From Doug & Sheila George, Destination Imagination Volunteer Team Managers at Bel Air High School:
Dear Editor:
We are writing regarding the revised Club (06-0010-000) and Extracurricular Activity policies (06-0007-000) which were rejected by the Harford County Board of Education on October 28, 2013 and the specific impact of procedures that were implemented during the public review period of these policies on the Destination Imagination Program in Harford County.
Destination Imagination is a STEM based, hands-on creative problem solving program. Each year 7 different categories of challenges are presented ranging in focus from mechanical, to engineering, to scientific, to fine arts, to improvisational, to community outreach, to an early elementary introductory challenge. The students participating in these challenges gain experience in cooperative team work, in time management, in budgeting, in both informational or technical writing and creative writing, in public speaking, in math, in science, in research, and in problem solving-scientific method. The DI program represents the cross-curricular application of skills that is central to the common-core curriculum.
Students also have the opportunity to interact with students from other schools at regional, state, and international competitions. Over the past three years 34 teams from Harford County have advanced to the DI Global Finals. It is worth noting that 20 of those teams have finished in the top 20 of their challenge, including a Globals 1st place champion in 2011 and 2nd place champion in 2012. Of more importance than finishing scores, all of those teams had the opportunity to see other teams’ solutions, discuss the problem solving process, and build friendships with students of all ages and backgrounds.
On July 29, 2013, the Harford County Board of Education was presented with revised policies for Clubs and Extracurricular Activities. The proposed revised policies included language that prevented community volunteers from leading any club or extracurricular activity in a school. The proposed policies also prevented HCPS employees as well as community volunteers working with an employee from hosting any club or extracurricular meetings or events at a private residence. Due to public comment on the policy following its initial presentation, the language was changed to allow meetings at private residences of community volunteers provided the HCPS staff person was not involved. The language banning community volunteers remained in the revised policy. At the September 23rd meeting, the Board voted to extend the public comment period on the newly revised policies.
On September 6, HCPS central office staff sent a memo to all HCPS principals and a second memo to Team Managers regarding procedural changes that were being imposed on the Destination Imagination program for 2013-2014. The procedural changes that were implemented in this memo included the following:
• “Official school sponsored Dl team manager/s will be appointed by the school principal and must be employed by HCPS”
• “Team activities, (including practices, celebrations, and meetings), shall not take place at the private residence of any HCPS employee, team manager/coach, assistant team manager, and/or team member if planned, supervised or directed by the HCPS team sponsor. Meetings of the HCPS Dl team must take place at school only.”
• “Outside community groups may form their own DI team under the national DI organizations guidelines but these will not be considered HCPS school-sponsored extra-curricular activities or clubs. As such, Community group team managers are subject to the national DI organization guidelines. These non-HCPS community teams shall not use the school name in their team name.”
• “School sponsored DI Teams should choose challenges that can be successfully completed without the use of power tools.”
Clearly, these new procedures appear to be based on the proposed revised policies regarding clubs and extracurricular activities that had yet to be approved. In addition, the new procedures being implemented for DI contained the more stringent language on meetings at private residences of the proposed policy versions.
Unfortunately the DI community, for the most part, was blindsided by the new procedures and was very unsure of how to react. Parent volunteers, which have traditionally been the backbone of the DI program, were dismissed from schools if they did not have an HCPS sponsor, and volunteers that had hosted DI meetings at their houses were no longer permitted to meet in their own residence. A few HCPS teacher have maintained their DI leadership, a few volunteers have formed “community” teams, and other volunteers disbanded their teams, resulting in significantly reduced participation in DI this year. There were 68 DI teams in Harford County last year (51 of those teams were managed by volunteers). The MD DI Affiliate is hoping to reach 34 teams between the HCPS teams and the community teams. That is a 50% drop in one year, approximately 200 less students. If that trend continues, in 5 years Harford County will have 2 teams, in 7 years DI will no longer exist in Harford County.
A group of concerned parents and DI students spoke at the Board of Education meeting on October 28, 2013 to seek answers for the dramatic shift in procedures towards DI. The Board members praised the DI program and openly acknowledged the value of the program. Many of the Board members were genuinely concerned that the DI program is suffering and stated that they would like to know more about what has happened to cause such a dramatic loss of participation.
The students spoke on their experience in DI and emotionally expressed how important the program is to them. Other students spoke on the inequity that exists regarding the policy that bans power tools for DI students. One student expressed that she uses a variety of power tools for Electrathon club but can’t use the same tools for DI.
The parents spoke to the board regarding the language of the new policies that prevent community volunteers from leading any club or extracurricular activity in a school. It was pointed out to the Board that the proposed revised policies allow an athlete to coach a sports team, but do not allow an astronaut, engineer, or former teacher to coach DI, or lead any club or activity in a school. Mr. Spicer, school board legal counsel, confirmed this statement during the discussion period of the meeting.
The revised Club and Extracurricular Activity policies were rejected by the board, and the policies were returned to the Review Committee. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done to the DI program since procedures have already been implemeted. Even if the procedure changes are reversed and the management of the DI program is restored to the same as last year, the DI season has started, and many volunteers have already made other commitments that prevent them from participating in DI this year.
As part of the closing comments during the public input session at the board meeting, the speakers requested, that in the future, the school system refrain from implementing policy that is still under consideration so stakeholders can voice their concerns through the proper channels before changes are made.
The BoE and the principals of the schools are the examples of knee jerk, zero tolerance, absolutist bureaucrats that are killing the spirit of this country as we drift into socialism.
Welcome to Harford County.
So the Board can turn away dedicated volunteers willing to give freely of their time to children throughout the county yet they have no problem charging the students to participate. Wow! What has happened to us?
Please don’t blame the Board, they supported our position, Central Office is to blame, they implemented procedures to enforce a policy that was yet to be approved.
Central Office is the root of a lot of problems. Could this have been something started by the lovely HR Dept for HCPS? They truly are an embarrassment for HCPS.
Concerned Parent,
The BOE and HCPS can do whatever they want, when they want and to whoever they want and none of us should ever forget it for one minute.
Whatever has happened we have allowed it to happen and I’m not sure that we can ever go back. Shame on us.
I am just assuming the reason for the change is liability with outside volunteers. The school system probably has no way or the money to check on the background of the volunteer leaders. If meetings are taking place outside of the school the fear and liability are issues that would fall on the school system. However, after watching the last school board meeting on channel 21 I am not surprised at any decision the board makes. Listening to some of the questions asked by board members to staff indicates that many board members have no idea of how the school system operates nor do they want to spend the time to learn about the programs and support that exists for students. I can remember a time when board members attended PTSA meetings and would talk to administrators in the areas they represented. I doubt very much if many of these board members invest the time into learning what is going on. Seems to me that they would rather ask questions that they already should know the answers to and waste time at the board meetings. I am glad that the new superintendent can explain programs to the board members and keep the meeting moving.
The BOE cannot know everything that goes on in the school system. Procedures are the purview of the Superintendent and not something the BOE would generally know in any detail. It should not be a surprise that the BOE was not familiar with the changes that occurred to the DI program.
Anyone in the school system can tell you the drop in communication between the BOE and administrators was the result of Tomback and Lawrence trying to isolate the BOE from staff. With the departures of these two lines of communication are improving.
You must not travel in the same circles as BOE members, Several are regularly seen out in the community including PTSA meetings.
From my observations of BOE meetings it does appear that a few members are more knowledgeable than the others.
I am a DI team manager in Cecil county. When I first volunteered, I was fingerprinted at the central office, so I do believe there is a system in place to screen volunteers. (At least in our county… )
This issue highlights the fact that not all clubs and extra-curricular activities are the same and that one set of rules cannot effectively govern them all. DI teams NEED to meet away from school to purchase their supplies, engage in community service projects and team building activities, and build large set pieces and technical devices for which there is no storage space at the schools.
The ban on meeting anywhere other than school would dictate that no DI team can solve the service learning challenge. Yet how do our students satisfy the service learning requirements of the school system? Do they do it while they are at school? No. They do it in the community. Oh, but not if they are on a DI team.
DI is unlike any other extra-curricular program. It allows free-thought and open-ended problem solving. It provides opportunities for students to expand their learning beyond the classroom and the school. And it takes a lot of time. Time that most teachers are not able or willing to commit, and rightfully so. We ask enough of the teachers as it is. That is why it is crucial that parents be permitted to manage DI teams without a teacher being present at all times. Liability can be an issue, but there are solutions. Expanded background checks can be done and most DI parents would be willing to pay the cost if it means they can manage their children’s teams. Similar policies are in place in other Maryland counties.
I agree with Sally. Take your solutions to the board on how to solve the liability issue which I believe is at the heart of the problem. As far as the service learning requirement, this is built into the curriculum and students nolonger have to go out into the community and perform extra work. Good luck weith the board and trying to get them to understand. But as I stated before they do not seem for the most part to be in touch with their communities. Not all board members fall into this category. But ask yourself when was the last time you saw a board member at a parent meeting or visiting a school unless it was for a photo op.
(I posted this earlier under the wrong article)….The students who spoke eloquently at Monday’s board meeting about their DI experience, I think, are the reason the board sent the policy back to committee. You could tell the board was asked to adopt a policy about a program they knew nothing about (which I find odd, since every May they recognize each DI team that is going on to Global Finals in a public forum). The board is asking for more information on the DI program and they didn’t set a deadline for the committee review. Send your views to the Board of Ed. Go to the HCPS website, click on the Board of Education tab, then Public Comment. Apparently we need to educate them. This year, the board is piloting a great STEM initiative in middle schools in Harford County. I find it odd that at the same time, they’re effectively destroying the DI program, which is an amazing hands-on STEM program which has been running strong in Harford County for years. Aren’t the students the focus here? Or is it the HCPS board and all the great programs they’re willing to institute and throw money at? Come on board members! This is about the students. If you want credit for supporting STEM programs that benefit students in HCPS this is your chance! Modify the program if you must to limit school system liability, but do so in a way that doesn’t limit the creative potential of these DI teams.
The BOE is well aware of the fabulous DI program in Harford County. At least one BOE member has said their children have participated in DI and recognized its value to their education. In recent years I have seen some BOE members attend the DI competition.
The school system must be aware of liability issues. It only takes one issue that could costs millions of dollars and the board must make sure students are not put in harms way. If something did happen to a student because there was not proper supervision people would be out for blood. As Sally said there are many ways to make sure that children are in a safe environment without hurting the DI program.
LEEEEEEROOOY you are not an astronaut, engineer or former teacher you can coach this program.
Thumbs up, let’s do this LEEEEEEROYYYY JANKENSSSSSS
aslong as you are not an astronaut, engineer or former teacher you can coach this program.
Thumbs up, let’s do this LEEEEEEROYYYY JANKENSSSSSS
The problem is two fold. One in our lawsuit happy society the school system must cover its butt. Like it or not they have a little more faith in teachers vs the general public. Also I believe if a DI team makes there is some overnight supervision, which causes more concern.
The 2nd issue is since teachers and staff haven’t had increases they are now tired of doing extra for little or nothing.
Be prepared the cuts will continue this spring, and the system will be offering less to the students.
I agree with everyone regarding the liability of the school system and that actions have to be put in place to screen volunteers in our schools. However, the revised policies that were proposed provided a loophole to appoint a head coach for a sport’s team, but they did not provide any similar set of qualifications that could enable a volunteer from the community to oversee even a simple Chess club after school in a school building while the building is still filled with teachers, custodians, administrators and staff. The policy was going to be, if there is no teacher to lead a club or academic group then there will be no club or group, but if there is no teacher to coach a sport team, we will go to the community and recruit one so that team can still play.
I am also in disagreement that the Central Office staff can implement word for word language from a policy that has been rejected by the school board as a procedure to manage one specific community in the school. I would expect that once the board and its counsel determine an appropriate policy to manage the liability of volunteers, then the procedures be put into place and the procedures will apply to everybody.
I watched the meeting and heard the BOE’s attorney say the exception to allow non school system employees to be paid sports coaches was written in state law. Maybe the law should be changed.
We DI parents recognize that HCPS is trying to limit its exposure to liability. As Sally mentioned, there are other school jurisdictions, both within Maryland and throughout the country, which have found ways to accomplish this without pulling the rug out from under their DI programs. I have undergone the HCPS background check and fingerprinting because I was formerly a substitute teacher. I would be more than willing to do this again, even annually if necessary, and to pay for it myself, if it would put HCPS at ease. I am also willing to carry additional personal liability insurance if it would help.
My wife and two children spent a combined 28 years doing DI in HCPS, so I am biased, but here’s a few thoughts:
In summary:
-Regarding DI: I see constant evidence month in and month out, of the powerful effect that DI had on my 20 and 22 year old as well as on their peers who participated. I know more kids (now young adults) than I can count, who are more comfortable in their own skin and more capable of re-actively and proactively dealing with life’s challenges because of DI. I hope that the value of DI is not at issue here. Because if it is at issue, I believe strongly that a better understanding of DI would convince most stakeholders that it is AT LEAST as valuable as any other school program, including athletics.
– The superintendent: From what I’ve seen so far, I admire her abilities as an educator, an executive, and a leader. It is also her duty to act on legal advice and do whatever possible to protect our kids from harm and to minimize our school system’s liability. I also believe that it is her desire to work with all stakeholders to find common-ground solutions that balance protection, liability, cost, and doing the right thing for the kids and communities.
– The board: there seem to be enough members of the board who are willing to listen when a fair solution is presented.
This program needs to be saved. I would like to ask the superintendent and the board what they suggest be done next to find a solution that balances all concerns while saving and strengthening DI in our schools.
Now a bit more cheer-leading regarding DI (optional reading):
– DI was the most powerful activity, by far, that my children engaged in while in school. It helped build their self-confidence, collaborative and improvisational skills, team-building skills, problem-solving abilities, leadership skills and most-importantly, their ability to communicate/express themselves both inter-personally and in front of a large group of people. It also helped them to understand that they had to own their problems, take control of the solution and be held accountable for it. No amount of boring fatherly guidance could have accomplished that.
– DI, in all of my experiences, generated a great deal of school community pride.
– The DI community has a disciplined and well-managed global organization whose mission truly is the growth and development of young people. They successfully manage hundreds of regional competitions, 50 state competitions and an olympic-like global finals where 1000’s of students, parents, teachers, and volunteers converge for 6 days at the University of Tennessee. All of this is done while apparently balancing legal, liability and protection concerns with allowing the “show to go on”.
–
Based on above comments and the content of the article, I’d say the problems encountered are ALL politically motivated. Maybe Common Core doesn’t allow for Destination Imagination. Maybe appointees within our public education system have decided since not every student can participate on a DI team there’s no equity and even though it’s a great, intellectually stimulating endeavor, we can’t have only a select few gain an edge. Maybe some of our elected employees should intercede on behalf of our future professional workforce.
K, we must have fairness and people teaching, instructing and guiding students must be paid professionals. It would be wholly unfair for someone, anyone to do this important work absent compensation. I am sure you understand.
As we are looking at this situation, I think it is important to focus on solutions and to be forward thinkers. This is a time when frustrations, and emotions, are running high regarding many issues. We must work hard to not lose sight of our true goal – the best interests of the children in our community.
My father always advised me, “You have two choices; be a part of the solution or be a part of the problem.” We may not always agree with the decisions taken by the leadership in our school system, but they have stepped up to attempt to be a part of the solution. They are faced with difficult circumstances, difficult issues, and difficult restrictions. Unfortunately their decisions may lead to unpleasant, and in the case of Destination Imagination unforeseen, consequences, but I do believe that the intentions of the people serving on the Board and working at Central Office are good and are motivated by the best interests of our students. Please do not mistake my support of the individuals for support of all of their decisions, after all they don’t even reach 100% agreement all of the time. But that is the beauty of our system; different voices are guaranteed to be heard.
There are many situations where the school system is limited in the options and actions that it can take. However, I do believe that when options exist the school system does want to hear from the families and work with them to arrive at workable solutions. Yes, sometimes the process breaks down, sometimes stakeholders are left out of the process, sometimes unintended and negative consequences happen. I am imploring my fellow parents and community members to take their moment – vent their feelings – but quickly move on to solution building. There are ways to address liability, safety, supervision, and prevent additional financial strain on HCPS. We simply need to put differences aside and work together to figure them out.
Yours is a well thought out statement.
In that vein perhaps this year the restrictions need to stay, as their are legitimate saftey issues they tried to address, although with some unintended consequences. Perhaps now would be the time for a work group of DI coaches and administrators to come up with a workable solution for next year.
The author alludes to comparing DI to coaching a sports team. there are course requirements for coaches. All coaches teacher or not have to take a Care and Prevention of athletic injury course, CPR/AED must always be current, Heat Aclimation course and a Concussion awareness course every two years. Additionally the non-teacher coaches must complete, at their own expense 6 credits in coaching fundementals by the end of their 3rd year of coaching. as well as finger printing and a background check their 1st year.
Perhaps this work group can devise similar courses that would aleviate the risk issue. They could be set up a course on the appropriate use and supervision of powertool usage before a DI coach could select a challenge requiring them. Just a thought that might solve the legitimate issues the BOE needs to address and meet the unique needs of DI.
I agree 100% – our booster group is the Harford County Creative Problem Solvers – because we’re looking to creatively solve this problem!
I am a student in ninth grade and I do destination imagination. When I started DI in sixth grade, I had never touched a power tool before in my life. My coach taught me power tool safety, and through out the years I have built many things that I never imagined I could, I have never gotten hurt using a power tool and I have learned to be safe and careful. I really think that it would be terrible to not be able to use power tools anymore. Not only would it hurt me and the rest of my team but it would hurt almost every Harford county team participating in the destination imagination program. The rule would be putting the teams at a disadvantage in the competitions against other schools and community teams who are able to use power tools which are faster, safer, and easier to use.
This is such a difficult and complex issue. Many schools will have still DI Teams. Unfortunately there won’t be the number of volunteers who work with the teams or the number of teams as well. I have also seen first hand that many teachers don’t want any part of DI because of parent interference as well. It only takes one person to do something to a child an then who would be responsible. It’s like everything else in our society. We live in fear of what could happen. Most are not willing to take that chance.
It seemed like the BoE was surprised at the impact the new policy was going to have. I guess when you read a policy and are asked to approve it, it might make sense to ask “Who will be negatively impacted? What are we trying to solve?”. Glad there was such a good turnout on Monday that it could at least delay the changes.
I will say the BoE seemed genuinely interested in finding a way to make it work. Seems like the school system should start with what is right for the students and if there are problems find a way to address them but stay focused on what is right for the kids. Why we start with what rules would be a good idea and forget the impact is beyond me.
Saying that “the kids come first”, or “it’s all about what’s best for the kids” is a motto or a catchphrase. It’s not a school policy.
The power tool issue is really sticking in my throat. My DI team consists of seven amazing girls, none of whom (with the exception of my daughter, who built a piece of furniture with me in sixth grade) had ever used a power tool before DI. So I taught them. It seems like such a simple thing, to use a chop saw or cordless drill, but it was a real transformation for them — from squimish girls hiding behind each other to strong confident young women with skills to take them where they want to go. It’s an analogy for all of DI really. We should be creating even more opportunities like that for them, not taking those opportunities away. ( and if that argument didn’t win anyone over then I say let’s compare the rate of DI associated power tool injuries to the rate of football/ soccer/cheerleading concussions and go from there!)
I agree, when I was in middle school, everyone was required to take both shop class and home economics. Being able to cook burritos and use a band saw are both important skills, both to build confidence and learn important safety practices (to prevent food-borne illness, burns, amputation, proper use of eye protection, etc). Teaching a girl that she can use power tools just as well as a boy, and that boys need to learn to cook and sew for themselves, is a great way to show gender equality.
Too bad now everything is about preparing for college and white collar jobs, with no time to learn the basic skills the students will need in life.
But you forget, Mr. Kharn, that it is HCPS’ unwritten (but still well enforced) policy that all students go to college. The school system refuses to recognize any other post-high school path. I had HCPS’ supervisor for my discipline tell me this with a straight face when I questioned the textbook choice for my course and how I thought it was inappropriate for my target audience, which I naively believed to be students who were not college-bound. I was told (paraphrasing, since the conversation was several years ago), “We believe that all students will go to college and we will teach as if they will all go to college.” It’s a nice sentiment, but wholly impractical and does a great disservice to those students who will not be going to college for whatever reason.
I think it is a liability issue. I agree the skill is needed and great. Just like not all athletes can coach those sports effectively not all people can safely teach how to use a power tool. Imagine if we had a person who uses a band saw at work every day working with a DI team and he takes something as common sense, because for him it is, but to a teenager who is naive it isn’t and someone loses a finger. Imagine the law suit.
This is why a good course in teaching for the expert would be needed just like already exists a for non teacher coaches!
In our pursuit of Social Justice and Progressivism we can only have authorized public employees who are fairly compensated providing services. It must be this way to maintain the appropriate level societal fairness.
Who just fart? Nasty ass
I know everything there is know about, just about everything. I can quasirumpilate the boot driver on a cordless drill in seconds, fram the magnetic polarizer in minutes.
My acronyms of achievements make me a really super intellect.
I have to tell you. Harford County, specifically Bel Air, has always been our rival. They beat our teams every year, largely in part to their amazing building skills. Although they always beat us, the kids always gave them props for their outstanding creativity. They taught my kids to “GO BIG.” I will always remember the retro, lifesize washer/dryer they built that came to life as a puppet! I always make time in my schedule at the State competition to watch their teams to see what they have come up with this year. It would be devastating to your teams to be prohibited from using power tools. Your teams always inspired my kids, and made them work harder to be a competetive force. I sincerely hope the “no power tools” policy for Harford County is rescinded. Additionally, I agree with previous comments regarding meeting at private homes. There is no place to store large props and scenery at the schools, and the kids need the flexibiity to meet when it is conducive to their schedules. Finally, I am a school sponsor, and have been for many years. I have had a background check and have been fingerprinted. Our school sponsors now also have to be Board of Education employees. This means I will have to take off from my regular job to substitute teach in the schools, at least once every 60days, to remain an active employee, and DI school sponsor. I have successfully served in the role as school sponsor for years, with teams that always advance to the states, and many advancing to Globals. Subbing once every 60 days is not going to make me a more effective school sponsor. I have very little direct contact with the kids. My contact is mostly with the Team Managers and school administrators. Good luck Harford County. Use your creative problem solving skills to find a soltion that works for your kids. They deserve it.
Ban power tools? What a fvcking joke. Walk into Harford Tech, how many “power tools” do all the trades combined have? Hundreds?
Yes and they have certified teachers teaching them how to use them properly!
So you think, someone certified to what degree?
Please cite examples.
Who says what certificates and how many, and what of is hired to a position?
Harford Tech is a trade school. The entire faculty is certified as a teacher and in many cases whatever trade they teach. For example the HVAC teacher probably has done HVAC work. Who decides certifications for teaching????Why MSDE of course! I am not saying that people without an education degree are not capable of teaching but there are some basic things one needs to know about how kids think. Things you learn by being in a classroom.
Except it is almost impossible to get into Harford Tech. So many kids in the community today could be encouraged to go there and learn a trade instead of being prepared for a college experience they have almost no chance of completing, but the program isn’t large enough to accept every student that could benefit from the experience.
So do you think there should only be a Harford Tech DI team? What a way to give up on the other schools in the county.
No, there should not be. I simply feel that the system needs to mitigate the risk. This is a reasonable stance. BTW of the 7 challenge previews……I see only 1 which absolutely requires power tools and one more which could be enhanced although not require power tools.
http://www.destinationimagination.org/challenge-program/challenge-previews
My point is it is not an objection to the use of power tools by children. It is a matter of proper supervision and making sure the supervision knows not only how to use the tool safely but how to teach children to use it safely and take measures to prevent accidents.
Could there be a middle way? What about if we had licensed and certified people create the project behind the scenes before the class begins (let’s say the item is a table to be made) and then the kids could maybe pretend they are building the table with cardboard cut-outs of power tools? After this the kids could be sat down and a lesson could be given on the importance of power tool safety. It seems everybody wins with a scenario like this.
These children would know how to safely use power tools if HCPS hadn’t done away with shop class in middle school all those years ago. I was lucky in that my dad made furniture as a hobby and I learned safety from him. Most people are not that lucky. I always thought that the object of a public education was to prepare each and every student for life as an adult. How naive I have been. It’s only purpose is to prepare you to go to college and pray that you are not amongst the majority who do not finish since the HCPS education has done little if anything to teach you practical life-living skills.
Can someone cite the BOE definition of “power tools”? Is there a specific “banned list”?
Power tools to me can include flashlights, cellphones, laptops, hell even a cool little electronic light up pen.
A pair of scissors can be defined as power tools as well, as you exert energy (power) to manipulate the tool cut paper.
Are air tools banned? What if someone brings in a tow behind style construction air compressor in the parking lot and enough air hose to reach the room to use air tools?
The procedure presented to the DI community stated “Power Tools, by definition, are tools that are driven by electric motors, such as buffers, routers, Sanders, drills, saws”
We asked for clarification because this definition was ridiculous – electric pencil sharpeners are then power tools that are prohibited, but blow torches, hydraulic wood splitters, gas powered chain saws, pneumatic nail guns, would be acceptable according to the definition provided.
We had no success getting a clearer definition.
I’ve been in wood and tack shops that used solely pneumatic tools (even a pneumatic table saw), the Amish will use a gas-powered compressor to drive everything.
I understand the school system is concerned about liability and appreciate their concern for our children. However, why is this ban on power tools only being implemented for DI teams and not the other extracurricular clubs and activities in HCPS that use power tools? To our knowledge, those club sponsors have no more training in the supervision of students using power tools than the DI coaches and Team Managers. I’ve recently asked the school system to please supply Harford County DI with any data they may have to support or refute that other sponsors have more training in the supervision of use of power tools than those who work with DI and have not yet received a response. I am hoping that a response will be forthcoming. Without any data to support the claim of one central office employee indicating that other clubs are permitted to use power tools because those sponsors have more experience with supervising students in the use of such tools, it seems that the ban on power tools for DI teams only is biased and discriminatory. If the school system is that concerned about the use of power tools than rather than banning them, why not develop a mandatory safety training for ALL those extracurricular activity sponsors whose clubs employ the use of power tools?
As for the use of parent volunteers, the previous parent Team Managers and coaches that I am familiar with had undergone fingerprinting and criminal background checks at their own expense and would willingly do so again. If the school system is concerned about having authority over these parent volunteers, than why not draw up a simple contract and “hire” them as school system employees with no benefits, no bargaining rights and a “salary” of $1? I am sure there are creative, legal and safe ways to continue to include parents as Team Managers, coaches and sponsors, not only for DI but for other clubs as well. Other counties have solved this problem successfully – maybe HCPS should look at how they’ve accomplished this.
Additionally, it appears that the new procedures affecting DI have occurred with no input from those who have DI expertise and with little understanding of the DI process. In an institution that is operated on public funds, the contemporary trend across all levels of government is to involve consumers and stakeholders who are part of the process in the development of procedures that affect them.
Finally, since I was unable to attend the BOE meeting on Monday evening but have viewed the video, I want to applaud the Board for recognizing the value of DI for our students and their willingness to seek additional information and stakeholder input to develop a policy that not only recognizes the importance of DI and extracurricular clubs and activities for our children but also is in keeping with Goal #2 in their mission statement which is “to encourage and monitor engagement between the school system and the community”.
I have been in DI for 4 years at the elementary level. Our school had 7 teams 2 years ago and sent 1 to global finals. This year we will have none. This is because the parents that gave of their time to coach the teams are not allowed to coach anymore.
Our team met at school the first year and it worked because the kids did a relatively easy challenge. However, as they got older and the challenges more complicated it required more time and more work, and, yes, power tools. The ability of parents to leave work early for afterschool meetings was difficult and we decided to move our meetings to one of our houses. We always had the coach and at least 2 other parents at each meeting. The families involved in the team became a family of sorts. We were all friends, so having each others’ kids over wasn’t a big deal.
I understand the school system’s concerns about power tools and the liability issue, but we as parents taught the kids to properly use tools and supervised them when they did. And, let’s not forget–these are OUR children. We are not leaving them alone, unprotected or unsupervised.
Our school went from having 40 some children involved in this program to having 0. Our county went from having 68 school teams to just a handful this year. Without the schools promoting DI, the younger kids will never find out about the program and miss out on a fun, exciting and unique way to learn many life skills not taught in schools. In addition, it is hard to understand why HCPS chose to eliminate an activity that so strongly encourages kids to pursue a STEM career.
While some of us will continue as community teams, many of the kids who benefited most from DI will now miss out on the opportunity. A program that brought international attention to Harford County Public Schools has been cast aside by the school system because no one thought to invite to the discussion table the parents/coaches and team members. We can do much better for our children. Let’s problem solve together.
As with almost every multitiered organization, decisions are made by administrators who don’t do the work. Decisions are made by people who don’t have to live with the fall out from the decisions.
This is my 18th year participating with Creative Problem Solving in Maryland (first with OM, now with DI). I was a team member for 9 years (4th-12th grades) and have been a volunteer for 9 years. When I “graduated” from Southampton Middle, my team was the first SMS team to make it to Global Finals (2001). Ms. Canavan was very supportive of us, and even called the team to her office so that we could present her with our awards and trophy. I was riding a “DI high”…until I found out that C. Milton Wright didn’t have a team. I worked with then principal, Mr. Ackerman, to find a team manager, funding, and advertise the program, which lasted more than 10 years at the school. Upon graduation, I won the Maryland State DI Scholarship. In college, I came back to appraise at the East Central (Harford/Cecil County) tournaments each year as a volunteer. While I was at college, I began to help coach and assist (within the parameters of the Rules of the Road) several elementary DI teams and team managers that were brand new to the program. I assisted in running “DI Days” in St. Mary’s County. When I moved back to Harford County, I continued to serve in my volunteer roles, and was asked to join the State Scholarship Task Force, which I still participate in some 5 years later. I was then asked to become a Regional Challenge Master for Challenge C, a position I am now in my 3rd year of. Even though I now reside in a different region, I still come back “home” for DI because of the impact it had on me. I do not have any children, and have no reason to participate, other than a desire to give back to the program and community that gave me so much.
As an only child, I did not have the same opportunity to build friendships with my peers. OM/DI became my “siblings.” It seemed like we lived at one another’s homes on weekends, days off school, and days when we couldn’t meet at school. We fought like any kids do. I have one specific memory of a particularly rough day. We were at each other’s throats, and our team managers put us all in one room and told us to scream at the top of our lungs until we got our frustrations out. We did. And 3 minutes laughter, we came out, laughing and able to work together again. Through DI, I learned research skills, teamwork, how to think outside the box, how to think on my feet, how to be a leader, how to be a follower, how to use duct tape in 1001 ways, and yes, even how to use power tools safely. These are all basic life skills, that unfortunately, aren’t being taught in our society many places. DI is one of those places.
I was blessed to have many, many, official and unofficial team managers throughout my DI experiences. We had teachers, parents, and administrators. There were older students who came back to speak with us and encourage us. And DI was a special place. In middle school, I recall in 1998 stepping foot into Southampton, and being amazed at how many people came to DI tryouts. It seemed like hundreds. In reality, it was probably about 75. There were 21 spots. I was one of 3 6th graders who made the cut. The program has been popular for a long time. And year after year, Harford County has the largest regional competition and the most number of teams competing. But this isn’t just about sheer volume. The quality of teams coming from the county is second to none. There are several schools that are considered “powerhouses” in the DI community–and most of them come from Harford County.
I could go on ad nauseum with my love for the program. However, this is all a preface to say that the new rules and procedures are utterly ridiculous. They mean that I, an 18-year DI veteran, could not be a team manager in the program that trained me and grew me. They mean that most of the challenges we worked on could not have had the solutions they did–because they involved power tools. It means that students can’t take advantage of their days off school for teacher planning to meet at a team member’s home to do something constructive instead of watching tv all day. They mean that even more students receive the “cut” from school-sponsored teams and do not receive the life-changing benefits of DI.
Even to this day, the skills and knowledge I gained in DI help me in my work as a pastor. No one would have ever guessed how I would use these skills. But I do. The teamwork and leadership skills are invaluable. The ability to follow as a leader is something that had to be cultivated in me, and was in DI. For students like me who are not particularly athletic, DI is our team sport. DI is our way to connect like other students.
My husband and I would like to purchase a home, but Harford County is not on that list (for several reasons). One of those reasons is that I would like for my (future) children to receive the same stellar education and extracurricular benefits that I did. And the school system has changed for the worse.
As a past team member, community coach, volunteer appraiser, Regional Challenge Master, and concerned citizen leader, I implore the county to reverse its stand regarding DI. Too often, we do things in life without fully considering the repercussions. And sometimes, those repercussions have very negative (even if unintended) consequences. Many people besides myself, have dedicated their lives to this program, and in one stroke of the pen, it has been removed.
If you would like to know more from my perspective, please feel free to contact me.
It’s terrible that DI will be taken away from so many teams. I can’t imagine what I would do if DI was taken away from my team. DI has given me so much. Its taught me how to push the boundries and to reach out of my comfort zone. Before I was in DI I was very shy and quiet and now I know I can do anything I can dream and I can be creative while doing it. I know there must be so many kids like me who could benefit greatly from DI.
Oh gosh. How do I even fathom my thoughts on not having a team? As a member of this organization, I am always challenged to go above and beyond my comfort levels. Each and every practice we learn, grow, and become a greater person than imaginable. Without DI in our lives, the skills necessary for the adult world would not be acquired by many struggling students. Withholding the many teams of Harford County not only limits these children, but the rest of us Maryland teams as well. Our biggest competition are these students, they allow us to strive and work harder to reach our goals. This year, I know I would be devestated if we did not have a team. My freshman year is full of change as any other. The only solid foundation we have this year is DI. Taking away this privilage hurts us and our future as individuals and a whole.
I honestly can’t imagine what life would be like without DI. In 4th grade DI came into my life and it has changed the way I act and think in daily life. I have learned creativity, buliding skills, and acting skills that will definitley help me in the future. With DI, I can express myself without feeling judged. East Central competition will feel empty this year with the absence of many Harford county teams. Harford county teams were most of our competition and it forced us to work harder so we could feel the satisfaction of reaching our goals. The fact that some members of Harford county teams have been participating in DI since they started school and wont be able to this year, is very upsetting because I would be very upset if such a huge part of my life was taken away from me. If Harford county teams won’t be able to participate anymore, then that will take away their structure and ways to be themselves.
I am concerned regarding the restrictions placed on the Destination Imagination program this year. Two areas of concern are:
1. volunteers
2.power tools
Volunteers our mentor teachers that are fundamental in the success of our Harford County DI youth. Power tools are imperative to successfully solve the challenges and be competitive with other countries. I am not aware of any safety issues. One suggestion would be to have a competency checklist for the use of power tools prior to their use if there is a safety. Thank you for your attention and hopefully this is she will be quickly resolved.
Are you seriously not aware of any safety issues involving power tools? If so and you are involved in DI you illustrate why we have to see restrictions like this!
Apparently Cdev, you never used more than a screw driver! The main point is that teachers not trained on power tools are allowed to supervise students, but someone who works with these tools everyday not. Not to talk that 2-3 parents are watching the kids when they use power tools than just one teacher. Btw, sometimes it is far safer to use a power tool than a manual tool, but that would be over your head. How many teams are you sponsoring this year, as you seem to know it all?
Please, this is not helpful. We are trying to work together to resolve this issue, and personal attacks will not get it done.
ZERO, I don’t work for the school system. That said the issue is not that the teacher does not use a power tool day in and day out but the teacher works with kids day in and day out and has a pretty good idea of the things a kid will do incorrectly and can minimize the risk from these better. That is what teaching is all about letting kids make mistakes and learning from them. That is what authentic learning is about is trying something and trying again. The problem is there are certian mistakes you can not let kids make and from a risk management factor the school board needs to make sure that the coach is prepared to instruct with that in mind. That is why I suggested that maybe going forward the DI program needs to set up a class or two for non-employees to take that deal with how to mitigate risk for students and how to anticipate what could go wrong. If you just turn a bunch of kids lose with a saw, drill and various other things you are asking for trouble.
Cdev:
You don’t work for the school district, but you have a vested interest in maintaining the teacher monopoly.
“[T]he issue is not that the teacher does not use a power tool day in and day out but the teacher works with kids day in and day out and has a pretty good idea of the things a kid will do incorrectly and can minimize the risk from these better.”
Totally incorrect. A teacher might know that kids have their heads where the sun doesn’t shine 99% of the day, but that doesn’t mean the teacher can look across a shop and tell instantly if a kid is going to get a sheet of plywood to the gut from table-saw kickback or lose a thumb to a radial arm saw, or the exact dangers each tool possesses and the important facts to include in a safety briefing or while assisting a student with using the tool for the first time. Professional trademen deal with new people all the time, they’re call apprentices.
Correct Kharn a teacher can’t do that but a teacher would not put them in the situation in the first place. A teacher realizes that unless instructed otherwise the most common way a middle school kid turns off the power to something is yank the plug out of the wall.
I am not minimizing the positive impact of nonteachers. I am simply saying as a tax payer, who will get stuck footing the bill, I don’t want to see a really expensive lawsuit that we lose and our insurance does not cover. To this end I suggest again a course in proper classroom techniques would be helpful here.
Cdev is once again correct that we need qualified teachers in these programs who ar paid fairly and have pensions.
You nail it fully again. Parents are not responsible 24/7 for their children. They are not able to teach nor are they able to keep them safe. They do not understand how they tick or or how they respond to rules. That is why I am asking every mom and dad put the power tools down at home and do not teach your kids everyday life skills. I am asking to vote to have the schools open 7 days a week to keep our kids safe from the parents!
Well said!
A 4th grade DI team needs to build a back drop for its challenge solution. It wants to build a self-supporting wooden frame and attach card board to it so it can paint a scene on it.
Myth – The parent team managers take the team to a home workshop that has a table saw, band saw, mitre saw, drill, drill press, and every other high powered tool you can imagine. The managers don’t know how to use the tools, so they tell the teams to be careful, wear their safety glasses and don’t do anything dangerous. The managers take seats on the edge of the room, pull out magazines and bon-bons and let the kids do anything they want with the tools.
Reality – The parent team managers ask the team to brainstorm how they can build their frame and what tools are needed. Well, the wood needs to be cut and then pieces attached to each other. So the team says they need some sort of saw and something to make holes to attach the pieces and maybe hinges. The team talks about what tools it could use and decides that a hand saw can work to cut the wood and a hand held power drill can make the holes and help screw in the screws. Little hands have a hard time using a manual screwdriver. So, the team managers find some scrap wood and teach the kids how to safely use a hand saw and power drill. When confident that the kids can safely use the tools, the managers allow the team to cut and drill the wood to the team’s specifications. Team managers stand right next to the kids using the tools to ensure that they are being used safely with the proper safety equipment in place. Some teams (older than 4th grade) that have been doing DI for a while and have acquired safe tool handling skills may want to use a table, mitre or rotary saw to cut the wood. Again, the team manager would assess the team’s skills and ensure that the team is safely handling the power saws. Or if the manager feels the team does not have the skills to use these tools and is not comfortable teaching the skills, the manager can say to the team “Can you think of a safer way to build this frame?” and have the team brainstorm other options.
This is how a DI team works. There is no mad rush to use as many power tools as possible. But according to the current policy in place, school sponsored teams would be so limited in the tools choice that it would be difficult to build the backdrop or anything else for that matter. This policy prohibits anything powered by a motor, so fans and hairdryers used to dry glue, pencil sharpeners, electric screwdrivers, sewing machines, and other similarly safe tools would not be allowed. I truly believe that HCPS did not intend to disallow those tools. But without involving DI team managers in the decision, they had no idea what the impact of the policy would be.
Sally that is how it should work. As a taxpayer who gets left on the hook for a lawsuit I do not want to chance that everyone instantly knows to do what you just described. That is why I suggested a work shop to go over these wise idea as and I don’t think that is an unreasonable idea. As someone suggested early on it is more productive to brainstorm real solutions!
cdev,
Why don’t we cancel all after school activities? Teach reading, writing and arithmetic and send the kids home immediately after last bell to eliminate any and all liability that is not required by law.
Obviously your tax dollars should not be risked on kids getting a softball to the face, a drowning during a swim meet or a heart attack while walking 18 holes.
I am not saying every activity is with out risk. But just like I am advocating we take measures to limit those risks. We employ coaches who teach skills to students to avoid taking one to the face and in certian positions we purchase protective equipment, We have swim coaches take extra classes (at their own expense) in life saving. We have students undergo a physical to make sure they are capable of handling the rigors of a 9 hole golf course (High school golf is 9 holes). All I am saying is perhaps DI needs some of the same things.
That said with the budget realities as they are perhaps we should consider eliminating the extra curricular line item!
We must raise taxes to hire full time instructors so we can ensure that people are being paid well and have pensions.
My family has been actively involved in the DI program eight years and I have been coaching teams for six of these years. To see a program with so many benefits to students in danger of elimination is incomprehensible to me. Many people have commented on the STEM initiatives this program addresses. If you review the service pack for this year, you will see that DI has reorganized the challenge materials and formally listed the learning outcomes for each challenge leaving no doubt of the educational benefits for our students. Additionally, liability concerns for non-employee coaches have always been satisfied by fingerprinting through HCPS.
One of the most important benefits this program offers students is the development of self-confidence. I have seen many children find their true stride and become much more confident in their abilities. Every year I see children’s grades improve dramatically as the school year goes on. They accomplish this task even as the DI season kicks into high gear and requires more and more of their time every week. By the end of the season last year EVERY member of my team achieved honor roll and three of the seven were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.
Many times the children who succeed in this program do not fit into the stereotypical school clubs and are not the school athletes. It is time the school system stops putting all the emphasis on sports and sports scholarships. DI has college scholarships and awards as well. These children are just as important to the system.
For those interested, in addition to the Harford Boosters for DI, Harford Community College is running the program for teams as well.
DI is a terrific program. My two children, now in middle and high school, have participated for years, starting in kindergarten. As a teacher, coach, and school coordinator, I recognize the numerous benefits of the program. It is very disheartening to have the program gutted without having the opportunity to develop a solution that is agreeable to all. My children are unable to participate this year and my school will not have a team. Very sad, and for what? If it is because someone might get hurt, what about the myriad opportunities for injury on a sports team? We can’t protect against everything. Common sense goes a long way.
I am very hopeful that the BOE, community, and district administration can work together to develop a solution. While it should have been done before making such drastic changes, it’s not too late for next year.
I have been a Team Manager for 13 years in the Bel Air area, starting with my son in elementary school, and coaching my daughters’ teams in elementary, middle and high school. I have continued to manage a team, even after my kids went on to college. Why? Because DI is such a fantastic program, teaching kids the skills they need to succeed in the post-high school world. What skill are these? Creative thinking, the art of negotiation, problem-solving, budgeting, when to stand up for yourself and when to back down for the good of the team.. the list goes on and on. Oh, and I am thrilled that my daughters were taught proper power tool use – by both the teachers and parent volunteers who have worked with our teams. Have there been injuries – sure, a finger hit with a hammer (non-power tool injury), a nicked finger by a utility knife (another non-power tool), a slight burn by a hot glue gun (oops, a power tool by definition, but one that is now allowed to be used). Not a single incident, at someone’s home or at school, causing any trip to a doctor’s office or emergency room. I wish I could say that about the school-sponsored sports teams the kids were involved in! What irks me most about the proposed policy is that only DI gets the short end of the stick. No power tools. Perhaps a list of power tools the kids can operate under supervision (as if they are not supervised at all times during practice anyway) would be a good starting point. No parent volunteers (having taking teams to Globals for 7 years, and placing in the top 5, 3rd, and even first place in the world), and now I am no longer “qualified” to manage with a team (and I have been fingerprinted several times for DI that I paid for myself). And where would the school system be if all parent volunteers were now told they were no longer needed? Bye bye PTSA, volunteers for special events, room parents, athletic boosters… DI is such a wonderful program that my daughter has continued to participate (in the NY state tournament as an appraiser) while she is away at college. James Madison University has DI as a course, culminating in participating at Globals. It would be a true loss for HCPS students to lose this valuable program.
This my 3rd year participating in DI and it has changed my life. DI not only helped me get more self confidence, I have met my best friends through DI. As I have done DI I have learned teamwork skills and learned how to comprise with others, a skill needed later in life. DI has taught me that what I think and do matters and that I can do great things. I got to go to Destination Imagination Global Finals last year and it was the best experience of my life, I had so much fun. Through DI I have met so many friends and met many friends through them. If I didn’t participate in DI 2 years ago my life would be so different and it would be ten times worse. Its insane for HCPS to take way the opportunity to join DI from students and its terrible that so many teams have quit DI because of HCPS.
It is amazing how little BOE understands the impact the policy changes impact an entire program and sits in the meeting and play the innocents. Since the last meeting how far did reach hcps out to every group? Have they done surveys to identify who signed up so far this year, why many old teams have not done so and why not, how many of the currently signed up teams are pure new teams, why teams chose to sign up as community teams? I have not seen anything so far! And if hcps are in general supportive for the program, why are they so hostile to community teams? Why is the absence during globals only excused for school teams but not community teams?
Destination Imagination has always been a serious influence on my life. I have done DI for 7 years, and each year has been better than the last. Many friends have come and gone, and many of them I met in DI. Please don’t change anything because its fine the way it is. Its always been a creative outlet where you can make anything you want however you want and that’s just how it should be. DO NOT CHANGE A THING!
Yes, I have one in middle and one in high school doing DI and both teams are forced to be community teams, because their teams have members from different schools. Their teams teams started out in elementary and they stayed together as a team all those years. I worry about this stupid rule that community teams are not excused when they go to globals. Why should that matter if they are school or community teams?????
This will be my second year in DI, and this new rule about limiting the volunteers will make this year less memorable. Some of the volunteers that I have worked with have become some of my good friends, and seem like a part of DI that, if lost, DI would not be the same. This also applies to the other drastic changing rule added, which is the limitation of power tools. Both of these new rules can impact the Harford County DI community in a negative, and makes Harford County sound like they don’t care that their county contains DI teams that finish top in the world in this competition. If one recalls, there will be a near 50% decrease in DI teams due to the new rules. That means some kids will not get the opportunity of being exposed to STEM as another county might, and they might not make new friends. Honestly, DI was great the way it was before, and I saw no need for a change in the rules.
I have been in DI for the past three years. This club is where I get to express my creativity and develop my work ethic on unique tasks. Competing in Gobals is a huge accomplishment so why change what has been working for Harford county for so long. Taking away these techniques is handicapping our Harford County teams and making an already challenging experience that much more difficult. Please consider correcting these ill advised modifications.
Somebody needs to file a report, someone is “bullying” someone here. Whether it’s DI bullying HCPS, or HCPS is bullying DI. Which is it? Help.
I have been in DI for seven years and I have made friends for a lifetime with it but with all of the new rules for Hartford county I almost did not come back all because I found it unfair. Please get rid of the pay to play, no electronic equipment, and all of the other unfair rules made just for our county.
Honestly, when considering the new rules imposed onto DI, it’s really maddening. Having been in DI 2 years and now in my third, I think that these rules that have been added restrict us in an unfair and not well thought out way. First of all, can you give me a definition of “power tool” that can clear up things? No. All things considered, a pencil sharpener might fall under this category. And are you seriously going to not let us use pencil sharpeners for “our own safety?” I am in middle school, I think I can use an electric drill responsibly, thank you. Second, the rules on coaches isn’t well thought out, either. Why are we restricting DI coaches to teachers? There are plenty of people who are perfectly able to coach, and besides, when you say that only teachers can coach, you narrow down the candidate list A LOT. That’s just how it is. And finally, why just Harford County and a few others? When other teams from other places come to competition without these rules bogging them down, that gives us a serious handicap. After 2 years of the previous rules, I’m going to have to say that if the BOE does not revoke these rules, it will be ruining DI for not just the many teams affected this year, but for the many teams to come.