Art Supplies Theft
Features, Volume 1: Late October
By: Yara HidalgoMany of us, in our early childhood were taught that stealing is WRONG and that you should never keep something without the owner giving it to you. According to www.dictionary.com the exact definition of stealing is “to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, esp. secretly or by force.”There has been an issue that has both caught my attention and impacts the entire school because it sets a tone and mood. Over the course of the year, students have been stealing many things from her classroom. It’s sad to know that we have students who don’t have a moral conscience who only think about themselves and don’t take into consideration the effects that they cause. By writing this article, hopefully I will get to touch the hearts of those students who have sneaked into their pockets something that isn’t theirs.
I confronted Ms. Kimble on Thursday to ask how she felt about the issue.Q: When did you start noticing that your materials were missing?A: “About the second week of class.”Q: What things have been missing? (specify)A: “Erasers 30, pencils+, blending tools (stubs), props for drawing, 2 clear and glitter balls which were taken from the top of my desk also taken from my desk, 2 erasers shaped like dollar bills, one like a skull and bones, a small sealed red envelope with money in it, drawing pencils, pens, markers, scissors, taken from the drawer of my desk almost an entire box of black markers, one larger ball black with white buttons all over it , taken from my drawing pencil box at least 15 markers that are double sided that cost about $4 each, 3 small model cars, 3 entire sets of markers, plus other assorted markers, a lizard that was a prop which a teacher later returned to me, 7 small pumpkins, 9 small dried corn, bugs (plastic ones), 6 turtles.”
Q: How do you feel about this?A: “I am extremely disappointed and sad that my student’s would steal from our class and continue to do so after I have talked to them. There seems to be a general acceptance of the fact that individuals steal and it seems to be ok.”Q: What have you done to prevent it from happening again?A: “I have rearranged the room and do not allow students in certain areas.”Q: Has it worked?A: “Not very well.”Q: Has this ever happened to you at other schools you’ve taught?A: “Yes, occasionally but never to this extent.”Q: How does this affect the rest of the students?A: “I don’t know how much longer I can continue to provide interesting objects, (props) to draw, I spend my own time to purchase items for class. I spend my own money and then I have to wait to get reimbursed which takes quite awhile. So that takes money out of my personal budget. It means that all of my classes will suffer and be without because of a few selfish individuals who have no personal or social conscience…….”Q: What’s the message you want to send to the students who took your materials?A: “First that it is wrong to steal which I am sure they know, and second why would you steal from yourself and from people who are trying to help you and who care about you it’s like stealing from your family from your social and school family.”
Q: Why, do you think students stole your materials?A: “Fist for selfish reasons, only caring about what they want. Because maybe they do not have certain things so they feel entitled to take from others and because of ignorance to the idea that they are hurting themselves and others who care about them. And because we all have to learn that we should develop a social conscience which means for the greater good, to care about yourself as part of a larger community of friends, associates, school mates and people just like you who make up your community that you live in your family and friends, your school, your city ,your state , your country your planet.”Q: What other alternatives have you worked out?A: “I am in the process now. Hopefully this article will help.”Ms. Kimble feels very disappointed because she no longer has the trust she use to have with her students. Students who stole, please stop killing it for everyone, PLEASE STOP stealing. It is not fun, and it is not good because it’s preventing all of us from using good materials. After experiences like this, Ms. Kimble won’t like to buy materials that are worth it. What would she spend her time and energy for if students are going to steal them again? Do it for your own self conscience. Do what’s right, not what’s wrong! Remember that what goes around comes around, KARMA!!!
admin @ October 28, 2007