Grade School Paddlings
 

I remember when I was in the fifth grade we were going on a field trip, and I was late and didn't get to go. I had to spend the whole day alone in my classroom, except for an occasional visit from the teacher next door to check on me. I didn't have much to do, and it was boring. I remember at one point in the early afternoon hearing the sound of 4 girls getting paddled in the pricipals office. I remember each one running out of the principals office, and past my room which was next to his office. These girls were 7th grade girls, and their big crime was passing notes in class. 5 swats with a mean school paddle for 13 year girls, just for passing notes.I had not yet grown up to where such things had any effect except horror for me. These girls were A students, and I can not imagine they deserved such a hard punishment for passing notes. Things have sure changed, and I believe for the better, I will admit some girls would benefit from a swat or two nowdays, but things like this bordered on brutality.