BISD TIGHTENS UP BEHAVIOR POLICY AT ATHLETIC EVENTS
A letter to parents in the Brenham Independent School District is outlining a stricter policy regarding athletic events at Brenham High School.
The letter, from Superintendent Walter Jackson, informs parents and guardians that they are expected to remain at games with their children—discouraging parents from dropping their children off at the games.
The letter goes on to say “Campus and district administrators along with Brenham Police will be present to ensure the safety and security of all attendees at public events.”
The letter reminds parents that students are “expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner”, “remain seated during the games”, and no “loitering at the concession stands and restrooms”.
Students not in compliance with the proper conduct policies will be dismissed from the game, and could be prohibited from attending any UIL events for the rest of the year.
Repeated attempts to contact Dr. Jackson for comment were unsuccessful.
Sounds like the parents that have a problem with this are the ones who cannot keep their kind in line. I applaud BISD Administration on this decision. Well done!!!
I already noticed the change, and it was wonderful! As someone who just wanted to go and enjoy the game, yes it was a big difference. Thanks Dr. Jackson this will make our enjoyment much better, now for some who have not come to the game just for this reason can now attend and make up for those who don’t.There are 5th quarters throughout the community that kids can meet up to socialize a few hours later, still under someone’s authority and or rules but until then come and support our Brenham Cub Football Players. After all that’s what the game is all about.
I have to agree with Dr. Jackson’s letter and the new rules – to a point. The one place I disagree with is requiring parents to be at the game with their high school student. They’re seen as nearly adults or at least responsible – why else give them parking permits and allow them to park? In my honest opinion high schoolers are mature enough to make their own decision and know if they break the rules, they’re out and it’s their own fault.
Kids? – yeah, I see a good reason for this new requirement to take place.
I go to the games all the time and see lot of middle school aged kids and younger running around under the stands, playing football and loitering. In fact, I’ve nearly been plunked a few times with the football that was being tossed – and I don’t mean the little ones they throw out at touchdowns.
Past few years have gotten worse, and I see liability issues left, right and center as it is between all of these things.
There will be parents upset with it, no question and there will be pressure to get the school district to change its mind. But honestly, as far as younger children, I see plenty of reason to require the parents there.
Besides, aren’t folks supposed to go to the games to see the game and socialize while watching it? You can go to a friend’s house if all you want to do is chat and run around and such – why spend money to go to the game if that’s all you’re going to do?
My daughter is in 10 th grade. She was refused entry to the game Friday night because we where not with her. We where trying to have dinner then go to the game. So my daughter can drive but can not go to s game by herself. Funny thing is she had been at the high school volleyball game by herself with no problem. So is this just football only. Looks like BISD swill be getting 5 reserved seating tickets back next year. What to go BISD. GREAT MOVE Dr Jackson.!!!!
Thank you for the coverage about the expectations for students attending BISD extracurricular events! For anyone who has attended a football game in recent years and had trouble getting to their seat, the concession stand, or the restrooms due to the crowds of students loitering in the walkways, these expectations are great news. It’s one of many examples of Dr. Jackson identifying an issue and then doing something about it that will bring positive changes. In this case, it means a safer, more enjoyable and family-friendly environment at our ball games. Again, thanks for getting the word out about BISD’s high expectations. Our community deserves the best!
LOVE IT!!! This is one way to make parents aware that they ARE responsible for their children!
I remember the times of yesteryear when my mom would drop me off at the football games and my friends and I would walk around and visit with everyone there. Many a time, we stood at the fence to watch the game; never actually making it into the stands to sit down. My how times have changed……now they don’t even want you to drop your kids off to meet their friends and watch the game. What has been going on at these games? Is this the fault of a few affecting the majority that do as they are supposed to? Sad, sad state of affairs if you ask me.
I agree. I haven’t seen, heard or read in the news any instances at the games that would warrant this letter being sent out to BISD parents (taxpayers). My young teen enjoys meeting up with friends to watch the games. I have never had to babysit my kid at these games, nor do I ever intend on paying money to watch a high school football game when I have a million other important things to be doing. My child and my child’s friends have never caused any issues nor have they ever reported any issues at the games. The students know any acting up at the games will result in punishment at school. So if parents are expected to attend games with their children, to babysit them, who babysits the kids and 20 somethings who aren’t students and are probably the ones causing issues, IF there are any?? Chill out Mr. Jackson. Not a good first impression.
I bet this babysitting policy changes real quick once ticket sales drop like a lead balloon. Seriously.
Is there not already security guards to enforce loitering? Why are we as a society excited about helicoptering our children from birth until 25 and beyond?
Dropping one’s child off to watch a football game is certainly appropriate. However, I have attended BHS games for years, and each year, the number of students gathering under the stands, running, pushing, shoving, and being loud and disruptive has continued to grow. It is difficult to navigate the concessions and restrooms, and at times, I have feared being knocked down. The intent is not “helicoptering our children”; rather, it is encouraging them to be courteous and respectful. I applaud Dr. Jackson’s decision.
Amen, ticket sales will and should plummet. I feel bad for the kids on the team that they will not have as much support in the stands, but you can’t force parents to attend the games. The result will be that there will be fewer students attending the games. But even so, for those that do attend, you expect them to sit down as if they were in a classroom? This is a highly unrealistic expectation to put on anyone, much less high school students. Football games are a social event, not just a school assembly. If people are jamming the walkways and entrances, then security should clear them out. If the same people are repeatedly are asked to move, they should be removed from the stadium. It is much more reasonable to expect that security accomplish this than it is to expect hundreds of kids to sit down and shut up at a football game. I will certainly never attend a Cubs football game as long as this policy is in place.
FYI!! There IS a problem with HS, MS and JHS students acting up (fighting, loitering, being disruptive, etc) at the games. Just at the Homecoming game alone, there were at LEAST 3 fights. All school age students and not a parent around. Something needs to be done and this is a lovely start. Parents ARE responsible for their children and those persons who attend games are not babysitters for your children. Keep going Dr. Jackson!!!