BBFAN07

Let me clarify my statements before I start a have and have not war on here. I am all for those programs (free reduced lunch, bussing, etc.), but the topic was school spending. I see numerous students benefiting from these programs and I am glad they are in place. WE NEED THESE PROGRAMS!! I was only trying to distinquish spending in a private school to spending in a public school. I am not knocking anyone. And yes, some of these students are exceptional students and are active members of the school's student body!! Sorry if I confused anyone!

I have been up at LCM the last couple of days and noticed that there have not been many kids in the field house working out. The 10-15 that are their are working hard and giving it their all. These kids should be commended. I know a lot of students read these message boards. Where is the rest of the team? You cannot expect to improve if you do not put in the time and committment. Our district is tough and nothing is going to be given to you on Friday night. You have to earn each and every win. It starts with preparation and off season workouts. Make time to go to the school. If you want to win, you have to do it!! You guys that are doing it, keep up the good work. You are the strength of the team.

The reason private schools can do that is because they do not have to worry about NCLB and other Federal and state unfunded mandates. They do not have to provide free and reduced breakfast and lunch or bussing. They also do not have to create discipline programs for kids that do not know how to act. The last time I looked at a private school they charged for tuition and if you caused a problem, they kicked you out. I wish we could do that in public education. It would save a whole lot of money. Imagine a school where you only have to teach kids that want to be there!! We all hate to see schools going to fees for various extracurricular activities, but the sad reality is that taxes are not paying for it all anymore. Teachers and administrators need higher pay and better benefits and the cost of curriculum materials and supplies are going up. We all want quality teachers for our kids, but quality teachers cost money. We can find teachers that will come for a low salary, but are those the ones that you really want teaching our kids. I personally would prefer to pay better and get higher quality teachers. Just my opinion.

lc1970, just curious as to what happened during football season? You said the administrators asserted their authority?

I have to give HJ some credit. They were warned about some things prior to the game and their students for the most part from my understanding, since I was not there, complied with the requests. Bottom line to it is, this is not college it is high school!! Cheer positively, with class, and your team will never get into trouble (UIL). Act stupid in the stands, say or do inappropriate things and it will have a negative impact on your school. School spirit is not insulting refs, opposing coaches or players. It is cheering for your school and supporting them through thick and thin. It is a cop out if people are saying school spirit is lost because the LCM administration will not let them say or do what they want, or will not allow certain cheers. Either you are for the team and support them or not!! Keep up the good work LCM Administration!!

It's amazing how things get twisted around and blown way out of proportion. But, I guess that is life in general. Speaking of hearing things from other people. He has never come out and said it or confirmed/denied it, but I have heard the administrator is thinking about leaving LCM. Could there be some changes in store for next school year at LCM? Little off topic, but thought it would be worth mentioning.

Let me clarify something: The administrator that I am referring to does not like to get involved in all of the "politics" of the chatrooms and bulletin boards. Sorry if there was some confusion.

Big Tex, good reply. But, I need to correct you on one thing. The student was never told "You could hurt his feelings." I am not sure who is feeding you information, but it is inaccurate. He (admin) will not disclose personal information about his student/parent conferences, but, he (admin) is laughing (on the phone) and telling me that it is not true. I have to feed him this information because he says he does not waste his time reading this stuff. I am the one who has no life!!

I think LCM is a tough place to play. LCM has played many very good teams very close in the "Bear Cave." As far as students being removed from the game, it is plain and simple--"follow the rules." I am personal friends with all of the LCM administrators and they are all good guys that work hard. Here is what they told me when I asked them about removing students. 1. They are doing what they are told--remember they are Assistant Principals. 2. LCM Administration has high expectations for all players and students. 3. It does not matter what other schools do, LCM will have "class" 4. When you come to their house, you play by there rules. The LCM administrators want student participation and school spirit. BUT, they want students to do it in a positive way to support the school and the school programs. The administrators are not going to allow insults and put downs from 14-18 year old kids. They expect all students to have respect. lloyd_christmas what you failed to mention is that the students were warned prior to the game starting that they were not going to be allowed to taunt officials or opposing players, that they were expected to cheer positively for their team. All they had to do was follow the rules. The LCM administrators have a hard job, one that I would not want. They take pride in what they do and they want LCM to shine and be the best. I applaud them for not allowing inappropriate things to be said and for not allowing students to just say what they want. It is never appropriate for students to yell at a referee or at an opposing player or coach. Many times by yelling at the ref. or other players, students think it is helping the team. It does not help them a bit. If anything it makes the refs upset and the close calls do not go your way. Just something to think about!!

I know of several teachers that have slipped words during their classes and I also know of many that have been reprimanded for it. It may get blown off and laughed about the first time by the students, but ask the parents and administrators if they approve of it. The answer should be no. I guess many times peoples morals and values are different. I personally think teachers and coaches are role models and it shouldn't happen. I also know of many coaches that can get their message across without using profanity.

It happens, but it shouldn't. Coaches are still role models for their players. Sadly, society has made it appropriate to curse in public. You can see that on this thread. Sure, we were all cursed around and at during our playing days, but it did not make it right. What if a teacher cursed around students in the classroom because they got upset with the performance of numerous students on a test. There would be an article in the paper and everyone would want the teacher reprimanded or terminated for it. What is the difference? A football field, baseball field, etc., is an extension of the classroom. As I stated before, it happens, but it shouldn't!!

I am not sure what reports you have got about the administration not supporting Coach Moody. Coach Moody has the support of the LCM administration. Sure there have been some parents upset with him. Put 100 people in a room and you have 100 different opinions. Give me one coach in history that has 100% support from everyone, it doesn't happen. It doesn't matter what school or district you coach in, someone is not going to like you or like what you are doing because their "friend" did not get an interview or got passed over for the job or their philiosophy of coaching is just different. That is what makes America great. We can all have an opinion!!

I have read these posts and just been observing over the past year. I do not understand the negatives on Coach Moody. He is turning around a program that was in turmoil. The "Good Ol' Buddy" network is gone. Coaches actually have to work now. Coach Moody is great with the kids, teachers, and administration. He is constantly preaching a team concept. Coach Moody wants things the way he wants them, not how they were done in the past. Many times people do not like change. Many times people do not have the work ethic that is expected when someone new comes in and is trying to make a program better than it was before. The coaches that left, most were good people, but some of them needed to go. Some were not "kid focused." Coach Moody will be around for a few more years. He has already made great strides in the program and it will only improve.