ny115+Citizenship+Credits


 * Dear Mr. Swan,**

**Many schools have a Citizenship Credits where kids can report anyone who does anything inappropriate. They can report anyone in the school, even teachers, who break rules, show inappropriate behavior, or use inappropriate language. Amazing idea, right? If you report someone, Citizenship Credits can be collected. Citizenship credits can be cashed in for one or two points for a grade. So what's the big deal? I believe that the Citizenship Credits policy isn't right for the Bedminster Township Public School.**

==It's possible that some kids will be honest with this policy, but more students will lie just to get the points. One scenario is that if Julie has a D in science, she could blame me for something I didn't do just to get the points. Don't be that conceited. If Nathan hits Sandy a little too hard in dodge ball accidentally, Sandy could blame him for hitting her hard on purpose for those points for French. Really? Another example is that if Gabriel throws a piece of paper and misses the trash can, Alex could blame Gabriel for throwing things in class. With all of this lying, innocent people will be punished for something the poor child didn't do.==

==Another reason I think this policy is wrong for our school is that pupils might report something that the person misconceived. A student might think that someone did something wrong, but that person actually didn't. For example, if Ryan and Nick are joking around and Ryan calls Nick a name, Kara could think Ryan was teasing Nick in a mean way and report him. How would you feel? Also, CJ could see Riley accidentally trip over Leo's leg and report Leo for something he didn't mean to do. Oops! Let's say that Tyler accidentally elbows David as he struggles with his coat; Ethan could think that Tyler did it on purpose. It's human nature that people just assume things, and unfortunately it's a huge flaw. Just try to fix it.==

==One of the worst things that can happen with this policy is that many friendships can be destroyed. First off, if Eileen and Kathy are best friends and Eileen reports Kathy, Kathy can get very mad and never talk to her again. Second, if Jillian reports someone her best friend wanted to be buddies with, her best friend might get angry and won't be friends with Jillian. It's possible that a friend might forgive that person, but that friendship won't be the same. You have to remember the other person's feelings! I mean, who does this? No friendship should ever be destroyed, no matter how much bullying can be prevented. If the victim of the bully has true friends, then those friends will stick up for them no matter what.==

==Even though many people would disagree with me and think that this policy is an amazing way for getting points on their report card, even more people will agree with me that this policy isn't right for our school. Stopping bullying and bad behavior is great, but having friends, being honest, and having not assuming things is more important. Who would want to turn in their friend for just a few points? For the sake of everyone at our school, I believe that the Citizenship Credits policy isn't right for the Bedminster Township Public School.==