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I was just handed a note from our older son, who is in the 5th grade in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS). This form lists 3 measures that will take effect starting tomorrow, September 2, in order to conserve fuel.
The first measure is that all field trips will be canceled until further notice. The third is that middle school athletic programs are suspended. Both are clear enough. I'm puzzled about number two, however. Perhaps you can help.
Here is is, in its entirety:
Any after school activities that require CMS bus transportation.
Huh. What the heck does that mean?
Now don't get me wrong - I know very well that it is supposed to mean that any such activities will be canceled. But it doesn't. It just says any of these activities. It's not even a complete sentence for crying out loud. And this is from the administration of our schools - no wonder North Carolina scores so poorly!
Comments (3)
Looks like that memo didn't get passed through a copy editor. My experience is that administrative people are notoriously bad with grammar, spelling, and punctuation. I've seen evidence of this across various disciplines and various levels of employment.
Also, I think it's pretty funny that your school system's initials are CMS. :-)
Posted by Peter | September 1, 2005 4:17 PM
Well you know, mis-management also starts with M. :)
Posted by Chad Everett | September 1, 2005 4:20 PM
Sure, it could make sense. The problem is that is isn't written that way! The first measure says explicitly that "All field trips will be cancelled until further notice." The second measure is there in its entirety, with no preceding text or anything!
Posted by Chad Everett | September 2, 2005 5:56 AM