Park has seen an increase in card games during classes, sparking distractions and conflict between teachers and students. In response to the uptick in gambling and games, Assistant Principal Alonzo Parks sent out an email regarding Parks’ rules on gambling and card play.
English teacher Andrew Carlson said the card rule is appropriate at Park due to how students have been mismanaging their time playing with cards.
“Playing cards cause(s) a distraction in class, I have seen an uptick in gambling with cash, funds (and) other things inside (the) school,” Carlson said.
Sophomore Liam McCoy said the rule should allow students to play cards in class if they finish their work. He said the ban shouldn’t be in place at all times.
“When we don’t have classwork, we should be allowed to play cards if the teacher allows it in class, if we finish our work,” McCoy said. “It should not be an entire ban on cards in class.”
Sophomore Ben Otos said he does not agree with the card rule. He said cards can have a mathematical view, and it helps with building certain skills.
“I do not agree with the card rule. Because there’s also a math aspect when I play cards. There’s a lot of counting, which plays a big part in school,” Otos said. “It can also help kids improve reaction time.”
Carlson said students have been multitasking instead of doing work. He said choosing to have fun in class and mess around with playing cards distracts them from the in-class work time.
“I’ve had a lot of students when it’s time during class to work and get things done, where they have chosen to take cards out and play,” Carlson said. “They have the impression that they’re going to do it later. Then I’ve had students who have then gone home and claimed to have ‘forgotten to do their homework’ — it’s a distraction for students in class.”
McCoy said teachers should not take the cards immediately, but should instead warn the student of having cards out. He said if there is extra time after class, teachers should not confront the student and should not get involved in the matter.
“Teachers should give us a warning to put the cards away if we are playing in class during class time,” McCoy said. “If it’s not during class time, teachers should stay out of it.”
Otos said the punishment for playing cards is too severe. He said only minor repercussions should be in place for such a minor deal.
“They should just (give) us one or two warnings, then if the students don’t listen, (they) should take them,” Otos said. “The teachers should not take them for the rest of the year, though.”
