November 2009 Archives » Askthejudge

Darien, Connecticut is a town of approximately 20,000 residents. Since 1970, it has looked to its teenagers for help in emergency situations. It started when a group of parents wanted to teach their children about the devastating effects of drug and alcohol abuse. In 1970, Explorer Post …

At Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa, several varsity cheerleaders created a squad for children with disabilities. Ten girls from 8 to 15 years old, with special needs from autism to Down Syndrome, practice twice a week with volunteer cheerleaders. The Spartan Sparkles squad is …

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers younger than 20 had the highest distracted driving fatality rate in the country. Drivers 20 to 29 rated second. In 2008, almost 6,000 people died and over 500,000 were injured in accidents attributed to distracted driving. A …

  If you are a student in the South Orange-Maplewood School District in New Jersey, you won’t hear religious selections such as Joy to the World, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing or Silent Night in this year’s holiday performances. The district does allow secular (non-religious) songs …

Ten-year-old Will Phillips did just that on October 5, 2009. A fifth-grader at West Fork Middle School in Arkansas, Will remained in his seat while the rest of the class stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge is more than a rote recitation …

The United Kingdon launched Anti-Bullying Week (November 16 to 21, 2009) with a definitive report titled “Virtual Violence: Protecting Children from Cyberbullying.” The report was published by Beatbullying.org, a leading bullying prevention charity in England. Beatbullying.org responded to findings that 69% of young people who …