Letter: SHS Officials Ask for Parents' Help in Improving Student Behavior at Football Games

The following letter was sent out by the administration, asking parents for help in their effort to improve student behavior at varsity sporting events:

Yesterday, the Saline High School administration, central office administration, and head coaches from many Varsity teams filmed and showed a short video to the student body.  Our video message was prompted by the Saline High School student section's misbehavior at football games. Unfortunately, this group misbehavior has been escalating all football season, culminating most recently with inappropriate conduct that led to the ejection of over 200 Saline students from the AA Huron football game at Huron High School. Here is the link to view our message: http://www.vimeo.com/30315347

Let me be the first to say that the same student section that has had some of its members shouting vulgarities en mass across the field, directing vulgarity-laced group chants at specific student fans from the other school, cursing our own marching band, throwing objects onto the field, and storming the field during the game, is the same student section that has done a remarkable job of partnering with and supporting the following initiatives: supporting Ele's Place and releasing helium balloons, cheering passionately and positively with our cheerleaders to encourage the team, cheering with our band, and wearing pink this week in support of Breast Cancer awareness.

We know that as individuals, our students know how to behave and how to show support for our team in a positive way. We also know that when many teenagers get together in a emotionally charged environment like a ballgame, negative behaviors can surface because of the feeling of anonymity students perceive when in a large group. Also, we know that many of our students have grown up watching some of these negative behaviors and hearing many of these inappropriate chants while attending local college sporting events. Just because some fans at U of M and other colleges in our area behave this way, does not make it appropriate for Saline High School.

Parents, we need your help. Our administrative staff cannot tackle this issue alone. One principal, one assistant principal, one dean of students, and one athletic director cannot effectively and safely manage a student section of over 500 students in a proactive manner, and also supervise the visitor's side, keep the two student fan groups separated, monitor the many young children who play on the grass hillsides, and be on the look out for students using and distributing drugs and alcohol at the game.

Please review the following excerpts from the Saline High School student code of conduct with your son or daughter before the game this Friday:

II.  Student Rights and Responsibilities
A major component of the educational program at Saline Area Schools is to prepare students to become responsible workers and citizens by learning how to conduct themselves properly and in accord with established standards. The District expects each student to:
1. Abide by national, state, and local laws as well as the rules of the District;
2. Respect the civil rights of others;
3. Act courteously to adults and fellow students;
4. Be prompt to school and attentive in class;
5. Work cooperatively with others when involved in accomplishing a common goal, regardless of  the other’s ability, gender, race, religion, height, weight, age, familial status, marital status, dis-ability, ethnic background, or sexual orientation;
6. Complete assigned tasks on time and as directed;
7. Help maintain a school environment that is safe, friendly and productive, and free from harmful substances;
8. Act at all times in a manner that reflects pride in self, family, and the District.

Sportsmanship
The student body should display the following characteristics of good sportsmanship at all times.
1. Show respect for the officials.
2. Show respect for the opponent at all times.
3. Know, understand, and appreciate the rules of the contest.
4. Maintain self-control at all times.
5. Recognize and appreciate skill in performances regardless of affiliations.

Parents, I encourage you to attend our last home football game of the season against Skyline this Friday night with your children and help our students cheer on our team in a positive manner. Thank you for your continued support and your help as we strive together to have a safe and positive experience for all.

Sincerely,
Ben Williams, Principal
Eric Diroff, Asst. Principal
Dana Restrick, Dean of Students
Rob White, Athletic Director