Superintendent's Report
Childish behavior should not be tolerated from so-called adults
Marvin Beaty

A six-year-old boy decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor. He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor, which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!

Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And, just then he saw Dad standing at the door.

Big crocodile tears welled up in the boy's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

Does this sound familiar? Growing up is hard work, and all of us, just like this child, attempt so often to do something good only to have it turn out so badly. We want to sit and cry, but as adults, some of us have learned other habits, some not so adorable. We criticize the child, or at school activities we complain about the coaching or yell at referees and the like. We do these things often without noticing that the child we are yelling at has friends, parents or others sitting in our vicinity in the bleachers.

Yelling at coaches is not different. They have wives, children and their parents in the bleachers while all of this childish foolishness is unfolding. I often think about all of the hours the coaches and kids put into practicing their craft with the many weekends they give up with their families in order to prepare a performance for the spectators. It is so disappointing to hear the jabs and jeers of those that put no preparation into the event; they simply paid their price of admission and for some unexplainable reasons believe it is also their ticket to scream at the coaches and players.

Well, I'm here to tell you that is not the case. When an individual comes to Troup's stadium or gym they are guests of the school. Therefore, it is a reasonable thought that they would behave as guests. I'm not certain where this behavior was learned but I want to let everyone know it is not acceptable nor will it be tolerated much longer.

Here are a few suggestions for those that desire to make their opinions known. Instead of shouting at a child that doesn't belong to you, call their homes and visit with their parents. Ask if you can come to their home and speak disrespectfully to their children as you often have in public. I think you may find their parents are reluctant to permit such an event.

Also, if you take umbrage with a coach or school staff member, make an appointment to come and sit down with them to make your feelings known. I know it is much easier to scream from a distance, especially when you know they would never stoop so low as to shout back at you and set such a poor example for the children they are coaching. You might consider giving up your weekend and helping break down film and scout other teams that we are to compete against.

If you do all of this, then you will have a right to criticize. Until then, you have not earned the right to criticize others that have worked so hard to put a winner on the field of battle.

The price of admission does not guarantee the right to be obnoxious or behave in an unsportsmanlike manner. If you would like to discuss this matter with me I can be reached during normal business hours Monday through Friday at the district's administration building, at the Baptist Church on Sunday or come and find me at the local sporting events. I'm easy to find.

For all of you that set a positive example for others to follow, I am very grateful and proud of you. Let's all try to live up to the example set by the forgiving and understanding father in the story.

Speaking only for myself, I've never regretted the things I did not say. But, I have spent many hours of anguish wading through the backwash of regret over inappropriate comments made. Remember, you are always welcome at Troup ISD.