Pubdate: Fri, 16 Mar 2007 Source: Guardian, The (CN PI) Copyright: 2007 The Guardian, Charlottetown Guardian Group Incorporated Contact: http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/174 Author: Mary Beth Bradley PROUD TO BE AT 'THE GRAY' Editor: As an educator at Colonel Gray high school, I feel compelled to respond to Mr. Martin Ronald Arsenault's letter, 'Bad language isn't the only problem' (The Guardian, March 3, 2007). To begin with, we here at Colonel Gray are making every effort to curb profanity with our newly implemented profanity policy; however, a certain burden of responsibility for proper conduct and manners also lies within our students' homes. I fail to see the connection between the recently released movie, The Departed, and the increase in profanity among our youth. Many movies contain profanity, but that does not mean our youth go out and mimic the behaviour. Second, I wish to inform Mr. Arsenault, and other members of the community-at-large, that each morning and every lunch hour, two teachers and both of our esteemed youth workers are 'on duty' and supervising our school grounds and parking lots. We have shortened our lunch hours in an attempt to impede 'rowdy behaviour, littering, and misconduct' at our local fast-food restaurants and downtown establishments. With respect to us being aware that some of our students are "into drugs," we are well aware of this fact. However, until our youth justice system is better equipped with stricter laws and the flexibility to deal with 'drug users', and better staffed with youth addiction counsellors, there is little we can do here as educators other than to educate our students about risky behaviours. Finally, I wish to inform Mr. Arsenault that the vast majority of our student population is made up of incredibly respectful, intelligent, talented and decent young people, and I am so very proud to be a teacher here at this school. MARY BETH BRADLEY Teacher, Colonel Gray high school - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath