Special Pleading School Rules

Every educational institution or organization has rules. The rules are (usually) set up according to logic and good reasons. Here, the students used Special Pleading to add hilarious amendments to the rules of a hypothetical school (named “This School”) in order to not need to follow the rules themselves.

Yiler's Rules

Steve's Rules

Zoey's Rules

Daniel's Rules

• All students must attempt to speak English only at all times, whether with peers, teachers, or administrative staff, both during class time and break time, except for classes or teachers in which the language of instruction is Chinese or a different language, or when instructions are given otherwise. Difficulty with vocabulary or expressing thoughts is not a valid reason to not try. We understand that there will sometimes be situations when this challenge will prove to be too challenging or frustrating for a student. Students will often be given the opportunity to use their “power” for a quick opportunity to use a non-English language, and teachers will always be available for immediate assistance in helping students with difficulties in expressing themselves.

In case of emergencies, use of non-English is not a problem.

• This School uniform must be worn on all designated uniform days. In the event that a student is not in proper uniform during uniform days, they may be asked to purchase a new uniform.
• During cold weather days, students may choose to wear their own extra jackets if necessary, but only inside of the normal uniform jacket.
• During casual days, students should refrain from wearing clothes which display vulgar language or images. Shorts and skirts must be just above the knee at the shortest. There should be no exposed skin between the neck to knee area. Students who are not in compliance with these guidelines will be required to buy a new uniform.
• Dangling earrings should not be worn in school except for non-uniform days. Ear studs are acceptable.
• Cell phones may not be used in the learning area at any time, except when required by specific teacher instruction. If a student is found with a cell phone in this area, the phone will be confiscated until the student’s parents are available to pick them up. Students are asked to put their cell phones in the designated space when arriving to class in the morning and not to use them until the end of the day.
• Occasionally, students may have need of their phone for a class or learning task. When these situations occur, students are to fill out a phone use form, signed by the teacher in charge, after which they may use the phone for the stated purpose only and for the designated time period only. Non-compliance with this stipulation will result in confiscation until parent pick-up.
• If a student has a need to contact their parents during the day, they may speak to a teacher or other learning administrator for permission.
• There should be no running, rough play, or other activity that could negatively affect public safety in the learning area.
• Respect should be shown to the public environment. Keep the classroom and surrounding area clean, orderly, and accessible for all. This includes maintaining a sensible noise level when talking and conversing. Any area or space on site will potentially be needed by other students, teachers, parents, or guests. Learning students should understand the difference between “personal” and “public” and take care of both.
• No cursing, profanity, or aggressive language should be used at any time. This also includes offensive clothing slogans that might be worn.
• Students must refrain from overly physical contact with others in public spaces such as the learning area. Students should not be sitting on top of each other, laying on each other, holding hands, or displaying physical contact outside of what might be normally expected, regardless of gender. Standards for physical behavior on the premises will be the same as norms of public behavior in society. If students are not sure about what is acceptable behavior, they are welcome to inquire with a teacher first. Students in uniform outside of This School or representing This School in any fashion will be held to the same standards.
• Students may not miss class for any reason other than sickness. We trust our students and parents to keep this in mind. Unexcused absence from class will result in negative assessment records. When needed, parents may be asked to come for a meeting regarding this, or other similar issues. *In some special circumstances, a student may have their parent or guardian apply for leave before the absence. This absence must be approved beforehand in order to be considered a valid reason absence. Going on vacation early or coming back late are not valid reasons to miss classes, and student assessment results will also reflect this. Attending outside classes or tests are also not acceptable reasons to miss class.
• No cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal substances are allowed to be used or possessed on premises, during the day, or when in This School uniform. Of course, we also hope that students will stay away from any and all unhealthy or dangerous practices in everyday life as well. Infractions such as these will result in a set period suspension and a mandatory parent meeting. Regardless of a student’s age or adulthood status, learning students will not use or be in possession of any alcohol or tobacco products on premises, during learning activities, or at any time when they may be understood to be a representative of This School. This also pertains to personal images and postings online. Repeated instances may result in non-continuation of student status with the program.
• Students must always be on time and prepared for each class or learning activity. These items will be part of student formal assessment as well. Tardiness due to going to the bathroom is never an excuse. If a student feels unwell and needs extra bathroom time, they must advise their teacher before being late. Teachers will of course attempt to be understanding in these matters.
• Students are required to be considerate, respectful, and courteous at all times towards teachers, other students, and guests or staff.
• This School facilities are the property of the organization, and will potentially be needed and used by others. Students should refrain from “claiming” any space or facility through covering it with personal belongings or some other method. Students must take care to keep communal space remains clean, functional, and available for others. Destruction or damage of facilities through misuse or willful neglect will result in financial penalties (for replacement) for the student and/or student family.
• Students should pay attention to taking care of personal hygiene, showering regularly. Hair should also be kept clean and should not be dyed any unnatural color.
• It is each and every student’s responsibility to keep the learning area clean and to refrain from littering. Tables, chairs, and the area a student occupied previously should be cleaned of all trash and personal belongings after each and every period. Throwing trash into a trash can like a basketball player is not allowed.