Parent Post 1: MTV2 airs a program "High School Stories", a documentary about high school pranks, but they are re-runs so I hope the student wasn't looking for fame!

It would have topped as one of the bigger pranks to be executed on the show, especially if there were adults that 'oversee' these students and their projects ie...school yearbook. Surely one, if not a few, adult staff members perused the yearbook before going to print and surely they didn't entrust one of the students to deliver it to the printer. Granted, I don't know the full story or yearbook process for the high school, just going off what I read here.

I am wondering if the prank was discovered before going off to print, with a reliable checks and balances system, would the student have been punished as severely? Now that it is public, is the student going to have to suffer for all the bad press the administration is receiving? Shame, shame, shame. While I believe the student should be punished, I would have rather seen it before the administration/staff had egg on their face.
 

Parent Post 2: In response to the high school student's post about it being just a word.  You say you guys are almost adults, well I would say a prank like this is far from being an adult. If that is the way you think responsible adults behave, then I would say you all have alot more growing up to do.

Have you ever heard the saying there's and time and place?  Well, the time and place was certainly not in the High School Yearbook.

I strongly disagree with you that the student should not have even been punished.What he did was very inappropriate.  Certainly not the "time or place".  Not to mention, it was very vulgar.  Face it, the "almost an adult" student made a very bad choice. I would be more inclined to say it was a "childish" prank.  You "almost adults" need to realize that bad choices, inappropriate behavior, and total disregard and disrespect to what is right and wrong brings consequences.  If you feel you are "adult" enough to make these decisions/choices then you're "adult" enough to pay the consequences.

I don't want to hear about censorship or any of that garbage.  I'm sure if we parents knew about some of the other stuff that goes on at the high school, we would have something to say about that as well.  By the sounds of that statement,  whatever it may be, it sounds like more immature, childish, and inappropriate behavior/decision making to me.

You tell us to "GROW UP", well, I would strongly suggest "YOU GROW UP".
 

Student Post: With all do respect, I would like to begin with the fact that these "parent posts" are ridiculous. We are in high school and some of you parents are just in denial about your children growing up. I hate to break it to you all but you are not always going to be with your children, because pretty soon we will all be out of high school and facing reality. I realize that you want to protect your children as much as you can but I'm not sure if you realize that your children are going to see and hear worse things then the word, "xxxxxxxxxxx".

I understand that it is very inappropriate and it's not something that can be removed. But the student who was responsible for it has been severely punished. If it really bothers you that much that your sheltered child is going to see that word then cover it up, but instead you decide to anonymously express your feelings on this Parent Myspace and threaten to remove our dictionaries…? No one is a hero for trying to remove our dictionaries in the past, that’s actually a very stupid idea and nothing to boast about.

Personally, my vocabulary would not be nearly as big if I didn’t have a dictionary. It’s not like we look up sexual references in the dictionary, it was one prank by a student who was trying to be funny but why should his mistake reflect the maturity of the rest of the student body? He clearly wasn’t thinking about the consequences to his actions and I'm sure he is sincerely apologetic.

But this whole website reveals to the student body that high school never ends and it is because of the self absorbed parents that write on here who think they are better then everyone else. Well news flash, your children are not perfect and sheltering them until they are out of your reach is just going to make them rebel when they are old enough to make their own decisions.

It seems like the students at Deer Creek are more mature then most of the parents of Deer Creek. I'm not saying that all of the posts on here are immature and ridiculous; some of you actually make some sense and seem to be actual adults. But for those of you who are just classified as adults because of your age, I hope you are proud of yourselves for anonymously bashing other students, teachers, and parents. I guess I'm just disappointed to find out that high school really doesn't ever end and some people never grow past the high school drama.

This disgusting website has shown me how not to act when I graduate, start a new life, and eventually become a parent. I would also like to add that we are not allowed to be on this very website at school because of how ridiculous and inappropriate it is. As unfortunate as it is to admit to you all, the hateful and immature words that most of you express on this site have a great affect on some people's lives. But I wouldn't put it past most of you if you didn't care. So thank you for showing me how not to act.
 

Our Reply: To the student post, we appreciate you recognizing that not all of the information on the website is ridiculous.  Keep in mind our perspective. We have been 18 while you have not been 42.  Sometimes you will have to give us the benefit of the doubt that we may know something that you don’t.  Finally, while others may, we don’t categorize students into one category and hope that you don’t do the same with parents.   

Student Post: Ok I am a student at the highschool... I feel that we are in highschool and words will be said. We are almost adults and dont need to be sheltered by you parents. We see breast of woman running around in movies and no one cried about that. Is that worst than a word..NO! The person who got punished should not have been. There are worst things going around in this school and you all are rambling on about a word. GROW UP!!!!
 

Our Reply: You have a great point. There is a lot that goes on between the students at school that we parents know nothing about and are probably better off not knowing. You are on the edge of adulthood. It's a world where you'll be on your own to judge situations and make the right decisions.

As a parent, it scares the pants off of me. I want to protect my babies -- and yes my children may cringe but they will always be that in my eyes. I will not be able to protect them always but can only hope that the lessons I tried to teach will carry them safely through.

I have to disagree with you on the student not being punished. The student in a way is very lucky to have made a very bad decision is such a protected environment. This kind of decision could later in life cost you a job or more. Here the student will be held accountable and maybe, just maybe, learn a valuable lesson that will serve to protect them later in life. But I will add that the student was probably punished more severely than necessary.

Thanks for your post.

Parent Post: While reading the various posts and replies about the yearbook incident -- about which I had heard nothing until reading the Post -- I realized that I am, completely, without a doubt, unequivocally, living in a cave.  I was not aware, even with teenagers, that there was any sort of dictionary out there that edited so as to literally remove words, of any kind, nature or substance, from the English language.  And I have mixed feelings about it if it is in fact true that such a book exists.

Doesn't that take the form of sort of censorship that perhaps this country, this world, lived by under the dictatorships we all learned about in school?  I'm just asking, because to me it doesn't seem to pass "The Smell Test".

I still don't know what "The Word" actually is, but I DO know that whatever it is, our kids are hearing it -- and worse ones, as we all know -- in music, on television, at the movies and yes, even among their own circles of friends and acquaintances.

And I DO know that although this is a most unfortunate incident that will likely be handled badly by all involved -- parents, faculty, administration -- it is just that: an unfortunate incident that maybe could have been prevented or at least stopped in its tracks, but unfortunate nonetheless.

But most of all, what I DO know is that it is my responsibility as a parent to face this incident with my own children head-on when it comes up in conversation -- and it surely will, with plenty of rumor and speculation and innuendo.  It is my responsibility to continue to try to instill in my children exactly what the Post is saying:  respect, boundaries, right from wrong, to be accountable for their actions -- "When you choose the behavior, you choose the consequences" -- because there IS life after high school.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident...."  It seems that this particular unfortunate incident has opened a dialogue of such proportions that, well, it's opened a dialogue!  About speech, religion, responsibility, freedom.  Where else could that happen but here?

Thank you, Post, for your replies and for reminding us of what the issue REALLY is; and it's not about dirty words.  You done good.
 

Update: The Christian page in the yearbook was for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  It is a club in the school that students can participate in.  The page was not purchased but was included along with all the other clubs in the school.

With that said any religious group can start a similar club if the students so chose. 

Parent Post 1: Thanks for giving some explanation as to what it is in the yearbook but what is the word?  If it's in the yearbook, shouldn't we be able to know here?  Is it really that bad?  If so, how does it get by the sponsor of the yearbook or other school personnel?  More info, please.
 

Parent Post 2: As one of the parents who fought to have those same Dictionary's removed a few years ago - and Becky supported them - there are MANY terms that are in them that are not age appropriate.  These same Dictionaries were brought to the attention of DCES principal, the school board and Becky Wilkinson.

To the parents of the child who was severely punished - the child who shared several sexually explicit and horrible words to our elementary students received no punishment at all.  What kind of mixed message is that?  It is inappropriate for high school students who know what the words mean and are more mature and can judge for themselves. But, elementary kids who don't know about sexually transmitted diseases, sexual terms, anatomically correct verbage for several words and a couple of cuss words - it is appropriate for them to have Dictionaries with those words in them.  How does that even make sense?

When will we have leadership in this district that is consistent?  I don't know the kid or family that is involved with the high school incident.  I do think that ALL of the MANY things that the student has lost as earned privileges is too extensive.  You cannot rob someone of a degree they earned.   Why should you be able to take away an earned Valedictorian right?  Why wouldn't that student be punished once not several times?  With the numerous things they took away from that student plus expelling them - it went way too far!  As a parent - that is my opinion.  I think those parents should take this to the Press!

I don't know why you had to bring religion in to this.  It is one more opinion - and has NOTHING to do with the education our children are receiving.  We aren't a religious school district.  We cannot even go there - by state law.  As a fellow Christian - I find it very sad that you hold your American rights more dear than your Christian beliefs.  As a Christian we are taught that nothing comes before that.  I appreciate your wanting everyone to have the same rights.  If you are brave enough or crazy enough to open that can of worms - then I don't want those in the library to possibly influence my children.  Do you see how quickly that could spin out of control?

The students who put in the religious page - good for them.  The students who did not put in their own religion and submit something for the yearbook on it - their loss.  You cannot complain unless ONLY the Christian viewpoint was allowed.  You made an assumption that others weren't - when in all actuality you don't know that - more than likely other religions weren't submitted.  It isn't fair of you (who wants things to be so fair) to make a poor assumption on the part of the editor and students involved in the production of the yearbook to assume they didn't allow others to submit what they wanted.  If you are so concerned about every religion being in there - then take on the responsibility or have your own children submit something next year.  You can buy a page even.  They would appreciate the support.

As a school district - who has many other problems - I don't think we need to bring in a new one.  Religion is not what our district is about.  We are a public school.  Don't bring new problems to the table.

Again, I hope you grown in your own faith to value and appreciate it more than concerning yourself with others religious issues - that they didn't even ask to have pinned on them.

I would assume if it was an issue to another religion; they would be able speak for themselves.

As for the parents/family of the student involved in the incident:  how sad that we cannot allow a minor any sort of privacy.  When did we become judge and jury?  It certainly affects all the students who purchased a Yearbook.  I understand that.  But to freak out about an issue that is an issue every single year- maybe we need to look further.  Who proofreads?  Don't we have a paid staff member that it is their job to do that?  Students can not be held accountable - they are minors.  They are acting their age.  WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES - BUT ESPECIALLY KIDS.  Don't be so naive!

At my job - if I make a mistake - thier is certainly a reprimand of sorts.  And if I continue to make the mistake; I would be fired.  In our school district - look at Becky Wilkinson for example - you make mistakes - you get moved - more mistakes - you get a job designed for you - you cost the district more problems and money - so we name you Superintendent - our district begins the downhill spiral to falling apart so we give you a raise and extend your contract.

I want to work for Deer Creek!  I would love to not be held accountable.  Best jobs in Oklahoma - a weather man (because you can be wrong all the time and considered to be great at your job) and a staff member at Deer Creek - you get tenured and you are in for life!  The only prisoners are the students!
 

Parent Post 3: I too agree it would be unjust to punish the entire yearbook staff.  This was the act of one individual.  This individual is the one to blame not the other students that worked on the yearbook.  It's very unfortunate this made it to the printers.

 
Our Reply: To parent post 1, we did not include the word in the post because we were being sensitive to the fact that the term may be found offensive to some.  We don’t find the term offensive but we respect the fact the others may.

To parent post 3, we agree with you totally.

Now to parent post 2.  in regards to the Christian year book page, if the students purchased the page to express their beliefs then good for them. If every student can purchase a page to express their beliefs then that answers our question.  We made no assumption. We are just asking a question.  If somebody knows that this is truly the answer please share it with us so we will know.

As for holding my American rights more dear to me, I think that is self-explanatory.  I hate to live in a country where I was persecuted for my religious beliefs.  I would hate to live in a country were you and I would not be free to openly have this conversation.  I would hate to live in a country were one person or group of individuals dicatated how I had to live my life.

As for opening a can of worms, we are talking about our civil liberties that allow for us to choose. I am not asking for materials to be removed as you are but asking that materials be added.  The more reference materials that are available, the more opportunities for students to have a more rounded education.  By the books being in the library the students are not forced to read them but the books are available if the student chooses to do so.

As for not bringing in a new problem because we have enough of them already, where is the logic behind that?  Should we ignore all potential issues until we have adequately addressed the ones we have?  Doesn’t seem like a sound policy to me.

As for not holding students accountable, aren’t you the one that criticizes the Middle School staff for their lack of disciplining students? You can’t have it both ways.  By the way you can hold students accountable for their actions no matter what their age. That's how we teach them respect, boundaries and right from wrong.

As for the staff member involved with the yearbook, while ultimately they are responsible, it is unrealistic that they would catch everything.  Holding them accountable in this instance just doesn’t seem right.  With our daughter being part of the Middle School yearbook group this year we have a better understanding of the work involved.  It is not as easy as it appears. 

In the end if somebody wanted to pull a prank it would be almost impossible to stop.  The only way for sure not to have any issues is to not have a yearbook.  But that is not a viable solution.

Parent Post: Am i the only furious parent about this years' yearbook?!? What kind of school are we letting our kids go to where they can just put crude sex terms right there on the first page of the yearbook? I am outraged! I think that they should re-print the whole thing!!! The only kind of people who would let this happen are those crazy left-wing liberals! I expect harsh punishments for the WHOLE yearbook staff! The yearbook teacher should be canned! All the students in the class should be EXPELLED!! Let's fix this problem Deer Creek parents!!
 

Our Reply: For those of you who may not have heard, this year’s theme to the High School yearbook was ‘Define’.  One of the first pages was a photocopy of a page from the dictionary.  All of the terms were blurred for effect except for one.  That would be the term that the parent is referring to.  As it turns out it the whole event was not a group effort but a sophomoric prank executed to one individual.  Condemning all those who worked so hard on the yearbook is unjust.  Calling for the firing of the teacher overseeing the yearbook is too harsh.  If all the rumors are correct the individual who perpetrated this event is being punished severely.  Maybe even too severely in some peoples minds including ours.

What the individual did was in poor taste but maybe we should take another look at the year book as a whole. I found it interesting that there was a page for students of Christian faith but no pages for any other faith.  While I think it is great that the Christian students are proud of their beliefs and want to show them to the world, shouldn’t every student be afforded the same opportunity to profess their faith?  There is a wonderful mix of beliefs and faiths represented by the student body as a whole. Why aren't they all represented at the school? To our knowledge, the school library has the Christian Bible but not the Torah, Koran, or Book of Mormon to name but a few?  

Before anybody suggests anything else, I hold my Christian Values very dear to me, but I hold the freedoms this Great Country affords me even dearer.  This opinion coming from not a left-wing liberal or a right-wing conservative, but just a humble American Citizen.