Not-so-honored tradition

For years — 30, at least — we've printed the names of honor roll students when Tracy schools send them to us. Since we started the Saturday Our Town section, we've made an effort to run whatever lists the schools send us. Lately, though, I've noticed that most schools aren't sending us honor rolls as often as they used to, for whatever reason.

Today I read that the principal of a high school in Needham, Mass., has decided not to send the town's newspaper the names of students who have made the honor roll. That decision has made national news. Apparently, in the last month in Needham, two students were killed in car accidents, and in the last two years, four students have committed suicide.

"In my opinion, this high-expectations-high-achievement culture has a dark side to it," Needham High Principal Paul Richards wrote in a press release. "As principal, I've heard a message loud and clear that stress is a primary concern for parents. ... The publishing of an honor roll has been identified as a potential contributor to the focus on grades."

What do you think? Do you think the principal has gone too far? Do you like to see honor rolls in the Tracy Press? Or do you agree that it contributes to student stress?

I'd love to hear from parents of schoolchildren and school administrators.