What about the riots that called School Police to Poly and shut down falls for a while last week.

Things are getting out of control in our schools because the students know they can't be touched. There are no standards in our schools right now.

Funny, then there are complaints when schools try to enforce some sence of discipline.

Just the opposite, the principal took swift action outlining the offenses in her letter. If you actually look at incidents this year, they are way down due to interventions and resources that schools can use. I am afraid that some people immediately place the blame on the school system which has taken steps over the last few years to reduce suspensions and keep kids in the classroom where they have a better chance to learn, succeed and graduate.

First of all I'm a student at Western & Ms.Trusty is making Western look like a BAD school because she feels as though she needs to consult the news every time something little happens. 2nd the seniors didn't even do any of that stuff, many of the juniors and others said they saw SOPHMORES not SENIORS do many of those pranks, this is the 2nd or 3rd time Ms.Trusty had us on the news and its going to make OUR ranking go down and make us look bad. Our old principle Ms.Matthews dealt with way worst pranks, the seniors from 2010 drew nasty things on the walls, baby oil on steps and many other things but that did not cause them to be on the news. Also they only had their Farewell taken. since Ms.Trusty is a Poly Grad she should know that Pranks are a tradition at Poly & Western so this should not be brand new to her. She is really making Western look bad and its not, she needs to leave.

@SP

Ha, reported incidents in some schools are way down. Sorry but you've drank the Kool Aid and think suspensions are lower due to better behavior. HA! Principals are "encouraged" to keep their numbers low.

As far as Western and Poly, their principals need to do what they have too in order to keep the lid on. Same with all schools, the staff is trying to hold it down when the kids know they can do what they want without consequences.

Oh SP what are those supports and interventions. Eddie and Mike? The PR crew?

Did Poly go on the news for the crazy stuff they did? The had the whole Cafeteria MACED and they and so many fights but the principle doesn't put up every problem that Poly has on the news. Because the principle knows that the RANKING WILL GO DOWN! Western has a sorry principle, they should have either picked a male or Western graduate for the principle.

I am a senior at western high school & I believe the incidents tht happen friday was not as worst than poly riot! Not trying to compare the schools but these punishments are a little over board. Mrs Trusty herself contradicted herself because she said it was ok to do pranks just at the end of the day because she kno how teenagers are. The pranks tht occurred friday was not all the seniors. & they have noo evidence to prove tht all this "destruction" is on us. We worked 4 hard years to get to this point & a day of fun should not ruin our moment because the school is the way it was last thursday & the teachers have returned.

As a student at western i think trusty is going to far. everyone even some teachers know it wasn't the seniors it was the sophomores that put the stuff in the water and the oil on the steps. and even if it was the seniors it wouldn't have mattered because ms.farmer handled it at the beginning of the day. ms. trusty is making the seniors out to be someone there not. there games in the caferteria didnt harm anyone. they were in the senior lounge sectioned off from the rest of the cafe and they didnt stop anyone from eating. trusty should realize being a principal at a highschool comes with senior pranks and you should be able to handle them. i dont know if she's trying to establish herself as a stong rpinicpal because shes new but its not working. all the students that did have respect for her dont. trusty tookt his entirely too far. as for me i think western was alot better off when matthews was our principal. trusty is slandering westerns name. our schhol as a legacy esbalished and by making little offenses public she making western out to be something that its not. as a principal she is supose to be able to handle what goes on in the school. there was no need to send anything out to the public.

After taking government class whice is a required course at Western, I have come to believe that Ms.Trusty is abusing her authority.No one has seen her all year except for at major events, yet she decides to enforce her power on prank day. Majority of the teachers I saw thought the jokes were funny, yet the principal says we were causing harm. When students asked her at our senior meeting what was done that was harmful, she said she would not be questioned by children. Wether young or old, I believe we all have voices that need to be heard, and it was injust of her to turn away our concerns. In my opinion, she is ineffective, has poor communication skills & is not committed. Even thought senior farewell is a privelage, I wonder why she would want to take it away so quickly. It is a traditional emotional event, and if she cared, she would not have canceled it as quickly as she did. Someone needs to really get insight on what really happened before these exaggerated speculations are made. thank you

Senior pranks go too far? Please.

During senior pranks at Poly last week the principal was injured trying to break up a fight,the school was placed on lockdown, and police had to respond. ALL of Poly's senior activities are intact and moving forward without the participation of the students who were directly involved. Did you hear that Ms.Trusty?

She failed to mention that Western staff were permitted to assist students in planning prank activities. Teachers were even given a heads up as to what was coming and told not to be alarmed. Ms. Trusty also has yet to acknowledge the role of some of Western's underclassmen in exaggerating Friday's situation.

Ms. Trusty needs to decide whether she wants to be the building administrator or first among students.She apparently didn't think a male rap group's behavior with some of her female students went too far during a recent concert at the school. Shocked students watched in disbelief while several chose to leave the concert.

No, Trusty has gone too far. and she needs to reverse her position. She knows who the responsible parties are and should discipline them accordingly.The vast majority of seniors have earned the right to enjoy the events that have been part of the Western High School tradition for more than 165 years.

There is one other matter Trusty needs to address and soon: Seniors were required to pay $250 each in fees to help underwrite the costs for senior activities. Their parents are waiting...

Western Students - send your thank yous to Dr Alonso. He picked Trusty over Framer over the objections of your parents.

im a senior at western and this whole article is EXAGGERATED!!!!! and I agree western has never been on the news for bad stuff until she came. She does need to leave, asap.

im a senior at western and this whole article is EXAGGERATED!!!!! and I agree western has never been on the news for bad stuff until she came. She does need to leave, asap.

I am a parent of a Western Sophomore. I think Mrs. Trusty is doing an excellent Job as principal. I have interacted with her on several occasions and she is a no nonsense type of person. She believes that there are consequenses to all actions, and I support her. Western's rating are not going down, this is not bad publicity. As a parent I find it comforting to know that I can send my child to a school where students are held accountable for thier actions. It is unfortunate for those who were not involved in the pranks but it will teach them to start holding thier peers accountable and being selective about who their friends are. Again great job Mrs. Trusty

I'm a Western grad (from '81), and "prank day" is most certainly NOT a longstanding tradition at the school. I just heard of this because of this article, and it sounds ridiculous. I don't know much about Ms. Trusty or how she operates, but if you really care about maintaining the school's reputation and ranking, you would point out and discourage any sophomores or any one else you see performing these pranks. Some of these things sound downright dangerous and can't be tolerated, and keeping a lid on things isn't necessarily the best policy.

Reading some of the comments, plagued with spelling errors and poorly constructed sentences, the real question should be, who's educating our children? Western's problems go far beyond senior pranks. They are currently amidst a transcript scandal, the graduation policy is under review, and clearly there is no effective leadership at the school. If students haven't learned, which is evident by their comments here and the school is experiencing so many problems, why hasn't the school's administration been held accountable?

I am a senior at Western High School and I think it is unfortunate that we lost two of our "priveleges" due to pranks. Ms. Trusty has taken things from the whole class even though she specifically knows who performed what pranks. I do not believe that the pranks performed by the senior class were as bad as they are made out to be. Laxatives in the water? Yes, that may have been taking it too far. But, if we're going to suffer let's make the sophomore class suffer for adding bleach to the water and oil to the steps. We're seniors and we did not set the best example by putting laxatives in the water, but we knew when to stop. Not attending class and playing around in the senior lounge are harmless pranks. It was our last day of school and we weren't learning anything anyway. After we found out how serious Ms. Trusty took the situation the seniors attended class and acted as Western Doves should. My biggest problem was Ms. Trusty saying "I do not owe you all anything, but a diploma", I beg to differ for $250.00 in senior dues you owe us everything that we have paid for. I am not rich and I did not participate in the senior pranks so it really upsets me that most of that money is down the drain (since we cannot get refunded). Last years pranks were way worse and all they lost was farewell. I think that Ms.Matthews knew that taking away banquet would not be a smart economic move. I do not think that Ms. Trusty is ready to be a principal...she still has a lot of learning to do. Though she mentioned during our senior meeting that she would not argue with children, there was many moments where she became escalated and started arguing with children. She says some offensive things. During the meeting she also said that she cannot take us out because we do not know how to act. I cannot speak for the rest of my senior class, but I know how to act in any situation because of the way I was raised. She went way too far with that comment and it was out of line. I recall hearing a staff member telling a few seniors to wait until Friday to perform their pranks and when they did they got into trouble. The only thing that I think went too far was the laxatives in the water. I am not happy that it was okay for the pranks to be performed on Friday according to other administrators, but as soon as Ms. Trusty had a problem with it the administration backed down. The way I see it is that there was not that many seniors who poisoned the water. Ms. Trusty can easily find out who did that and punish them, but I don't think she wants to point them out because she doesn't want to rock the boat with those students. So she took the easy way out and punished us all. It's sad, an excellent school that people once looked forward to attending is going downhill. Western is supposed to be the best and I see it slowly. but surely changing. If we're not getting farewell or banquet, I'd like a refund. NOWHERE on our senior newsletter did it say that dues were not refundable if something should happen. Therefore I believe that Ms. Trusty should find a way to refund us all.

I graduated from Western in the '80s and I do not recall any prnaks of this magnitude. I don't care if it were the seniors, juniors, etc. This is unacceptable behavior. While I understand that the principal is trying to apply some type of discipline, I think everyone should be held accountable not just the seniors. How about no prom or specila events school-wide. I think that would be a more fair punishment. My sons attend a school where 1 class back in the early '90s screwed up...a decade later, the school is just now allowing dances. And the current student body knows what can happen if they screw up...they let the incoming students know as well (administration does too)

If this kind of stuff is happening at the best schools in the city - what is going on in the zone schools? Really makes you wonder.

Kudos to Alonso, your discipline policy is a shining example of absurd politics in action. Keep your number sir, you are doing a heck of a job!

I remember when the LADIES of Western actually tried to conduct themselves as ladies. Good for Ms. Trusty taking swift and decisive action. This is not an "average" public school and her duty is to maintain what sets Western apart. Sorry, Seniors, but part of what Western is is building character through unity.

And what is going on at Western as far as grammar and spelling? Good lord, you people who claim to be students can't spell and use grammar my four year old niece would know better than to use. Maybe Western isn't what it was when I was proud to be a student there after all.

"Add to that, Trusty said, students are generally misbehaving (wandering the halls, refusing to attend class, riding scooters in the halls, and playing ball in the cafeteria) in unacceptable ways."

This statement, in a nutshell, explains the difference between the caliber of students currently attending Western and those ladies historically lucky enough to attend. Who raised these kids to act like animals? Western is an institution and tradition and given the stories I'm hearing of late regarding the current crop of students, I'm sad to say things seem to be changing and not for the better. This school is a BIG DEAL, girls. You are a lucky, select few with an amazing opportunity and you should behave accordingly. Be proud to be Westernites and in turn, make Western proud to have you.

After reading the comments on the message board, I find it interesting the Western Students are upset with administration instead of blaming their classmates. Based on the pranks describe above someone could have been caused serious injury. What if someone where hurt? Ms Trusty is not making your school look bad. Your sisters, who you refuse to hold accountable, should be called to task for that.

Western Alumni of the past held their selves to a higher standard. It seems odd to me, that the current students are comparing the pranks of Poly. You are supposed to rise above other schools, not strive to sink to their level.

Come on ladies.

@ Old Time Western Student
Thank you- I was just about to say the same thing. I am a Western grad and am appalled by these grammar and spelling mistakes. Think about how you present yourselves, ladies!

If the sampling of writing on this blog is an example of how Western seniors write, perhaps they all need to go back to English class instead of to special events. Both the content and the grammar is awful. Shame! No wonder colleges complain that students aren't ready for college.

Rules are rules.Somhow, BCPS students and parents do not believe that rules apply to them! No wonder the schools are in such a mess. Principal Trusty, I am glad you are holding your school and the students to a higher standard. Congratulations.

I am a class of 2001 Graduate of Western and I am disgusted after reading this article. We pulled class pranks while there but nothing to this magnitude. We hid grade books and chalk, we may have even TP'd the cars of a teacher or two, but these pranks but the lives of other in danger. I agree with the activities being canceled. Sure, many people supposedly saw students from other classes doing this, but seriously, we blamed it on other classes too. I believe that part of the problem at Western today is that: 1) standards have been lowered for letting students in just to pacify the city 2) the current students and staff have no sense of tradition and what it means to be a Dove, a Westernite. They don't understand or know how to exemplify Quiet Dignity. This never would have occurred under the leadership or Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. McLaren, Mrs. Carusi, or any of the other principles before them. I do not know the current Principle so I cannot speak on what she would and wouldn't allow, however I do believe that she took the correct action in cancelling activities such as Prom and Senior Banquet. Just be happy that you still have graduation. Those individuals involved need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their actions. They need to realize the severity of their actions. If people wanted to, they could press charges. The young ladies currently at Western need to realize they don't attend just ANY high school in Baltimore City; they attend WESTERN, which in itself is a privilege. We used to understand what it meant to be a Westernite. We knew that having Western on a transcript or a resume even meant that we were associated with one of the elite schools in the state. I commend the current Principle for taking the actions that she did, and nine times out of 10, it was a parent that took it to the news, not the Principle. No Principle wants their school to be in the news for negative behavior, that's a reflection on them. Many of the young ladies there really need to grow up.

WOW I thought the same thing. The sentence structures (I don't spell well typing fast either so I'll ease up on that one) are horrible. I don't expect journalism/English major level writing but my daughters who graduated from BSA and Western can out write me. How do they not know to capitalize Western at least????

(auto type used the incorrect for of Principal, this is my corrected comment) I am a class of 2001 Graduate of Western and I am disgusted after reading this article. We pulled class pranks while there but nothing to this magnitude. We hid grade books and chalk, we may have even TP'd the cars of a teacher or two, but these pranks but the lives of other in danger. I agree with the activities being canceled. Sure, many people supposedly saw students from other classes doing this, but seriously, we blamed it on other classes too. I believe that part of the problem at Western today is that: 1) standards have been lowered for letting students in just to pacify the city 2) the current students and staff have no sense of tradition and what it means to be a Dove, a Westernite. They don't understand or know how to exemplify Quiet Dignity. This never would have occurred under the leadership or Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. McLaren, Mrs. Carusi, or any of the other Principals before them. I do not know the current Principal so I cannot speak on what she would and wouldn't allow, however I do believe that she took the correct action in cancelling activities such as Prom and Senior Banquet. Just be happy that you still have graduation. Those individuals involved need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their actions. They need to realize the severity of their actions. If people wanted to, they could press charges. The young ladies currently at Western need to realize they don't attend just ANY high school in Baltimore City; they attend WESTERN, which in itself is a privilege. We used to understand what it meant to be a Westernite. We knew that having Western on a transcript or a resume even meant that we were associated with one of the elite schools in the state. I commend the current Principal for taking the actions that she did, and nine times out of 10, it was a parent that took it to the news, not the Principal. No Principal wants their school to be in the news for negative behavior, that's a reflection on them. Many of the young ladies there really need to grow up.

It's called being a teenager, people who are adults now need to get off of their high horse and realize that they did the same stuff when they were younger. How are you going to hold a kid to a "higher standard"? It was a couple pranks that the seniors pulled, and nobody got hurt, yet this adminstrator decided to flex her muscle and cancel some of the last events of their high school careers. I had a senior prank when I was in high school, most places do, even though some of the posting adults would have you think they never did anything "wrong" or against the rules.

The older people siding with the administration need to get over themselves and realize you're dealing with kids. It's 2011 and they're just having fun, you guys seriously need to get your priorities straight and worry about more important things than judging a bunch of kids for having fun at the end of their high school careers, nobody got hurt so what's the big deal?

Are the students who left comments really going to get a diploma? They speak and write like they have the education of 3rd graders. The appalling use of the Engilsh language is completely unacceptable and makes them sound uneducated like morons.

I applaud Ms. Trusty for her decision to cancel some of the senior events. These young ladies must learn that there are consequences for one’s actions.

It is not a surprise that these comments are drawn on generational lines. Children see no harm in their actions or try to minimize them. Parents/adults/alumnae see the big picture and understand the potential consequences. Let’s not forget that we were once children and didn’t get it!
I must say that I am appalled at the horrible grammar found in some of these comments from the students! Seniors??? Less time should be spent on pranks and complaining about the punishment of these pranks. More time must be spent to English classes.

I will be hesitant to hire any of these Western graduates; not because of their pranks but due to their academic shortcomings.

@Dom- GREAT point because the natl media is wearing m out with the prom prank kid story but here's where I disagree as a PARENT! My daughter would have to suffer the consequences of those "teen" actions because life has something called a "juvenile" record that can't be so easily swept under the carpet.......and if swept under the carpet becomes an"adult" criminal record that has ruined a many Baltimorean!

So are these tacky pranks you seem to condone a result of lowering the Western standards to get in I heard?

(auto type used the incorrect for of Principal, this is my corrected comment) I am a class of 2001 Graduate of Western and I am disgusted after reading this article. We pulled class pranks while there but nothing to this magnitude. We hid grade books and chalk, we may have even TP'd the cars of a teacher or two, but these pranks but the lives of other in danger. I agree with the activities being canceled. Sure, many people supposedly saw students from other classes doing this, but seriously, we blamed it on other classes too. I believe that part of the problem at Western today is that: 1) standards have been lowered for letting students in just to pacify the city 2) the current students and staff have no sense of tradition and what it means to be a Dove, a Westernite. They don't understand or know how to exemplify Quiet Dignity. This never would have occurred under the leadership or Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. McLaren, Mrs. Carusi, or any of the other Principals before them. I do not know the current Principal so I cannot speak on what she would and wouldn't allow, however I do believe that she took the correct action in cancelling activities such as Prom and Senior Banquet. Just be happy that you still have graduation. Those individuals involved need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their actions. They need to realize the severity of their actions. If people wanted to, they could press charges. The young ladies currently at Western need to realize they don't attend just ANY high school in Baltimore City; they attend WESTERN, which in itself is a privilege. We used to understand what it meant to be a Westernite. We knew that having Western on a transcript or a resume even meant that we were associated with one of the elite schools in the state. I commend the current Principal for taking the actions that she did, and nine times out of 10, it was a parent that took it to the news, not the Principal. No Principal wants their school to be in the news for negative behavior, that's a reflection on them. Many of the young ladies there really need to grow up.

1) There are so many problems in subject- verb agreement, using homonyms, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, using adverbs, recognizing possessive relationships, and using of sentence fragments that it is hard to get past them all to address the glaring breakdowns in logic evidenced by the people claiming to be students at Western.

The following are quotes taken from the posts of people claiming to be students at Western.

• she kno how teenagers are. The pranks tht occurred friday was not all the seniors. & they have noo evidence
• As a student at western i think trusty is going to far. everyone even some teachers know
• believe the incidents tht happen friday was not as worst than poly riot!
• shes new but its not working. all the students that did have respect for her dont. trusty tookt his entirely too far.
• im a senior at western
• After we found out how serious Ms. Trusty took the situation the seniors attended class and acted as Western Doves should.
• Last years pranks were way worse and all they lost was farewell.

2) It is easy to imagine the end result of the environment for which you students are advocating. It is the traditional Baltimore City public school that is subject to fights, bullying, the pulling of fire alarms, poor attendance, inadequate instruction, low graduation rates, and a pathway towards unemployment, addiction, and crime. Graduation is supposed to be part of your transition to adulthood and increased responsibility, rather than to a pattern of criminal behavior for which you will be tried as an adult. While focusing on the loss of graduation ceremonies, you students at Western do not seem to comprehend that institutions of higher education and professional environments will not welcome poisoning or attempts to maim. Regardless of your attempts to characterize the poisoning as mild and the attempts to injure people as not being as severe as what occurs in other schools, all of those behaviors reflect massive breakdowns in judgment that will substantially limit your ability to lead a successful life without substantial changes. Please consider the punishment as an opportunity to begin the process of making those changes rather than thinking of it as a loss opportunity to attend a ceremony.

The following are quotes taken from the posts of people claiming to be students at Western.
• Our old principle Ms.Matthews dealt with way worst pranks, the seniors from 2010 drew nasty things on the walls, baby oil on steps and many other things but that did not cause them to be on the news. Also they only had their Farewell taken.
• During senior pranks at Poly last week the principal was injured trying to break up a fight,the school was placed on lockdown, and police had to respond. ALL of Poly's senior activities are intact and moving forward without the participation of the students who were directly involved. Did you hear that Ms.Trusty?
• Last years pranks were way worse and all they lost was farewell.
• The way I see it is that there was not that many seniors who poisoned the water.

@Jim_-This is why I had to tell my Western alum college student daughter txting has taken her grammar skills down the d@ drain! She ignored me until a Professor called her on the carpet. Now I get complete well spelled txts hahahaha

"I am a senior at western high school & I believe the incidents tht happen friday was not as worst than poly riot! "

What is "worst" is that this student is graduating high school...

To "unknown" - and the person that claims to be a student at Western; do you really want to know what makes your school look bad - that post? Littered with spelling and grammatical errors, you should read something before you post it for the world to see. Wow! This is what our better schools are turning out these days? Amazing...

I think the actions of the Principal were justified. Those so called "pranks" put the lives of people in danger. I am really disappointed with the number of students commenting that "it's not fair". Guess what? Life is NOT fair! If you spent more time following directions, studying, and serving as a role model things like this would not happen. I also believe that the parents are part of the problem. You knew these things were going on. Did any of them sit down and talk to their daughters about the seriousness of this and the potential consequences? They are lucky that they still have graduation and prom. The principal has my full support.

I work in the system. The students (generally speaking) are off the hook. Principals are required to keep suspension numbers low. Parents are hostile towards staff. I laud someone drawing a line in the sand. Sorry seniors, you will live through this...even the innocents. Life goes on.

It is very interesting that many apparent students who have posted comments do not know the difference between a principle and a principal. It makes me wonder if the real prank is the lack of education that is being passed off as learning at these institutions.

I work in the system. The students (generally speaking) are off the hook. Principals are required to keep suspension numbers low. Parents are hostile towards staff. I laud someone drawing a line in the sand. Sorry seniors, you will live through this...even the innocents. Life goes on.

I graduated from Western in 2007, and just two days ago I graduated from St. Mary's College of Maryland. I agree that these pranks may have gone too far (a good senior prank would not inflict physical harm on anyone), however this is a classic example of Western punishing EVERYONE for the actions of a few.

It's important to take responsibility for the actions of your peers, but it's unfair for individuals to lose privileges they have worked hard for because some of their classmates are unable to see the line between dangerous and harmless. Once again, those students are grouped in with the rest of the "herd" and their hard work goes unnoticed and unappreciated. This phenomenon is not new to Westen, and until the school system stops viewing students as groups that need to be controlled, they will see more of these incidents.

I sincerely hope that the students who were not responsible for these incidents have teachers that appreciate them as individuals. Think about the message that has been sent to them by the administration, and how that will affect their worldview.

The administration needs to step up and do the work associated with investigating and punishing the individuals rather than taking the easy way out.

As a teacher that works in a school that is comparable to Western, I certainly wish that I had an administration that responded like Western's. There was an incident at my school that I would consider more dangerous than any of the ones described in this article where my administration did absolutely nothing in reaction. For all of the students that have posted here, what you need to realize is that you are not mature enough to understand why these “pranks” are not acceptable. The fact is that some of these “pranks,” if they were what is being reported in this article, are very dangerous and could injure or even kill someone. The odds are that the administration can’t pinpoint the exact people responsible so they are making an example of this year’s senior class so that they will not have to deal with these types of “pranks” again. You are still getting a prom and still getting a graduation so you should be happy. High school students are not able to discern what is a “big deal” and what isn’t. The students that think that poisoning drinking water isn’t a big deal probably were on their cell phones in class texting about someone’s relationship status on Facebook because they thought that was more important that paying attention in class. The mindset that some students have these days is incredibly frustrating for an educator yet I’m sure their parents encourage them to keep their cell phones at the ready so they can get directly in touch with them for “something important.” So, kudos to the Western administration who has taken a stand that is fair and sends a message.

I really don't understand all the grammar and spelling mistakes from one of the supposed "best" schools in the district. I think these comments are more embarassing than the senior pranks themselves and reflect very poorly on the students, the teachers, and the admissions process.

As a 1970s Western graduate, I'm agog and appalled by the atrocious behavior, also the pathetic writing skills of some students who posted here. Both are the sad products of the BCPSS looking the other way from kindergarten on, seemingly the only explanation of the erosion (and that's being kind) of standards at Western, Poly, etc. My fellow classmates and I would have been expelled for that type of behavior and surely not allowed to advance to the next grade without mastering the curriculum. Our beloved principal, Mr. Fortunato, is spinning in his grave.

Wow! This post and the comments really shock me. I know times and things change, but it's hard to believe this is the school I graduated from.

"Pranks are a tradition at Poly & Western" (@unknown)? I remember maybe one favorite teacher's car getting decorated. There was no hostility or anger, and we certainly didn't run wild in the school. As far as what happens at Poly, that wasn't our school and it's filled with adolescent males. I assume you chose to go to Western, and if you didn't think it had a different atmosphere than a co-ed school, why did you select it?

When I went to Western, English was one of our toughest and most rigorous departments. You can talk how you want amongst your friends, but when you are representing your school in a public forum you need to think about how your words are reflecting on your alma mater.

I could go on, but I'll just walk away now, shaking my head.

As a 1970s Western graduate, I'm agog and appalled by the atrocious behavior, also the pathetic writing skills of some students who posted here. Both are the sad products of the BCPSS looking the other way from kindergarten on, seemingly the only explanation of the erosion (and that's being kind) of standards at Western, Poly, etc. My fellow classmates and I would have been expelled for that type of behavior and surely not allowed to advance to the next grade without mastering the curriculum. Our beloved principal, Mr. Fortunato, is spinning in his grave.

It appears that the caliber of the young ladies attending Western High has seriously deteriorated. The grammar, spelling and sentences structure of the people claiming to be Western students is atrocious. I applaud the principal for drawing the line in the sand.

@Dom and other parents who disagree with the decision to cancel the events.

The irony of your position is that if your child was severely injured, you would be up in arms about the situation. Kids need to be held accountable. They also need to learn that the actions of a few can affect everyone.

I don't know if this is true at Western, but Poly is no longer able to dismiss students who fail. Dr. Alonso decided that despite not being able to maintain passing grades, these students are kept at an "elite" institution rather than being transferred to a less rigorous school.

I am a graduate of 1983. I do not remember any pranks of any kind from either Western or Poly. I do remember a school with students (ladies) who were well behaved, professional, courteous, and respected others. When I attended Western it was a college preparatory school. For the students with the spelling and grammatical errors I wish you the best of luck. You have a long road ahead of you. I used to be proud of being a "Westernite." Now I'm not so sure.

I don't think the spelling/grammar necessarily reflects on the School. Just because someone is a student there doesn't mean that that they are completely competent. There are differences between the writing of an A student and a C student.

Poor spelling/grammar/usage reflects on the person who has the problem, not a whole school.

Plus, as some have pointed out, many of these blog comments are probably typed on a pretty small screen and there's the dreaded auto-correct.

That said, the pranks WERE a breakdown in school discipline and were pretty disruptive for the whole day last Friday. There WERE mixed messages sent to the students in an attempt to not go overboard and to ignore things so as not to push them farther. It was only a handful of seniors who did this, and it was all done prior to 7:30am (how they snuck in the building I have no idea). I think there should be consequences, but the students are upset.

To all the ladies who have graduated from Western and have taken the time to point out that this is not the school you used to go to,

I have one question. Where are you? Where are you when the school system tells us we need to lower our admittance standards to up roll? Where are you, now, when old and young teachers alike face two choices: less electives or larger classes? Where are you in our financial crisis? Where are you every day this year (excluding the one alumnae event)? Western needs its ladies to keep tradition alive and to keep the school pointed in the right direction. I saw many graduates happily eat food, smile, and enjoy their Western heritage this year that one afternoon, but where are you now? Get involved, help keep Western the way it should be. We're on a slippery slope with no money to fight the tides of the central office. In a few years Western will be just another school or won't exist at all if YOU don't stay involved.

So stop your complaining. Stop telling us what Western *was* and start getting involved at making Western what it *should be*. When I see you in the halls, volunteering at events, donating money to classrooms... when I see these things, maybe we can talk about the glory days.

I attend western and I am and will be a brilliant young lady. For those who are mocking the grammar, know that people make mistakes from typing on their phones & that it is okay to speak in your own vernacular. I think it is shameful of past graduates to make themselves superior to the ways we act and talk about how they didn't do those things in "their day." I can understand how people say our pranks went too far, however there is no proof of bleach, poison, etc. We go to class EVERYDAY and are united. We sang class of 2011 PROUDLY on western way & dove drive that morning, but of course that didnt make the news. The reason is because society rather pay attention to negativity and believe authority heads before they allow us to show our inner light. there were harmless pranks such as training bras in the hallway and I believe that if you were not there to see exactly what happened, then you cannot judge. It's sad to say that not everyone is truthful.

Another note to the grammar police. Western is a fantastic school with an amazing English department. We work with what comes in. Many of our girls are incredibly bright, but have been woefully undereducated since elementary school. The fact that their other talents earned them a post at Western should tell you something. I work tirelessly to iron out and fix 15 years of poor grammar, sorry that it isn't perfect yet. Perhaps we should turn our eyes on earlier moments in education instead of expecting 4 years in *any* high school to completely convert poor habits into perfect writing.

I am a Class of '81 graduate of Western High School. We did not participate in pranks during my 4 years at Western. Western is steep in traditions, but pranking was not one of them. The ones I fondly remember is the turning of the class ring, Ring Dance, Senior Prom, Senior Farewell Day, and the wearing of white gowns for graduation. We enjoyed attending classes (okay most of them) because we were eager to learn. These are traditions that set Western students apart from other schools. The pranks mentioned in the article were DANGEROUS. Someone could have had a bad reaction to the laxatives in the water and/or someone could have fallen in the baby oil and suffered a broken body part. These constitute criminal activity. I feel badly for the senior class and for those who had no part in the pranks, but unless the school has cameras to identify the criminals, everyone has to suffer for the wrongdoings of a few. Who knows, I may feel differently if I was a current student. Nevertheless, I am proud of my Western High School education. Even now, thirty years later, I brag about attending one of the best high schools and only public all-girl high school in the country. Ladies, I don't know the current principal and I understand your anger, but the real question is, "what would you have her do?"; compare the pranks to other schools and after rating them do nothing. She had to "draw the line in the sand" or risk future criminal activity. The ladies of Western High School are chosen (or at least when I attended) based on their intelligence, skill set and potential. The tradition of pranks should end here. Return to the days when being a Western graduate meant flying above the crowd with quiet dignity, gentility, poise, and elegance. Make better use of the privilege and the opportunity. Congratulations Class of 2011. I wish you well in your future endeavors.

Good for you pricipal! Intentional poisoning and bodily harm is absolutely not a prank!! As a matter of fact if she does know who the students are that physically did these acts they need to be arrested, but the issue is that the school police are lazy and administrators don't suspend anymore because it makes their records look bad, they're not even allowed to use the term "in school suspension" on a students' record. I am a school nurse in the city, I sit in my office and observe, I'm pregnant so Idon't leave my office because at any minute these kids will assault you for ANY reason and the pricipals don't care until something happens to them, because assault on an administrator is automatic expulsion. I have no respect for the system that they have to follow and most of the parents. I wish I could video tape the way these kids are acting in the halls right now. I totally went off topic...sorry. But, I think that so many issues in the schools now are all interconnected. Kids think they are untouchable...

wow, reading through these "students of western" comments has made me think much less of western than the article itself did

@B-The apple on grammar never falls far from the tree. My girls were required to keep a copy of Elements of Style for classes before it was required by their perspective schools!!!!

@Brandon-I'm very busy but when I received donation requests from my daughter's former school several checks were in the mail. One to the Phylicia Barnes Fund so I put my money where my mouth is. Saw in the Sun ladies needed prom dresses. Donated several "very" expensive dresses I owned so you're correct we need to get involved........

Not to make excuses, because I know most will read it that way, but speaking from my classroom experience there's only so much I can do to stem the tide of poor writing and speaking.

I get 47 minutes a day for 180 days against 15 years of improper speaking and writing plus hours every day in a community that mangles the English language on a regular basis. My best writers have well written and well spoken parents, some of my worst writers (smart students, but not strong writers) have parents that write equally poorly on notes and speak similarly poorly in meetings.

Language learning starts long before you enter my 10th grade classroom. I work hard to fix what's broken, but there's only so much one person (vs. many) can do in a school year.

As Western Alumni, I am appalled to hear that our "Doves" are acting in such a manner. I don't remember a Senior Prank Day. We were groomed to act like young ladies. The Western High School students are alot different these days. They have lost the respect for their parents, teachers, and any other authoritative being that crosses their path. I remember my teachers and how their drive for us to succeed was embedded in our minds each and everyday.

The teachers are there to teach and guide, the principal is there to make sound responsible decisions, and the parents, who have or should have done their research about the school and the curriculum offered before enrolling their child, are suppose to back up the staff and their method to educate. Teachers are not in the school system to be babysitters. Its the parents job to be involved with their child and the progress of their childs education.

Ms. Trusty obviously made the best decision that she saw fit. It's unfortunate that the class of 2011 will not be able to parttake in the traditional senior events but, thats just it: they are a priviledge. Yes we pay dues every year for these events but if something comes about that causes a negative reactions, consequences should follow.
However, something should be done for those who did not participate in the prank. My question to that is, "how will the staff know and decide who did or did not participate in senior prank day??"

We have got to do better!!

The posts coming from Western High students and grads are not making Western High look very academic. Perhaps they should teach spelling and grammar in HS and not Pranking101.

Speaking as an active alum {Class of 1979} and as a parent of a freshman {Class of 2014}, I can honestly say that I'm mortified by these turn of events.

Two perspectives to consider:
1) For the current students at Wester - both upper and lower classwomen: GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER. Period. "Pranking" was NEVER a part of the hallowed Western tradition - we knew better and we would never willingly trash our school's reputation. EVER.

Part two of that equation: Consequences for your actions. As another poster mentioned, unless you have security cameras that can clearly identify the "pranksters" - everyone has to suffer the fallout. Is it fair? Probably not - but life generally isn't. Welcome to the real, ADULT world, ladies....

2) Parents: Training starts at home. If you are raising your daughter to be a lady and to have certain standards of behavior, decorum, modesty and most of all, a sense of well-being..we would not be having this conversation. The educational system can NOT make up for what needs to be, ought to be, instilled at home from a very young age.

3) Alumni: It's time to really GIVE the light back. This Western is NOT the same institution, whose "halls of ivy" I walked over 30 years ago. But that doesn't mean it can't be. These girls need to benefit from our wisdom, knowledge and awesome character that comes from being a Western graduate.

Western graduates have always been known as fine, upstanding young ladies who are a credit to their alma mater and their communities. I am certain that there are indeed students, parents and others who are not in favor of Ms. Trusty's decisions - but as a parent AND an alum..I am.

If you wish to be treated as a young adult, if you wish to bear the hallmark of such a fine institution as Western - you've got to walk the walk and talk the talk. Anything else is simply unacceptable.

WOW! NOTHING SURPRISES ME, SADLY. AS FOR THE WRITING: LAUGHABLE IF IT WASN'T SO SAD. YOU CAUSE THE WORDS WESTERN AND TRASHY TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS SENTENCE. SHAME ON YOU. WHAT A PITY THAT A ONCE RESPECTED SCHOOL HAS BEEN LOWERED TO THE GHETTO.

1. b\ claimed to be a teacher in Western's English department. Here are a breakdown of a few errors in his or her post.

"Another note to the grammar police."

This is a sentence fragment.

"We work with what comes in."

Youi should not end a sentence with a preposition.

"I work tirelessly to iron out and fix 15 years of poor grammar, sorry that it isn't perfect yet."

There are a few problems in this sentence. It combines two different ideas,switches between talking about a subject to talking directly to the audience, and is a sentence fragment because of the way the comma is used in lieu of a verb.

"Perhaps we should turn our eyes on earlier moments in education instead of expecting 4 years in *any* high school to completely convert poor habits into perfect writing."

There is no reason for an asterisk in this sentence.

2. There are a number of instructional practices in the field of writing that are more effective than providing instruction on grammar. Try searching for books by Steve Graham on Amazon. He is one of the leading researchers in the field. Some of his books might give you a start on addressing the major issues in written expression that were identified in these posts. Blaming previous teachers for the students' current performance is a non- starter.

As a Dove and parent of a student in the junior class I am absolutely appalled by the comments written by students and the cavalier attitudes related to these "pranks". What these students are considering pranks could have potentially caused someone physical harm. To me that is absolutely unacceptable. One student’s post said "we hang out in the senior lounge it was our last day we aren't learning anything anyway". That statement alone speaks volume. These children believe they are above reproach and that someone owes them something. When I was in school if my mother even thought I was skipping class I’d be in major trouble. These kids have no understanding of accountability and consequences. Sad, truly a sad situation.

Memo to Western students: Putting medication in drinking water and baby oil on stair cases is not "pranking". It is borderline criminal. People could easily get badly injured in both instances.

Also, judging by most of your letters, perhaps your principal should reinstate your celebrations, but require you go back and take remedial english (with a strong focus on grammar and spelling).

Good luck in the future....

One thing that struck me: these Western students, as evidenced from the above posts, have abysmal writing skills. It is problematic that students from one of the better schools can't write any better than that...

sfdaf

Brandon - you are correct. The alumnae should put their money and time where their mouth is, and so should the teachers, administrators and parents. My mother put her time into all the schools I attended. I don't know how many students are enrolled currently, but if one parent from every household volunteers regularly that should cover the entire 180 day school year. Some Western alumnae are working to keep the Alumnae Association and school strong financially. Many of us have started families and have children in school. Sometimes our time is spent volunteeering at their schools. In my case, I do math tutoring - utilizing my degreed knowledge and the love of Math I attained while at Western High- as a way of giving back and making a difference. I agree you should see some of us more than one time a year, but I hope you make that challenge to parents as well. There is enough blame to go around in a system that is flawed not just in Baltimore City but throughout the country. There are a myriad of ideas on how to make our schools better. We are not stuck in the "glory days" as you call them. We can't turn back the hands of time nor do we want to, but if we don't share the history and tradition, how will others know and strive to live the standard? We're also not stuck on stupid - we need to tell our children when the things they do are wrong and stop condoning unacceptable behavior as teenage pranks. All actions have a consequence be it positive or negative. So publicize the positive (send flyers and newsletters if the news media don't want to show up) and punish the negative. Now that I know there is a problem at my alma mater, I'm going to step up and do my part and I challenge others to do the same so that Western can maintain its GLORY status!

I am a former graduate of Western (c/o 2001). Pranking is a tradition that some Westernites may not remember but it happened in my class and for several classes before mine. Classes didn't have Computer Science before but we have it now. Times change a little even though the same principles at Western stand. Get over yourselves.

However I do not condone the pranks that were pulled. Putting bleach in drinking water and greasing down steps are way out of line. I feel for the innocent seniors who are missing out on a rite of passage because a few people, including some non seniors, decided to go too far. It has to be made known that pranks like these will not be tolerated from ANYONE. High school is a time to make mistakes but to also learn that mistakes have consequences.

And to the grammar police, get a hobby. Not everyone considers commenting on an article on the net the pinnacle of English achievement. If you falsely try to blame the school for a VERY small percentage of people who choose to use bad grammar, then dust off your degree and go teach at Western. Make a difference if you think you can. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and made to eat your words.

In the 70s, we routinely had 40+ girls in each class, older textbooks, and no parents volunteering in school. We spent the day learning - period. There was zero need for teachers or administrators to address behavioral issues. 96% of my classmates went on to college. Something now is so broken that not even all the small class sizes and high-priced school superintendents can fix, unless the role of personal responsibility - both for parents and students - again becomes standard issue.

If you are going to make comments about spelling, grammar, punctuation and other pertinent English writing skills, then please reread your comments before posting them to the blog. For example, Jim criticizes the students by cutting and pasting their comments and including them in his comment section, yet he himself has at least one error in his writing. Jim writes, "Please consider the punishment as an opportunity to begin the process of making those changes rather than thinking of it as a loss opportunity to attend a ceremony." Jim needs to reread his sentence and replace the word loss with the word lost. The recent St. Mary's College graduate and Western 2007 graduate's first paragraph has grammatical errors. Mandy Q blames auto type for her errors. Even after attempting to fix that problem, her writing is still littered with errors. Someone has already noted the difference between principle and principal. It is disheartening to hear about serious behavior problems at two of Baltimore City's "premier" high schools. We all know that these schools have seen a decline in the overall caliber of the student body over the last 30 years.

I can say with certainty that the students' poor writing is not a reflection of the English department. In fact, I was taught by the school's current department head and every student from my days at City knows about her level of rigor and her high standards. I am sure she has not changed.

What I find even more disturbing than the poor grammar and writing is the idea that students are so arrogant, disrepectful and defiant. I would have never addressed a principal in such a manner - it is clear that these girls received a great deal of practice in disrepecting adults without any consequences.

Since you Western ladies are feeling so rebellious, allow me to share a list of things that might require your attention. How about rebelling against:

1. the idea that articulate black people are simply "acting white" and "being proper"?

2. the misogynist song lyrics that dangle from your ears daily?

3. the boy that tells you "it feels better if he ain't wearing one"?

4.the fact that society has such low expectations of you that no one is REALLY surprised to see the writing skills you display so proudly?

5. the media images that tell you that you are not pretty unless you put a weave in your hair or wear colored contacts?

6. the media images that tell you that every woman is your enemy -- hence the need to concoct a special venom for your female authority figure?

Surely none of this is beyond your grasp. After all, you are a Westernite.

I think it's great...people always learn from their mistakes and lack of good judgment; but this time, they will learn from their sisters’ as well. They should have known from day one of attending the school that it’s about standards…”Only the Best” right?

Class of 87

I'm just glad that MaryLand parents are true disciplinarians instead of trying to be their kids' friends.

I am a studeny at western highschool. The sr. class was not wrong because they did not do anything that was "harmfull" the underclassmen did. Ms.Trusty said herself that she had individual students so why punish the whole sr class? She aproved the pranks but failed to mention that to the media. In the beginning of the school year BCPSS took a big amount of money out of western's budget, they also took the jr administrator because lack of money and the recent situation with 14 sr not getting accepted into college because of school error what about that but, when BCPSS or the administration makes the school look bad or does something wrong its fine but when sr and underclassmen does pranks thats been done scince c/o 2001 its a huge deal. Also alumni how about give some time an money back to the school and we will live up to your "standards" the only time we see you is unity day. Instead of criticising how about helping? Four years of Western High School is a stressful time they were just letting off some much needed stem and it went to far.

No system is perfect as well as no person. Western High School is a great school. I am honored that my daughter is graduating in the class of 2011. Western policies although stringent have molded the senior class into outgoing, articulant young ladies. Their speech and grammar may not be accurate. But, it's obvious, Western High School, has instilled in them their voice is important. Their statements of reflection are a flashback of the 60's and 70's. I wish all graduates great success!

You know I say this... I heard from former graduates from Western say that the school was going downhill. I recently ran into a faculty member who will remain nameless and he expressed the same but with much more detail *INCLUDING* that he did not know if the students were solely to blame or were facility part of the issue as well.

As a business owner, i've reached out to Ms. Trusty to assist in various capacities yet and still through numerous phone calls, messages etc NO RESPONSE. Does she want the assistance of alumni or not?

The alumni association made a decision that only active, dues paying members could go into the classrooms and talk with students after Unity Day. Everyone does not have the means to be actively involved with the Alumni Association and I think that you should accept help when it is offered. My question to all administrators at Western is "Are the students truly the problem?"

I love Western and I hate to see my beloved alma mater in the news for a negative action but we have to be accountable and place fault where it is due.

okay i go to western and this is really starting to make our school look like the typical baltimore high school. I did not go to school on Senior Prank Day because i had already knew about what they planned to do and poly had almost the same problem the baby oil and throwing bleach. The seniors did go wayyy too far but punishing all of them for something they have been waiting for, for 4 years just isnt fair.

BTW a prank is for fun, laughter, not to hurt anyone, I do not understand why they did all of that. Its a shame that the people are asking "is it safe to drink that;its not poisnoned is it? , im very hesitant about drinking that water". However, Ms.Trusty needs to give them their money back, if we or they were rich they would be in a private school somewhere, therefore she needs to give it back if their priveleges are gone. I wish the adults keep in mind although we are Western students doesnt mean we do not have problems with writing. Its not the Western teachers, those are things their middle school teachers may have lacked to teach them. Besides this is a high school, they are not there to tell yu to check your spelling, grammar maybe, otherwise they just care about the quality and effort in the work

I am a 2009 graduate of Western High School and since I have graduated, I have heard nothing but negative things. I heard that the Class of 2010 were doing "off the wall" pranks and now I am hearing that my "little sisters" are doing the same. To be honest, all of these negative acts are putting a damper on Western. When I attended, Western received the Blue Ribbon award and by looking at the last two years, Western will not be receiving that award anytime soon. As I read a lot of the comments, I saw that people are more concerned about criticizing the students grammar than the main concern. So what that the girls have misspelled words and havent put commas where they need to be, look at the overall situation. These girls wont have the same opportunity as every other class. I have never met Mrs. Trusty before but I know that when I was at Western, if any prank happened those students were taken care of. There were no newspaper article on every little thing that we did. I think that is "O.D" One thing that the administration need to do is have better control over the students because if they do not, Western will experience more negative acts. I cannot believe the negativity from this school because of the students. Someone needs to put a foot down and step up to these girls and maybe they will listen.

This certainly shouldn't be the main focus of the debate, but is anyone else surprised that the seniors' last day was Friday, May 13th? According to the Baltimore City Public School website, graduation is scheduled for June 5th. What will seniors do for three weeks? Surely prom and other senior activities will not take up that much time....I would love to hear a rationale on that decision.

Ok, let me just come to the defense of my girls for one 'quick' second...a number of you have posted comments in disgust of the students' grammar and language. Let me just say that Ms. Alisha Trusty's grammar and the way she carry's herself is not necessarily in a manner in which you would expect of a seasoned Principal of a distinguished high school...in other words, she's no shinning example of what to say and do, and she is certainly a bad example of 'quite dignity'. I mean, I don't know how many of my sisters attended Unity Day, but if you did, you certainly know what I'm talking about. Now this is not to dismiss the grammar and language used by the students that have posted here, I too think it's pretty disgraceful, but if your talking leading by example...well...

As for Ms. Alisha taking away two of the senior activities, I wish she would reconsider that decision. I feel for all of the senior class that DID NOT participate in the pranks last week, those that have done what they are supposed to do and those that have worked hard and studied hard. It is not fair that the majority of the students have to suffer for those few that participated. I wish that Ms. Trusty would be more in-tune with her students, especially being a "freshman" principal herself...because she certainly hasn't made many friends among her students (or faculty for that matter) here at Western. I agree with another blogger that stated that she hasn't seen Ms. Trusty all year, and now, and only now, she comes out of her office and the first thing she does is act out with harsh disciplinary actions. As a parent and alumnae, I have had the occasion to witness for myself her lack of presence and interaction with the girls.

I think that a lot of the problem with the school these days is that the girls don't realize the tradition and the heritage this school represents. When I was at Western, every morning, we heard "You are a part of the Best-All-Female-Public-High-School-In-The-Nation" every morning, we heard this affirmation, our esteem was reassured everyday that we were the best, that we were young women of dignity...and that we were examples others modeled. The girls of recent years don't get that. There are a few administrators and teachers that drive that point, but it's not drilled in like it used to be...you know better, you do better...and these girls don't know why they are here, or what their worth is, or that they are the best...they don't know that.

I recommend that parents get involved, and alumnae get involved. If the girls see us present in the school, they now have role models and they now have examples of how to act, and how to carry themselves. http://www.whsaainc.org/
http://spincommittee.wordpress.com/

City forever

I am a current student at western, and while alumni complain about our improper grammar and everyhting else, how about you give back to the school! All you do is brag and boast about how proud you are to be a western graduate, but what are you doing for the school now? Nothing! Before you waste your breath complaining about how bad the school has become, contribute to making it a better place. Until then, stop just talking about it!

Pushing boundaries is normal adolescent behavior. Kids are like gasses--they expand to fill their containers.

Andres Alonso has crippled teachers and administrators by removing any consequence to students' actions. Good for the principal for doing whatever she could to send a message.

Alonso and his lackeys have decided that suspensions aren't an effective punishment because "students aren't learning when they're suspended." He's wrong--they're learning to behave themselves.

His focus on testing (by hook or by crook, "data cleansing" etc.) above all is shortsighted and does a disservice to our kids. If you waved a magic wand over my seniors and gave them wonderful academic skill levels, grades, and SAT scores, the vast majority would be completely unprepared for the simplest job, let alone college. Their behavior and lack of responsibility for their actions would doom them in the real world. Of course this has something to do with them, and with their parents, but I also blame the school system's permissive attitude.

Oh and Western, vaunted as it may have been in the old days, has an average SAT score which is far below the national average, and even below schools in other jurisdictions which are thought of as jokes. Glen Burnie, Dundalk, etc.

It's all very sad and I wish these wonderful girls were given better guidance so they could reach their potential.

I am a Western grad from the class of '09. In my time of being at Western there were several senior pranks such as dead fish in the bathroom sinks, and even laxatives in the water. My class did not lose any privileges for their pranks. I do believe that the new Principal has gone too far with taking away both banquet and farewell. Farewell is a Western tradition and should not be taken away for participating in senior prank day. If Ms. Trusty knew of some of the traditions she would not be so quick to take away these traditions.

I graduated Poly in 08, and I can say that since I left BOTH schools have declined in quality....and as much as the girls of Western and their parents want to make the argument that not all of their class should be punished, there's no other way to do it. What would the administration do? Just ask ppl "did you have any part of it?" That wouldnt do a thing. Sadly, even if it was only 10 or 20 of them, you have to punish everyone.

Also, people keep talking about giving back to the school and all of that, but blaming the bad quality of the school on money is ridiculous! how can you say that because you dont have enough money and donations to do certain things around the school that affects the school's behavior??

Honestly I can say that there's a lack of maturity in some of these arguments...The thing that you all need to realize is that The reason you're in the news so much (same for poly, i have my problems with the way that schools going now too) is because of the declining standards...hopefully people can realize that its not always about who did it, but why did it happen in the first place.

Lets cut right to the chase: the revolting behavior and abysmal writing skills are respectively, the result of students 1) not being suspended or expelled for unacceptable behavior and 2) being taught to the test and being passed on to the next grade despite not having mastered the material. It is not because of alumni who do not contribute beyond our insane city property taxes. I am hoping the mayoral race forces a fresh look at how we got to this horrible business-as-usual place and results in the replacement of any and all who enable girls who can't write a proper English sentence to enroll at Western - starting with Dr. Alonso. I remember my mother pleading with the principal thirty-some years ago to let my younger sister in, for she was only a C student. Bring back standards or be done with the school, which right now seems to have lost its reason for being beyond cutting boys out of the school day equation. I'd rather have the savings go to Baltimore School for the Arts to bring back the laid-off teachers.

To the students that are on here claiming that nobody got hurt (DOM), or that there is no proof (Kira): tell that to my friend, a teacher there, that went to the hospital yesterday due to continuing problems from ingesting the water.

You're going to lose your $250 of dues? That will help with the medical bill, or potential civil suit. Keep in mind: if it was someone with political motivations that poisoned (yes, bleach is a poison) drinking water at a schoool, it would be considered a terrorist activity or, at a minimum, definitely criminal.

Welcome to the real world. For the rest of your life, you may be impacted by the actions of your peers. Simply turning the other cheek and proclaiming "it wasn't me" isn't enough to be shielded from the fallout.

First of all, let me say that I am proud alumnus of Western High, and I received an outstanding education from the BCPSS. Western was a school for only the best, not only academically, but the ladies of Western displayed the best behavior, discipline, respect, and dignity above all that applied. Evidently someone screwed up in the admissions office. When standards are lowered or not met and discipline issues are not addressed properly or even ignored, this is the result. However, I’m going to get off of Western, because the problem is bigger than Western. People, especially children, only show what they know. How many times must we say that a child’s respect for others starts at home with their parent or guardian? Maybe allowing everyone to attend public school is a bad idea. Maybe public school should not be free. Meaning, if you have a child in public school, you should assist in the productivity of the public school educational system in some way…not necessarily monetarily, but perhaps time or talent. This will take some of the responsibility off the teachers and place it back where it belongs, the parents. Parents, besides the student, are primary stakeholders in their children’s educations not the teachers. If the parents don’t show any interest, it’s hard for someone who has no direct responsibility or accountability to show interest. Schools should be opened to the public, but let’s face it; some people send their children to school for all the wrong reasons. Americans take free education for granted. I say this because, if they were sending them to get an education, they would be active in achieving the goal of graduation and being aware of what is happening at the school. Maybe some Americans need to take a field trip to another country where going to school and getting an education is a privilege. Public School is not a social hang out spot and if you can’t act right at school, stay home with your momma and let the ones who want to learn, learn. Get your act together Doves; Westernites are better than this.

First of all, let me say that I am proud alumnus of Western High, and I received an outstanding education from the BCPSS. Western was a school for only the best, not only academically, but the ladies of Western displayed the best behavior, discipline, respect, and dignity above all that applied. Evidently someone screwed up in the admissions office. When standards are lowered or not met and discipline issues are not addressed properly or even ignored, this is the result. However, I’m going to get off of Western, because the problem is bigger than Western. People, especially children, only show what they know. How many times must we say that a child’s respect for others starts at home with their parent or guardian? Maybe allowing everyone to attend public school is a bad idea. Maybe public school should not be free. Meaning, if you have a child in public school, you should assist in the productivity of the public school educational system in some way…not necessarily monetarily, but perhaps time or talent. This will take some of the responsibility off the teachers and place it back where it belongs, the parents. Parents, besides the student, are primary stakeholders in their children’s educations not the teachers. If the parents don’t show any interest, it’s hard for someone who has no direct responsibility or accountability to show interest. Schools should be opened to the public, but let’s face it; some people send their children to school for all the wrong reasons. Americans take free education for granted. I say this because, if they were sending them to get an education, they would be active in achieving the goal of graduation and being aware of what is happening at the school. Maybe some Americans need to take a field trip to another country where going to school and getting an education is a privilege. Public School is not a social hang out spot and if you can’t act right at school, stay home with your momma and let the ones who want to learn, learn. Get your act together Doves; Westernites are better than this.

Western Student and others, how are alumnae contributions going to improve the grammar and writing skills of Western's current student population? Before you blame others for not contributing enough to your education, I would encourage you to reflect upon what you've done to help yourself in furthering your own academic progress. It's up to you and your peers to make your school a better place. Sure, alumnae can serve as role models, volunteer in the school, mentor students, or even donate money, but none of this will matter if students aren't putting in the required effort or showing dedication to their education. It's very easy for students to complain about things that are lacking in the school, how their teachers can't teach, or about how no one is willing to help them--yet these are often the exact same students who don't pay attention in class, refuse to see teachers for extra help, and put no effort into their school work after school hours or on weekends. Then, when senior year comes around, these very students expect phenomenal grades and college scholarships to be handed over to them. I hope reality will eventually sink in...

It makes no sense to blame the Principals for their students’ misbehavior in the disgraceful events at Western and Poly last week as these types of problems are widespread in our area’s schools nowadays, including in the counties. The fact is that almost all of today’s students are completely lacking in civility, self-discipline, or a sense of personal responsibility in any facet of their lives. In the city, and cities across the country, the students have become feral: gangs suddenly pounce on individuals without provocation, the most offensive slurs are unthinkingly incorporated into virtually every sentence the students speak, and their work ethics actually aim for sloth instead of the traditional American values of industry and sacrifice. Currently, Baltimore’s high school Principals spend more time hiding what really happens in their schoolhouses than they do attacking these problems (because what gets reported in the news, even in these cases, is always a very sanitized version of the truth). I think we have reached a point where 3 elite high schools in Baltimore may be 2 too many because our middle schools in Baltimore right now are just not producing enough advanced students to justify the redundancy.

Without a critical mass of advanced students, schools like Western and Poly do Baltimore’s best students a disservice; they are led to believe that they are receiving advanced instruction only to find themselves behind everyone else when they do get accepted into a top college. This failure is because their teachers needed to slow down their instruction for the marginal students, who now form majorities in these schools, meaning that the brightest students are being shortchanged. As such, it might be time to restructure our city’s system to one where there is only one elite high school; a second tier of less rigorous/more remedial, college preparatory schools; and a third tier of vocational, alternative/special education and general “zoned” high schools. North Avenue could better equip one elite school with the necessary (and expensive) educational technologies that are currently so scarce across the city. Students placed in a school with students of similar ability would be less likely to see themselves as unteachable and doomed, so they would be less likely to give up on schoolwork entirely. And our best students will not be made to feel like weird super-geeks for doing their homework and caring about their futures while surrounded by peers who couldn’t care less and do no work, seemingly without any negative ramifications.

After a few days of reflecting on the Western situation and reading all the posts, I want to comment on the experience and skill of yet another very young, fairly inexperienced administrator. Trusty's resume may have a laundry list of accomplishments, but do the math. Each job, task etc was very brief. AAA is determined to put inexperienced people in top level positions because they spout the jargon.Time and time again they are proving that there is nothing more valuable than experience in the field. How much experience? Debatable but certainly more than many new administrators have acquired.Trusty does not appear to have the skill, maturity,or experience to lead a top high school to success.

After a few days of reflecting on the Western situation and reading all the posts, I want to comment on the experience and skill of yet another very young, fairly inexperienced administrator. Trusty's resume may have a laundry list of accomplishments, but do the math. Each job, task etc was very brief. AAA is determined to put inexperienced people in top level positions because they spout the jargon.Time and time again they are proving that there is nothing more valuable than experience in the field. How much experience? Debatable but certainly more than many new administrators have acquired.Trusty does not appear to have the skill, maturity,or experience to lead a top high school to success.

I'm wondering why the most important thing to most of the people that is commenting this post is about the WHS students grammer. Does this post have anything to do with grammer? NO. Many parents wasted their money dealing with Western because many of the senior activities were taken away.
1. The seniors will receive no SENIOR class shirt
2. No Senior hoodie
3. No Banquet
4. No Farewell
5. No Class trip
So where did all this money go?
Nobody knows.
Are the Seniors getting a refund?
Probably NOT !
Seniors Dues are $250, many parents did not have the money to pay the school for the things the Seniors were suppose to be doing.
All I'm saying is the parents should get some type of refund.

Dear Western Ladies,

Unfortunately, as a result of the actions of a few, the entire class suffers! Maybe this will send a message to the rest of your classmates. As Western Ladies pranks of this magnitude are unacceptable and yes suffer the consequences. Western Ladies should be preparing themselve to become futurepositive Leaders, not clowns!

i would say that i dont appreciate the seniors lying on our sophmore class we were not involved in any of this foolish activity that went on and if you all really want to know what actually happened the freshmans put laxitives in the water and put baby oil on the steps. the seniors put bleach into the water coolers. and to a certain extent i dont think that all seniors should be punished for this.

All I have to say is what happened to the sisterhood in Western High School? Oh, I forgot that stopped when everyone graduated. I say that if you don't know the situation and all that happened that Friday, then you need to do one of two things mind your business or investigate on what really happened. To whoever gave false information to the news thanks for slandering Western High Schools name.

All I have to say is what happened to the sisterhood in Western High School? Oh, I forgot that stopped when everyone graduated. I say that if you don't know the situation and all that happened that Friday, then you need to do one of two things mind your business or investigate on what really happened. To whoever gave false information to the news thanks for slandering Western High Schools name.

One of the stand out signs of the problematic educational experiences of these students is their belief that complaints about a lost $250 will bring sympathy from the broader community. Quite the opposite seems to be true. The broader community believes that the students have earned more serious consequences for their criminal acts and limited academic effort. I think a lot of people would be willing to give the school's parents and students back the $250 that they feel is wasted on graduation events if they were willing to give us back the tax dollars that many of us feel were wasted on the students' education.

When I went to Western in 2007, there were a few fights here and there (I was in one because I was picked on) but our class NEVER did anything of that magnitude. Our senior pranks were harmless (we just turned things upside down), and in the end we conducted ourselves as LADIES. We never went beyond to disrespect or harm our fellow students or beloved faculty. The behavior of the Class of 2011 is deplorable. This ALMOST makes me ashamed to be a Westernite.

For anyone who has no frame of reference (and that would include most of the students at Western too), every student is issued a handbook with Western and BCPSS policies on the first day of their freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior year. The handbook states that any senior who incurs any referal automatically forfeits her rights to any senior privilege. What the school lacks is backbone to adhere to this policy. Why is it that going to a prom or walking the stage at graduation trumps everything else in a student's career nowadays? And why is it, after failing to live up to the student's end of the contract (yes, it's a contract), the student and parent and ignorant masses complain? What is really funny: hearing that the current juniors were planning their senior pranks on Friday during lunch just a few days after this whole mess... a year in advance. It would be nice if the administration stepped up and followed the policies they publish every year in their own handbook and set the tone from day one (instead of trying to bargain with ignorant students/parents). Unfortunately, the rising seniors may only have this class to look up to.

The principal has accused the senior class of pranks to justify her cancelling the senior events. Based on what I have heard about what really happened the principal is not being truthful. She condoned the pranks and then decided she did not like the outcome, true leadership would take responsibility for their actions. Problem is the principal is out of the building alot of the day, when she's in the building she's in her office with the door closed. There are problems at the school that starts at the top, there is no leadership, not with the pricipal or with the assistant principals. Administrations like these are what is wrong with the city schools.

I'm not about to tell you that, in 1965, we trudged 5 miles through the snow - uphill both ways - to get to Western. However, after climbing 5 flights of stairs (w/o AC) in skirts with hose/kneehighs in September heat to get to homeroom, we were far too tired to contemplate "senior pranks". Our condemned Howard St. facility was so crowded that classes had gone on shifts: Sr/Jr - a.m. So/Fr - p.m. One took the five majors (no break, no study hall, no lunch, no gym); attended assemblies next door in the Stanton theater; and walked several blocks - winters, too - to the "Y" for swimming class. Even misbehavior on students' OWN time brought negative notice. Announcements were frequently read over the PA system citing WHS young ladies acting up "on the No. 23 bus", for example. Thus, it is with the deepest sorry that I've learned of all the bad press my beloved alma mater has earned of late. Perhaps Ms. Trusty's exclusion of all paying seniors from year-end events was unfair and somewhat draconian. However, the posts on this site indicate that conduct is not the only standard that's slipping...if this is the best some of the posters could do, they wouldn't have been eligible for graduation from WHS 'back in the day'.

I'll edit myself: "...it is with the deepest SORROW..." that I apologize for hitting the send button before self-checking a second time:). Also, wish to clarify a fine point for some of today's youngsters. As working, homeowning, taxpaying adults, we ARE "giving back" every day. I'm childless - by choice - and give back a fortune in property/school/income taxes for the education of other people's children and, one would hope, the eventual betterment of society. Don't give me (single parent/low income/dysfunctional) family backgrounds; I came from there. My mother, pregnant at 16 and abandoned with me, had to quit Western, and didn't rest until I graduated - at 15. She would have kicked my sorry butt from here into next week if I'd have even considered such mayhem as WHS Doves now wreak. Even if one were raised by wolves, there exist some examples of socially-acceptable behavior which must be followed. If your parents don't care, your teachers are overwhelmed, and the administration too hog-tied by political correctness to address such madness, tap into your own sense of self-respect ...to which, BTW, you are not entitled, but earn over time as you exhibit individual character in crisis and do the right thing.

I'm sorry "School Person"...since when are Senior Pranks tradition. I am a graduate of the class of 2003 and there was never behavior like this.

This is a disgrace to the Westernite of years past. The current student body is unfit and are destined for failure if they believe antics like this should go unpunished.

Furthermore, senior dues are OPTIONAL. You do not have to pay them. In paying your dues, you should understand, in advance, that any privelege can be taken away based on poor conduct, attendance, or grades.

Be responsible. In the real world, groups and entire nations are punished for the actions of small groups. It's the way the world works. It's the way the LAW works.

I am disgraced and I shall pray for the youth today.

I'm sorry School Person...since when are Senior Pranks tradition. I am a graduate of the class of 2003 and there was never behavior like this.

This is a disgrace to the Westernite of years past. The current student body is unfit and are destined for failure if they believe antics like this should go unpunished.

Furthermore, senior dues are OPTIONAL. You do not have to pay them. In paying your dues, you should understand, in advance, that any privelege can be taken away based on poor conduct, attendance, or grades.

Be responsible. In the real world, groups and entire nations are punished for the actions of small groups. It's the way the world works. It's the way the LAW works.

I am disgraced and I shall pray for the youth today.