Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Student Rights

          Every student is entitled to a certain set of rights.  These basic rights are the outline for what a free public education should be, and how it should be managed.  Each student should be treated with respect, by their peers and by the staff.  This ensures that they hold their right to feel comfortable at school.  A student has the right to feel safe in their learning environment.  At no time should they feel threatened, or concerned for their well-being.  It is the responsibility of the school system to support that right to safety.  Concerning academics, every student has the right to equal opportunities.  It is a student’s right to have a variety of classes offered to ensure the success for every student of every academic ability.  No student should be feel discriminated against because of their capabilities.  If a student feels that any of their rights are being violated, they should be able to express their feelings on the situation.  As students, we believe that these rights are the structure for a strong and just educational system.

       i.            Our lunches are only 35 minutes long. A small portion of time compared to how long our classes are. It doesn’t give us enough time to eat a balanced lunch. We as students need longer lunches so we have enough time to eat and have a little time to finish school related duties. If a student has a full schedule during and after school, it limits when they can go and talk to their teachers or counselors. Our lunch time starts directly after class ends and does not count the amount of time that it takes to go to our lockers.

     ii.            When the weather gets severe, we are still forced to go to school. The students are required to be at school regardless of the weather. Sometimes their teachers aren’t even present. We are a walking district so it puts us at a greater risk as we travel to school. The schools that surround us get plenty of snow days but we are not given the same opportunity.

  iii.            The school dictates how we should dress, but it limits our free expression. In the warmer seasons, it is uncomfortable to wear proper clothes pertaining to the dress code. It is ironic that some sports have uniforms that violate the dress code but they wear them in spirit anyway. Our dress code is not taken very seriously to some, and it is unfair to the students that have stricter teachers who watch what they wear.

   iv.            Students are given 7 minutes after each class to get to their classes. For some, it can be difficult to manage this. Some students have to walk from one end of the building to another. Managing how to do this along with stopping at their lockers to trade book can be a tricky task. Furthermore, with the quantity of students walking in the hallways, the crowds move slowly. Navigating through the hallways is a challenge of its own.

     v.            School rules declare that a student may only have 10 unexcused absences in each class in order to still have credit. If a student takes more than 6 minutes to arrive in class, they are marked absence for that class hour. Even if that student is there for the remainder of the class, they receive no credit. It can be difficult for parents to plan vacations too, because sometimes the tickets available are the most expensive of them all.

   vi.            Our school looks upon sports with high respect, and teaches that sports are valuable for the continuation of our knowledge throughout the future. The current fee for each sport per season if $150. This price is an unreasonably amount when a student may play more than 1 sport per year. Equipment and transportation enough is excessive in the way that it is valued. Having to pay the large fee per season as well as the equipment is an unreasonable action from our school. We, as students deserve to have a less expensive fee to play a sport throughout the seasons.

vii.            Clinics are not available for the students here. If someone feels sick or gets hurt, they are forced to wait in the office. They receive n treatment or medication until one of their parents comes to pick them up. This could take a while because of the parent’s responsibilities. It is unsafe and unhealthy for our school not to have a clinic.

viii.            Some of the buildings in our school are not supplied with adequate air conditioning. The school can get extremely hot at the beginning and end of the year. There is no air conditioning in the main building so hot temperatures cannot be cooled down. The heat keeps teachers and students uncomfortable. It makes it difficult to work as it if hard to focus in the warmth.  The lack of air conditioning in the main building is detrimental to the student’s education.

  ix.            The Grosse Pointe Public School District is labeled as a walking district. Therefore, every day, either we must walk to school, ride our bikes, or arrange for a ride with our parents or friends. This is common problem because Michigan is a state with severe weather, causing harsh winters and freak storms. On the days where most bus transported schools have the days off, like for snow days, we not given the same opportunities, even with the dangers of the weather severity. Days where the bitter air dips below 0, is where a line should be drawn. School should not be session during days where the snow and ice cause an inability to walk or drive, without a precautious danger. Without having buses, our fellow walking peers are put into more danger than they would have, if our school provided buses. We, as students, need this way of transportation for a safer, easier way of attending school everyday.

     x.
x. We, as students, should be looked upon equally. We should deserve the same opportunities as our peers, regardless of their age or grade. As grow, we are given the decisions of driving to school, and the S-Lot of school is reserved for the seniors only. It is a great, safe parking lot, whereas the other parking places may need to be paid by hour and may be unsafe towards the cars occupying the area. We should be allowed, as an entire school, to have a first come, first serve basis on the parking spots in the S-Lot, not just giving them away to the Seniors. We, as students, deserve the equal treatment whether we are Freshman, or Seniors.

We, as the students in the Grosse Pointe Public School District, unanimously declare that each and every student should be relieved the erratic rules that govern our schools.  It is prominent that the complaints we have are appropriate. They make our educational experience transition smoothly. 

Crucible Epilogue

            Elizabeth Proctor held silent recognition in the town of Salem. As she passed by in town, people would stare, often shaking their heads in disbelief or nodding in reverence. Citizens whispered behind her back, and others who had lost loved ones admired her strength. As for Elizabeth, she kept her head held high, and carried on as if she were not affected by the death of her husband. Outwardly, she conveyed confidence, because she knew she could not show her weakness to the town.  The series of witch trials that took place two months before distressed Elizabeth from dusk to dawn. From the day she saw her husband being lead away to his death, Elizabeth was haunted with guilt. Her dreams were laced with remorse, and when she was in solitude, there was nothing to keep her from crying.

            Elizabeth’s pregnancy kept her exhausted during the day hours, in addition to caring and providing for the two children she already had. To keep her mind from wandering to the trials, she kept active, mending clothing, cooking and cleaning. Focusing on her children kept her thoughts from lingering on John through the day hours. Without a husband, Elizabeth could not earn money to feed her children. A small vegetable garden outside the house provided most of their food. Farmers and friends of John Proctor occasionally brought over some leftover food which they could not sell. She prayed with her children, asking for God to help them, and provide for them. She silently asked for strength and protection.

            Elizabeth stood slicing carrots for the thin soup she served her children most evenings. As she scraped their remaining food into the kettle, she heard a sharp knock on the door. Her youngest son ran to open it, but Elizabeth caught him and sent him away to play with his brother. She turned back to the soup and stirred. Another knock on the door, and Elizabeth kept stirring and began to sing a church hymn quietly under her breath. When a third knock occurred, she heard the voice of Reverend Parris call out, “Elizabeth Proctor, I know you can hear me! This town is suspicious concerning your alliance with the Devil. Once your child is born, you will be next to hang! But I come to tell you that I, a good Christian man, will forgive you of your sins if you admit to them!” Once silence filled the little house, Elizabeth crossed the room and drew back the curtain over the window. Reverend Parris walked away solemnly. When Elizabeth returned to the fire, she picked up the spoon, and began to stir. When she served the children their soup, she realized her hands were shaking.

            For many nights in a row, Elizabeth sat up late, listening. She found herself glancing at John’s gun that still leaned against the mantle. After four nights of restless sleep, any small noises made her jump in terror and check the latch on the door. During the day, her shoulders slumped and she sat with her head nodding off. When friends came to check on her, she sent them away with reassuring words and a convincing smile. A week later, Elizabeth dragged herself to bed after hours of sitting vigilantly near the door. She no longer could stay up, and convinced herself that nothing would happen if she were to sleep for the night. She lay uncomfortably and barely noticed when she drifted off to sleep.

            Later that night, Elizabeth woke with a start. She felt a sharp pain in her lower stomach. She clenched her teeth and crawled out of bed. Reverend Parris’ words crossed her mind, “Once your child is born, you will be next to hang!” Elizabeth stumbled to the boys’ bedroom, where she woke them. She directed them to go outside and get the horses ready for a journey. They dressed and left. Elizabeth crawled on her knees to reach for the box that held all John’s savings. The box, as well as their last bit of food went into John’s old leather satchel. In a hurry to leave, Elizabeth grasped everything necessary for their trip. When she picked up John’s gun, she lay it back down again, in hopes that it would be unnecessary. She met the children outside, and they set off down the dirt road into the night.

            Elizabeth held her belly as they galloped. The pain was nearly unbearable. She reminded herself of the consequences of stopping. She forced herself to keep riding. Once they passed the main town area of Salem, they slowed. Elizabeth held her breath as they passed the Putnam’s house. The Putnams had been first to accuse when it came to witches. Once they were right in front of the door, it slowly opened and Mr. Putnam stepped out, squinting into the blackness. Elizabeth urged the horses to go faster. After examining the night, Putnam retreated into his home. Elizabeth sighed in relief and they kept on their way, avoiding any other homes within eyesight.

            As dawn approached, Elizabeth stopped the horses to rest in an empty field. Her head was spinning, and nausea and exhaustion plagued her. They slid from the saddles and sunk into the long grass. While resting, they heard a whistle from over the hill. A man appeared and pointed their way. A woman joined him briefly, and left. The man swung himself onto his horse and trotted toward them. Too weary to run, Elizabeth pressed her children behind her protectively. The pain in her abdomen sickened her, but she attempted to look confident. Elizabeth felt as if she were slipping away as a wave of queasiness overwhelmed her. She staggered and tried to stay upright, but fell and crumpled onto the ground. As the man reached them, she hoisted herself to her feet, only to fall once again. She saw him for a blurry moment, as he lifted her to put onto his horse, and told him she was about to have her baby.

             Elizabeth woke with hazy vision. The dark room in which she slept was spinning around her. A woman came into the room, and Elizabeth sat up with great pain. She asked where her children were, and if they were safe. The woman assured her that they were fine, and they were just outside the room, waiting to come in.  She opened the door, and the two boys rushed in, eager to see their mother. Elizabeth lay weakly in bed, now unable to move. The baby, she said, was safe and healthy. Elizabeth played the previous hours over in her head. The man had brought her to his house, where his wife took care of her and delivered the baby. Elizabeth smiled weakly at the strangers as they brought the baby over to her. She rocked the baby boy gently, and beamed at him. The couple came over and sat next to the bed. They reassured Elizabeth that they could stay as long as they needed to. Elizabeth never looked up from her baby, but nodded gratefully.

            All regret and sadness left Elizabeth as she gazed at her newborn baby. She sang softly to him and rocked him back and forth. A newfound peacefulness filled Elizabeth. It was a feeling she had been lacking for so long. The past year had been trying, heart-breaking, and unjust. As Elizabeth watched her baby, she saw potential for a new and happy life just beginning. “I’ll name him John.” 

Crucible Essay

                The town of Salem, Massachusetts, is sent into turmoil when rumors of witches are spread. These rumors are encouraged, willingly and unwillingly, by a few. The stories of witches are fired by retribution, mistakes of the past, and a desire for power. Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible shows how the town reacts to the rumors and how fear blinds them from what’s right and wrong. Three distinct people in Salem run the trials. As the story progresses, these three people’s pasts and presents continue to fuel the widespread panic in the town. Whether these people are purposely trying to create drama in Salem, or exercise power, they all contribute. The witch trials of Salem in The Crucible are lead by Abigail Williams, John Proctor, and Judge Danforth.

                Out of spite, Abigail Williams willingly leads the Salem witch trials. Pretending to be afflicted, she throws person after person into harm’s way, only by creating a story in which they hurt her. Through all this, her secret desire is to kill John Proctor’s wife. She feels that he loves her, and wants to be with her. In court, John Proctor confesses his affair with Abigail. This means that he admits to a punishable sin in court, hurting his own pride in order to have Abigail stopped. He claims that it is Abigail’s retaliation against him for saying he does not love her is the reason she is running the trails. He says, “She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave... But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hands (110)”. John Proctor sacrifices his dignity in order to prove what Abigail’s purpose is. She is angry with John that he does not leave his wife for her. She cannot see that John never loved her, only lusted after her when his wife was sick. Abigail Williams is responsible for the witch trials as a leader, encouraging and promoting the execution of innocent citizens.

                John Proctor plays a key role in the witch trials of Salem, although unwillingly. Had he not slept with Abigail, she would not be confused over his emotions. He encouraged her at times, leading her on, only to tell her that their relationship simply was a mistake. Although he meant it, Abigail felt that he loved her truly. In the book, Elizabeth tells John he must tell the court that Abigail told him the witches were pretend. Elizabeth then tells him as it is, and the consequences his actions could lead to, “You’ll tear it free- when you come to know that I will be your only wife, or no wife at all! She has an arrow in you yet, John Proctor, and you know it well (62)”! Elizabeth realizes that her life could be in danger if John does not break off any connection he has with Abigail. John is responsible for the witch trials because he continues to lead Abigail on, so she hopes she can end his wife’s life in order to be with him.

                Judge Danforth is a highly respected court official, brought in from Boston to help with the witch trials. He seems to be blinded by the power he has received. When he has a person on trial, he gives them little way to get out of being accused. This means bringing up things that have happened in the past, and making them look like they were related to the Devil in some way. When John Proctor is on trial, Danforth gives him no escape. He allows him no way to prove himself innocent by asking a rhetorical question, “Will you confess yourself befouled with Hell, or do you keep that black allegiance yet? What say you (119)”? The unjust court system Danforth set up allows people to confess to allegiances with the Devil, or die in their innocence. They do not allow for proving innocence. For this reason, Judge Danforth is responsible for the Salem witch trials.

                Abigail Williams, John Proctor, and Judge Danforth encourage the acts of the Salem Witch Trials. Abigail does this out of vengeance. The desire to be with John is so strong that she believes if she kills his wife, he will be happy with her. John Proctor’s mistake leads to the witch trials as well. Had he turned Abigail away immediately, she never would have started the lies. Danforth’s power he had been given made him immune to the innocence of the town. If he had not been so persistent to kill, then he could have seen that the people of Salem were not witches. Responsibility of the Salem Witch Trials lay on three people, who all lead in different ways.

Crucible Post 2

                John Proctor is forced to make a tough decision in the Crucible, Act 2. During the time period, to say that a person doesn’t believe in something that is written in the Bible is as if to say they don’t believe in God himself. Not believing in God was something often punishable by death. So when Reverend Hale comes to his house, John Proctor has to decide whether to tell Hale what he believes in, or tell a lie in order for protection. He decides to lie. This decision shows the character’s beliefs, as well as how society affects the people living in a community.  If I was presented with the same situation, I would have to ask myself, would I be willing to lie about something I believe in? Or would I state my beliefs?

                Taking into account of society today, I know that people are not always accepting of different beliefs. If I had to lie about a belief in order to protect myself, I don’t think I would. I think that it is very important for a person to stay true to their beliefs. If I could not stand up for myself, and what I value, then I could not expect myself to respect other’s beliefs. Even though standing up for your self can present a tough situation, not every person can believe the same thing. If you don’t believe in something for a particular reason, then another person might feel the same way. Different beliefs shape our society, and make it what it is. Although sometimes it might be difficult to stand up for what I believe in, if I was presented with that situation, I would hope that I could tell the truth about how I feel.