire student body. Most of them (as mentioned by others) are planned by a single or small group of people and therefore cannot be stopped or connected to everyone. My last comments deals with you bashing the school system and administration specifically. Without doubt I can say that I am PROUD to go to Barrington High School and am 100% COMPLETELY SATISFIED with the education I have received so far and know that I have a leg up on other students across the country when trying to apply to college. What makes Barrington such a great town? The school system Mr. Hellmann.

I just would like to point out some things. I don't know everyone in the Class of 2011, but the (many) people I do know are some of the most exceptionally brilliant, kind, and hard-working individuals I have ever seen. Even though there may have been some rogue activities during Senior Prank Day, please do not condemn everyone and everything for the somewhat questionable actions of a few overexcited people. Also, a tradition as enjoyable as Senior Prank Day will not be ending any time soon. I'm certain the rest of the Class of 2012 agrees with me there.

Also, your ranting is probably embarrassing your daughter who really doesn't need the horrible statements about her class.

PS-Leave Alice alone

Mr Hellmann,

I would like to add that i, an underclassman, has been insulted by your rampage on the class of 2011. The pranks were harmless. the most that happened to me was i got sprayed with a little water, but luckily i survived. (that right there is called a sense of humor, maybe you should get one)

Honestly Joel, calm down. You run a great theatre program, and, from what I've seen, when you are calm are not a bad guy. I don't see why you need to get all this publicity just to get rid of senior prank day. If you really feel this passionately about it, go for it, (you'll fail) but go for it nonetheless. Just remember that if you go to a meeting over this, leave your anger, hate, ignorance, and grudge against the school at the door.
P.S. Leave Alice alone. She is sticking up for your daughter, not insulting her. You've got that one handled.
- Ian Buffum

Mr. Hellmann,

I agree with most statements made in the comments. However, I believe some of the things people have been saying in the comments are rude and offense towards you. But then again, you have hurt many people while sharing your own opinion. You have every right to state your own opinion, however, you're opinions have offended the entire graduating class of 2011 and many others. I was personally offended when I read the article and I'm in the class of 2013. Any other person may feel some remorse or guilt for making so many people angry. I know you may dismiss my comment, since I am very young, but I would like to say that engaging in this "comment war" does not make your argument any stronger. It just makes your argument less valid and it also makes you immature.
TO EVERYONE WHO HAS COMMENTED....fighting back against what Mr. Hellman has stated is only giving him more of a reason to write MORE articles. We are giving him attention. Please just ignore what he says. I understand that his claims are offensive, unjustified, and not researched, but by commenting we are just giving him what he wants. I understand that his articles may hurtful and not researched, but maybe if we learn to not respond to his offensive claims, he won't have a reason to write them anymore.
Again Mr. Hellman, as you can obviously see from the comments, you have offended MANY people. Maybe an apology is in order? I understand you were just stating your opinion, but opinions can

As an underclassmen at BHS, I'm quite puzzled. I was present at senior prank day, and I must say that I have never seen the administration in more control. The only things that the seniors "got away with" was what they did before administration arrived at school (I believe it's quite unreasonable to ask the faculty to arrive at 4 am). However, once there, they were in complete control of what was going on. Even reasonable pranks were quickly dismantled. The administration handled everything professionally and appropriately. They were always on the lookout. I went to my locker once during study, and in the short walk from the cafeteria I was asked by 3 teachers where I was supposed to be and where I was going. If the students, oh wait I'm sorry, the inmates "ran the school" would this be happening? I feel like inmates would have been a bit more lenient. If there were any attempts at pranks, they were not seen by the student body, as they were quickly put to a stop. So, to insult administration is just wrong. They did everything they possible could have.
Also, the Class of 2011 does not be deserved to be compared to inmates and terrorists. I'm about 99.9 % sure no one was murdered. The planned pranks (many of which administration stopped) were neither destructive or offensive.
If you get rid of senior "prank" day, then you're really not doing anything. As an underclassmen, it honestly felt like any other day. It did not, I can assure you, feel like a terrorist attack.

Obviously we need not direct our criticisms at Mr. Hellman any longer. He ought to have gathered that the administrators did everything possible to prevent harmful pranks. I now address those of you who are unaware of the situation at BHS. If Mr. Hellman's assertions about the scope of the pranks were true, the only additional protection I could imagine would be a full time police detail on the seniors' last day. As Mr. Hellman seems to be concerned with costs, this obviously presents a problem. Additionally, I would like to point out to you all that a senior prank gone awry arises as an anomoly. Just as only a few of the comments on this page are overly rude and insulting, the few bad senior pranks that do occur are the acts of individuals and rebellious dissenters. They are not, by any means, condoned by the entire class. We all must recognize that these senseless acts would only increase in frequency if bans were placed on all senior prank activities. The students who are responsible for this obviously are not friends of authority, so the proposed actions would only exacerbate the issue. I thus urge the taxpayers and voting adults of Barrington to recognize the consequences of such a severe proposal.

What makes me confused is Mr. Hellman claims that "When you suspend the rules for teenagers whose brains are not fully developed, some very scary things can happen." and that "There is an obvious lack of concern for people's safety and their feelings."
It seems pretty funny that he talks about a concern for feelings after he just called teenagers brains underdeveloped. I am aware that scientifically teenagers do not have fully developed brains. But the way that it was said was personally very hurtful to me and very ignorant. And I think it is very hypocritical that he preaches about being conscientious of feelings. It is clear to me that these teens who are supposedly less than capable of making decisions are making pretty eloquent and very intelligent arguments and rebuttals to Mr. Hellman's complaints. I am actually extremely proud to call these young men and women my peers.
I am a twenty year old who passed through BHS and I think I have come out with a fantastic education, I felt ready to face college and senior prank day came and went like it always did. No, some pranks are not alright. But people continue to be mean and hurtful to one another regardless of what day it is, even adults can be cruel to one another, or even kids, and they have "fully developed brains". And those pranks that are cruel and unnecessary (as Holly put) are done by those who rarely ever represent the whole, and you condemning teenagers to the status of "underdeveloped" is not very kind.

I would like to put a story out there for others to see.

I was not directly involved in this, although many of my friends were. Tonight a few students went to Joel's house and sang Rudolf in his front lawn. In response to this Joel called the police. Clearly there are more important matters the police need to be dealing with then a few teenagers singing in someone's lawn. The students were simply trying to bring humor and irony into the situation. Although it is true they did trespass, they were being completely harmless. Joel took the entire thing way to far, luckily, the students were let off with simply a warning.

oh silly silly joel...the pigs didn't happen on senior prank day...so FAIL on that one. Also, how does a certain Miss. Hellmann (assuming thats where your information is from) find out that up to 30% of seniors cheat on senior project??? WOW! That is an awful lot. Personally I know of no one who has cheated on their senior project...but maybe i just don't have as many friends as Miss. Hellmann does. oh well :/

I feel that these articles regarding the Senior Class provide very false information regarding the school itself and the faculty that is loved and appreciated by the entire school. I am not trying to attack Joel Hellmann in any way but it is quite obvious that a lot of the information he used to write these blog pieces is false. It is not true that 20-30% of people cheat on their senior project... If it was that well-known to make a statistic out of it, the administration would know as well and they would not pass. They are very strict about academic honesty and your accusations of the Class of 2011 are very false. The "goldfish" that you referred to in the bathroom were goldfish crackers, not even real goldfish. Salad dressing in water balloons thrown in the parking lot--not even in the school building were also a minor inconvenience, nothing serious enough to bash an entire graduating class about. You compared the security cameras outside of the school to National Security--??. And the school knows who let the pigs loose, it is no secret like you’re making it out to be. I feel that these articles regarding the Senior Class provide very false information regarding the school itself and the faculty that is loved and appreciated by the entire school. I am not trying to attack Joel Hellmann in any way but it is quite obvious that a lot of the information he used to write these blog pieces is false. It is not true that 20-30% of people cheat on their senior project...

If it was that well-known to make a statistic out of it, the administration would know as well and they would not pass. They are very strict about academic honesty and your accusations of the Class of 2011 are very false. The "goldfish" that you referred to in the bathroom were goldfish crackers, not even real goldfish. Salad dressing in water balloons thrown in the parking lot--not even in the school building were also a minor inconvenience, nothing serious enough to bash an entire graduating class about. You compared the security cameras outside of the school to National Security--??. And the school knows who let the pigs loose, it is no secret like you’re making it out to be. The administration in no way whatsoever suspended the rules on Senior Prank Day, if anything they were reinforced. The entire day, the faculty worked extra hard to demolish any ideas the Seniors stirred up-- which many were fun activities (beach party, bouncy balls in the halls, etc.) that the Class of 2011 could unite in to celebrate for their last day of classes. I completely disagree with the statement "the inmates are running the asylum" because in no way are students--the "inmates" controlling the faculty at all. Your comparisons made in your blogs were overexaggerated and you think the students are out of control for reacting like they are when THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANTED!

With these blogs you try to get a reaction out of students and stir up commotion in town, and I am sad to say that you have... This has gotten out of control. The administration tries to prevent any pranks on the Seniors last day but they are well aware that they will happen anyway. I strongly believe that these blog posts will not end senior prank day--if anything reinforce it by giving it more attention than it deserves. I do not understand what Joel Hellmann is trying to prove with these blogs, other than trying to stir up commotion in the town for something that was blown WAY out of proportion.

"Its time to take charge at the High School" Security cameras, hall monitors, bath room passes required in the hall ways, security locks on every single door exiting the building. I'm PRETTY sure, and tell me if I am wrong, that the administration at the High School is in charge. And as for the senior pranks, I don't care, you can deny all you want that your daughter wasn't involved in some of the senior pranks on 6/3, me and many others saw her participating. YOU weren't there, so YOU don't know what went on, so that means YOU don't know what the administration did or didn't do to keep the building and other students safety under control. So I really don't think YOU should be making false assumptions about the graduated class of 2011 or any of the administration. And like you said prior "keep my family out of it", 2011 is our family, so keep us out of it.

Hey Joel, it’s been a few days. I see you haven’t responded to my previous challenge. For the sake of your own ego I won’t make any personal assumptions about reasons why, but know that the challenge is still open, should you choose to accept it. You claim to be a fair, reasonable person in contrast to us wild hooligans—prove it. But this is a different article, with a different set of points you that bring up, so let’s dive right in.

First, the numbers. “Each day the schools are open costs the taxpayers over $230,000,” you say. Your next statement, though, (“How can it be worth $230,000 for dead fish in the cafeteria?”) seems to imply that it costs the high school alone a quarter million a day to run, rather than the district (which is still somewhat ludicrous). Obviously Joel, this is an example of deceptive advertising, blowing the issue completely out of proportion. I’ve already called you out on this bit in my last response, so I won’t waste any more time on it. However, it would still interest me, and many of your other readers, to see the math that allowed you to arrive at the ludicrous figure of a quarter million a day, equating to 75% of our tax dollars. Prove your numbers Joel, and you’ll save some scrap of your fatalistic argument.

The crux of your argument is that the administration allowed senior prank day to happen, and so people got hurt. First of all, the school committee and higher officials are absolved from blame—they are not part of the community and culture of the school, and really can’t ban anything that is not illegal from happening. What does matter on senior prank day is Mr. Hurley, Mr. Messore, and Mrs. Varone, who oversee the daily proceedings. Joel, what you’re aiming for here is, once again, a utopian society. Let me direct your attention to the way the police system works. Joel, as I’m sure you’re quite aware, the police respond to incidents. Yes, they *respond.* As in, the “act or behave in reaction to someone or something.” Get it? They do not prevent the incident from happening at all. That would lower crime rates to zero, and catapult us all into a utopian society (and quite possibly leave some people behind…). But that doesn’t happen, does it? The police receive a report of an incident, and act quickly to temper it. Joel, I get the impression that you have nothing against the police. Logically, this would mean that you have no issues with the way the police work. So, then, why do you have an issue with the way the administration handled the day?

What other course of action could there have been? The only viable (but still questionably legal, and uprising-provoking) course of action would have been some form of direct punishment, such as arresting those responsible, or forbidding them from graduating. Now of course Joel, I’m sure we both agree that this would not be a reasonable course of action—not something that you would want to put graduating students—your daughter’s graduating class—through, would it?

Look Joel, quite frankly, what happened was the best suppression of senior prank day that I’ve witnessed—I’d know, because I was there. The administration was arguably more effective than the police in quelling the pranks—not only because the police would have definitely been overkill (and would’ve taken several minutes to arrive), but because they were actually anticipating events and actually stopping them almost immediately. At this point, I do believe your entire argument here has unravelled—and you’re tripping in its remains. I do not believe you could have handled the situation any better Joel, but feel free to prove me wrong. You have not done so yet…Having been there and actually witnessed the entire day (something that you cannot claim…but I wouldn’t have to repeat myself if you read my previous response), I can state that the administration were, in fact, in complete control on Senior Prank Day. The asylum (why such a morbid metaphor anyway, Joel?) is still completely in the control of the warden. I know I speak for the entire student body when I say that we have the utmost respect for our “warden”—the excellent administration. It does not need to stop. It has been stopped.

Senior prank day is not senior preach day. There are no lessons being taught on that day—just as school spirit day doesn’t teach any lessons (in the academic sense of the word, of course). Joel, Senior prank day is simply a brilliant display of school spirit, no more different than Spirit Week, or the Pep Rally (which, being an hour or two long, must cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars alone in operations, not counting costumes, materials, rehearsal time…but you don’t complain about that, do you Joel?). Obviously, a positive environment is necessary for academic success (do I really have to cite a source?). Without events like Senior Prank Day and Spirit Week, the school *would* become an asylum—a depressing place that no one would want to go to. Ever. SPD (you don’t mind if I abbreviate it, Joel, do you?) gives the seniors an opportunity to show their school spirit for the last time. It is a moment of revelry for the things the seniors have accomplished through the last twelve or thirteen (or more) years. Yet you claim that it puts other people down, and launch a whole rant about how it’s teaching a bad lesson. I get it—you’re for equality for everyone, where no person feels left out.

But again, Joel, this is a utopian concept—but probably not for the reason you think. You see, a few centuries ago, society invented the concept of an award. It’s a special recognition given to a select individual (or a select group of individuals). This generally involves “defeating” (in any sense of the word) other people. Of course it would be ludicrous to suggest that all the candidates get an award, that all the presidential candidates become president…in a way, SPD is an award for the seniors, an opportunity for them to have fun. But I know some of the people who created the pranks—they were always conscious about safety and legal concerns. The pranks are just that—pranks (“a practical joke or mischievous act”). They are not designed to maim, cause bodily harm, or teach the wrong lesson. There may have been malicious acts, but that is not representative of the class as a whole. In any group there are outliers…(I feel like I’m starting to repeat myself here. Go read the other response). SPD is the award for the seniors, and jus like the people who do not end up winning the award, it motivates them to try harder, to work towards senior year. It is an incentive, as opposed to a threat. It is the carrot, not the stick (or the cupcake and the pile of homework…whatever’s more relevant).

Joel, one thing you say is somewhat interesting: that “[a]s long as the majority are having fun, then what happens to the rest doesn’t matter.” First of all, the seniors are not the majority (in fact, basic logic dictates that they are a quarter, which is far from the majority). But the latter part of that statement is more important. Two possible interpretations exist—that any harm to the “minority” (/majority) don’t matter, or that they are not sharing in the revelries. As for the former explanation, none of the pranks were intended to be malicious. Dead sunfish was just trash (of course no one ate it—don’t give the false impression), condoms were rather funny (advocating safety, at least), and the odd incidents (salad dressing, supposed egging) were not ideas that represented the class as a whole. In any group there are outliers…

Joel, what you’re doing here is completely mis-interpreting the situation. Take a look at the official pranks list (your well-equipped sources should have no difficulty procuring a copy). Take a look at human nature—people want to have fun. They work all year; SPD is one day for them to revel. According to to Internet (about as reliable as most of your unnamed sources, Joel, so don’t attack my journalism—that would probably be low, even for you), “Senior pranks tend to be a unofficial [sic] tradition at most high schools.…No senior prank should cause harm to a living creature.” Of course, these sentiments were perfectly echoed in the list of official pranks (again, we’re not going to focus on the outliers). It is not just BHS that has a senior prank day, and none of the official pranks were malicious.

The expense of SPD is not any greater than any ordinary day. Justify the expense of the last day of school—there is no learning going on, there are games and movies going on in all the classes (and in many classes, it begins before the last day…*cough*AP classes*cough*)…Justify any part of that expense. Again, it is an incentive, to get to the end, and be rewarded. It is a psychological and emotional benefit. School has long surpassed being a place to learn in single-file rows (that happened sometime around…a few decades ago…probably). Now, every school and every class has its culture, and there is a psychological and emotional aspect to school, along with the venerable intellectual aspect. SPD, the last day of school, and any other such day of frivolity cater to these former aspects, which are equally as important as the latter.

Finally, one last bit of unfinished business to clear up. You keep on stating that all of our posts support your point. Obviously, Joel, this point is that we, the uneducated ragamuffins of the world, think we know what’s right, against the face of authority. Of course, a good half of this comes from your ego, that you are the only source of authority. In that case Joel, I dare you to look at the numerous adult responses here. Not counting the fact that most of the graduates are now adults, other members of our community, including Mr. Murphy (13 June, 23:44), Mrs. Steele (14 June, 7:23), and Mrs. Starring (14 June, 14:28), are in support of our responses. What gives us credibility? Well, I think being there to witness it is an important bit of it. Also, being able to think logically is another major part. Academic skills would be a third. I could go on, Joel. But the point is that we’re not alone. There are adults (yes, the same kind that you talk to) that support us. As members of the community, we have a right to be heard.

We are not defending the undefendable, we are speaking out against a blatant injustice towards the graduating class of 2011. I’ve already proven above that fun does not come first at all costs. We never claim to be absolute arbiters of what is right or wrong, but we are wise enough to realize that you, Joel, are wrong. You are wrongly accusing the class of 2011 of malicious pranks. You are wrongly condemning the wrong people for their actions. And you are wrongly defending what cannot be supported. Joel, your entire argument is fueled by an ego and distorted sense of reality. We can defend against this, because we were part of that reality. And that fact that you seem to think that you are an absolute arbiter, and that we are defending against you alone, simply reveals more of that ego. If we are not allowed to speak out against a wrong, then this is not America, and you, Joel, would be nothing, not even a gadfly.

So, that’s it then. Joel, the fact that you would go so low as to attack individual people is frankly disgusting. It’s pathetic. Argue the merits of the responses you receive. The administration on SPD was at their brilliant best, teleporting around from site to site (this one’s for you, Mr. Messore!), and making sure nothing went out of hand. The senior class were reveling in the completion of the public education career in a manner that, as a class, was not intended to impart any harm. I believe I, unlike you Joel, have fully proved and defended my argument. I do not consider myself an absolute arbitrator—if you can convince me why you’re right, I will gladly concede defeat (will you do the same, Joel, if it came to that? Will you?)

Now, I would just like to take the time to acknowledge all the retiring faculty this year. I don’t think a list of names will be necessary; all those who know me will know that there is one teacher in particular who will be greatly missed. Best of luck to them all. Best of luck to the class of 2011. Stay sane.

I came upon this post accidentally while searching for something on the patch. What a huge page of BULL. Why do these students like and defend the school administration? Probably because they get to do whatever they want! Why so many responses? Probably because these kids NEVER GET IN TROUBLE WHEN THEY DO SOMETHING WRONG.
Adults are in charge. Rules are necessary. There is no need to have a day dedicated to senior pranks. I am a high school teacher and this type of behavior would NEVER be tolerated. We have a senior prank every year but it is never harmful or overly "messy" yet they are always awesome. Fun doesn't have to involve bringing in dead fish or pigs, spraying salad dressing all over the place or destroying school property (which does end up costing more money to replace or clean it). That is just stupid. The fact that you think that is fun lets me know that you are stupid.
Joel wins.