Members of the Rensselaer City School District Community,
Facebook complaints were brought to my attention last week about a form that a student brought home. When I read this information, I also had some questions and concerns based on the form and way that it was presented. After looking into the matter, my concerns were eased.
This "Relationship Application" was a tool used by one of our administrators in his prior district to address student drama that stems from high school relationships. It was intended to address student responses and reactions related to adolescent relationships. This document is not a form that the school has widely handed out to students.
As our administrator was addressing some animosity between students that stemmed from a relationship ending, he used a tool from his prior toolbox to proactively prevent escalation through student reflection. In this instance, he gave this form to one student to read and reflect on how the relationship was the source of current conflict. In this case, this form was not filled out and not turned back in. It was an effort to inspire reflection and context of student conflict.
Upon review of this instrument, the district already decided that it was outdated and not appropriate for societal expectations today. There has no intention of using it for any reason again.
We appreciate and embrace being held to a high standard as educators. Unfortunately, opinions and misinformation on social media is not held to a similar standard. Hopefully we will continue to improve both our processes and our community digital citizenship expectations through quality communications moving forward.
We thank our parents, students, and community members for listening, partnering, and growing together.