1 hr ago
Schools Urge Parents to Keep Sharp Objects from Campuses
Several schools have asked families to keep sharp or dangerous objects out of students’ school bags.
The request came after a student at South Point High School allegedly hurt a classmate with a paper cutter on September 30.
Schools named items such as blades, scissors, knives and steel forks.
They also warned about things like lighters, matches, firecrackers and chemicals.
One school suggested using plastic forks instead of steel ones.
Some tools, such as geometry compasses, are needed for lessons, so schools say children should learn how to use them safely.
The Heritage School plans to talk with students from Class II to Class XII.
The schools say these steps are intended to help keep students safe.
National High School and Mahadevi Birla World Academy asked parents not to send children with sharp objects.
The guidance followed an alleged September 30 incident at South Point High School in which a Class IX boy injured a classmate with a paper cutter.
National High School’s warning includes knives, scissors, blades and steel forks, along with hazardous items such as firecrackers, lighters, matchboxes and chemicals.
A National English School principal said the school was discouraging steel forks and encouraging parents to use plastic ones.
The Heritage School plans age-appropriate discussions for students from Classes II to XII, while acknowledging that some tools, such as geometry compasses, have educational uses.
- Who
- National High School and Mahadevi Birla World Academy asked parents to keep sharp objects out of school; The Heritage School plans student discussions.
- What
- Schools issued safety guidance discouraging students from bringing sharp or hazardous items to campus.
- Where
- Schools in Kolkata, including South Point High School, National High School, Mahadevi Birla World Academy and The Heritage School.
- When
- The guidance followed an incident on September 30; National High School sent its message on Wednesday.
- Why
- To help protect students and keep campuses free of potentially harmful items after a student was allegedly injured with a paper cutter.
Restrict Risky Items
Teach Safe, Purposeful Use
Sharp objects on campus
Restrict Risky Items
Schools urged parents to prevent children from bringing sharp or hazardous items, including blades, scissors and steel forks.
Teach Safe, Purposeful Use
Some tools, such as geometry compasses, serve educational purposes and cannot simply be banned; students should be taught about their purpose and potential to hurt.
Key facts
- Incident date
- September 30
- Incident location
- South Point High School
- Student involved
- A Class IX boy allegedly used a paper cutter to injure a classmate.
- Schools issuing guidance
- National High School and Mahadevi Birla World Academy
- Items named
- Knives, scissors, blades, steel forks, firecrackers, lighters, matchboxes and chemicals
- Suggested alternative
- Plastic forks instead of steel forks
- Planned student discussions
- The Heritage School plans awareness talks for students from Classes II to XII.
Quotes
Mousumi Saha
Principal of National English School
“We are discouraging parents from sending steel forks to school. They may carry plastic forks instead. We cannot completely monitor whether or not children are carrying any sharp object to school, but we can at least try and raise awareness among parents to be more careful.”
telegraphindia.com
“It is not about bringing the sharp objects but more about creating awareness about their purpose among children. We plan to talk to children about how these are objects that can hurt people. If things have to be cut and used, one cannot possibly run away from them.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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