my son who is almost 18 dropped out of high school and got his GED to start college early...with my blessing,...because of a hostile learning environment that your participating students spoke about. And although my son is out of the system, now..it is still a subject that I am very passionate about. I watched for years, as my son's lively, brilliant, mind was squelched by people who just wanted to make it through the day. People who used ridiculously unacceptable punishments for someone standing up for what was right. My son was not one to be taken lightly in an issue of justice...he always spoke his mind, stood up for others in unfair situations...and ended up in trouble more than not...i could go on with story after story where often , it wasnt even my son who was involved in a situation....would witness another student being wrongly punished for either something he didnt do, or something that didnt match the level of punishment...my son would speak up and then, he too would be suspended or punished unnecessarily and then he would miss work and tests and fall behind. It seemed like a horrible cycle..not something that would foster the market behavior we were hoping to teach our children. I will never forget the day he came home and said.."Mom, its just so obvious that they don't care about me....I am just a paycheck to them"..,referring to teachers and admin at the school....It broke my heart. I just wanted to let you know that I applaud the work that you are doing...it is a much needed solution to a troublesome situation we have created. Thank You!!