One time, he and several other colleagues who were teaching Mac-
beth asked if they could arrange for an after-school (for the juniors, after
school on a back-to-back session was 12:30) showing of a movie version
of Macbeth. Ms. White thought it a great idea and said she would drop in
to see part of the movie. Pressed for time, these teachers handled all the
arrangements, but never thought to preview the movie. Mr. Thelen and
his colleagues were in a state of shock as the students watched the Roman
Polanski Macbeth. The students were unaffected by the blood and gore
(tame by today’s standards); then Principal White walked into the room
just in time for Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene—done in the nude by
Francesca Annis.
Mr. Thelen expected the worst, but since there were no student or parent
complaints that he learned about, the only feedback he and his colleagues
received from their principal was that it was great to organize such events
for students—but remember to preview any films in the future.
Anyone who has ever taken students on a school trip knows how difficult
this can be. Any principal, whether in New York City or rural Kansas,
knows that whenever he signs permission for students to go on a school
trip, he is entrusting the staff member organizing the trip with his job.
New York City teachers planning a school trip must abide by multiple
rules, all explained and delineated in the district’s regulations: correct
completion of the standard permission slip, obtaining parental consents,
obtaining consent from teachers for students to miss class (for educational
trips during the regular school day), and providing for the required number
of adult chaperones. Every principal in every community will make sure
that every district regulation is followed to the letter. Every principal knows
that, despite this, if something goes wrong, he will be given the blame.
Many years ago, students from a school in New York City went
on a trip to Great Adventure amusement park in nearby New Jersey.
There was major fire in one of the attractions. Tragically, several of the
students died. After the fact, questions arose as to why students even
went to an amusement park during school time, what type of safety and
insurance guarantees the school had required, and so forth. All the re-
quirements and rules were stiffened considerably. Officially, the district
still encouraged school trips, telling parents that the city, with all its
museums, parks, theaters, and other cultural venues, was the classroom.
Let Your People Fly 77