To capitalize on high school reunions, provide participants with current information on the school system, open the school to the reunion, encourage reunion organizers to invite retired teachers and board members whose work affected the class, establish a class scholarship fund, and publicize graduates' achievements. (PGD)

A Supreme Court ruling of January 1985 reversed a New Jersey Supreme Court decision of March 1984, which found a student search violated the Fourth Amendment. The reversal by the Supreme Court leaves unanswered some important questions about school searches. (MD)

At a Florida high school, students who break school rules face predetermined consequences that are ascending in severity. The success of the system is contingent on staff training, communication, recordkeeping, administrative support, and evaluation. (MLF)

Recent developments in school law by a foremost school law authority. (LR)

La Mirada's RAP program is conceived on the notion that the only way to help young drug users is to get them to help themselves. When it becomes uncool'' to take drugs, they're likely to want to get off drugs. That's when the serious talking begins. (Author)

School officials should investigate possible internal causes of vandalism. Many malicious incidents appear to be caused by children who feel alienated by their failure to achieve academic goals or to develop normal self-esteem. (Author/WM)

Ten not-so-serious recommendations for policymakers based on the rationale that art education takes time away from the classes that prepare students for standardized tests. (Author/MLF)

Uses the story of one student to examine the role and responsibility of the school in helping violent students. (IRT)

Studies show that children who have trouble making and keeping friends during their early years often develop negative attitudes toward school. Friends provide important functions in child development, which include supplying emotional and cognitive resources. Friends also help one another develop social skills. (MLF)

Student focus groups persuaded a Kentucky school district to modify a proposed security plan. The Partnership for Kentucky Schools, a coalition of business working for continuous improvement, has produced a detailed guide "Turn Up the Volume: The Students Speak Toolkit" for schools seeking to conduct quality research. (MLF)

In February 1983, Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District in California's Silicon Valley will link its school computer to privately owned microcomputers in students' homes. Funded by a $75,000 grant from the Atari Foundation, the link will initially help students to match their school records with college admissions requirements. (RW)

Students need to know the difference between snitching to get someone in trouble and disclosing disturbing information to save lives, prevent harm, or right a wrong. Elements in the school culture that would encourage students to confide in adults include trust, adults in close proximity, positive school climate, information hotlines, and…

Among the features of a good public school choice plan are (1) a clear goal statement; (2) information and counseling for parents in selecting programs for their children; and (3) admissions procedures that are fair and equitable. Cites characteristics of school choice programs in Minnesota and East Harlem, New York. (MLF)

A high school senior found that no one appeared concerned about the effect of a teachers' strike on students. Some students organized against the strike while maintaining a neutral stance. Urges board members to work harder to avoid a breakdown in negotiations. (MLF)