Student Council, Friday, Lunchtime

[bigdamnprincipal]

While the lunch set out on the table consisted of the usual arrangement of pizza, sandwiches, and salads, there were also a lot of pumpkin-flavored sweets since it was that time of year.

"Parents Weekend went very well, you should all be proud of yourselves," she said, once everyone was sitting down. "I hope everyone is planning on going on our trip next week, but first, we've got to get some plans in place for Homecoming. For those who are new, Homecoming weekend is when we welcome people back to the island who have graduated or lived here before. If nothing else, it gives us an opportunity to have a dance night and expend some of the substantial glitter supply this school has." So much glitter, always. "Typically, there's a theme to the dance night, so if there's any kind of decorating you all would like to do, now is the time to mention it."

Please, let it be something that involves the glitter supplies.

Sex Ed, Friday, First Period

[likethegun]

As everyone came into class, Sam had a packet for them, along with a basket sitting on the desk.

"So, the fall break trip is next week, and while I'm not making assumptions about what any of you might get up to, I thought this might be a good week to talk about sexual protection," he said.

( Read more... )

Civics, Friday, October 6, 2017

[heroic_jawline]

"Alright, we know tomorrow is the start of vacation and Friday is bad for an attention span regardless, but we do still have a class today," Tony said. "It's about taxes. Don't worry, we brought coffee."

You might need it.

So much coffee.

"So the government--at the federal, state, and local levels--provides services to its population," Steve said. "And in order to do that, they need money. Schools don't build themselves, roads don't fix themselves, militaries don't arm themselves. If you come from a world where they do, um, see us after class?"

Tell them your secrets of a perfect egalitarian society. Or despotic one. That could also be it.

Tony nodded along with Steve's explanation. "So, to gather revenue for those services, the government levies taxes. A tax would be a charge added onto goods or services that is set aside for the government. You will pay taxes on property--usually going to local schools and libraries, gas to pay for roads... things like that. "

"The tax code in the United States could fill up a room," Steve said, "and it is considered ridiculously complicated. When April comes around, there will be a lot of income tax jokes because everyone files their taxes at that time and you either give the government more money if you owe some, or they send you back a nice check, which is better."

"Or you pay an accountant or... twenty to do the taxes for you," Tony said, coughing a little to cover up the twenty thing. "If you donate to charities, you get a tax write off. Charities and religious institutions are tax exempt. Which is good if they're legitimate in helping people. Less so if they're, say, Scientology."

He was going to get sued.

He was totally going to get sued. "Now do you think taxes should exist? Should everyone pay them? Should only the rich people pay them? How much of their money should they have to give? These are questions that come up all the time, and should be constantly re-examined. Since you're the next generation of taxpayers--or not, depending on your income level--we want to hear your thoughts." Steve smiled around the room.