That's what I'd envisioned at that moment, so I thought maybe we could craft a blurb to use...something short & sweet and to the point. Something like this:
Dear Vice Principal,
It has come to my attention that you suspended a student for participation in activities that were proscribed and sanctioned by the school's administration (and yourself); these activities were in the spirit of the medieval era, for which all students were encouraged to engage in- what is the message we should take back with us? That said participation should fall within certain guidelines? That would certainly be acceptable, were those guidelines clearly established previously. It does not seem to be the case- and the penalty, which was suspension and community service, IS a good deal more harsh than it should be, seeing as the student did NOT bring a weapon of any kind, nor was his horse unattended- he rode, and his friend acting as squire, had the bridle secured, which any horseman knows, is the best way to restrain a horse from bolting. I think, in the future, for this and any other scholastic events, clear and concise guidelines should be sent to the homes of the students so that they understand what is and what isn't allowed. Should they break with those guidelines, the consequences that follow won't seem as overly punitive or paranoid- something usually associated with school administrations nationwide of late.
Sincerely,
It needs tweaking.
