In early March, the popular game website Cool Math Games was blocked for Franklin Community Schools. Since the website started in 1997, it has been used to bridge the gap between games and online learning in Franklin, but recently, it was targeted and labeled as a distraction.
Cool Math Games being blocked has caused lots of confusion among the student body. Many students who can get work done early rely on websites like this to keep them awake and entertained during school hours.
We asked some students what they think about Cool Math being blocked. “Cool Math is a staple of my childhood, and seeing it being blocked is heartbreaking.” Said one student.
We also asked Mr. Smith, a staff member and English teacher at FCHS, for his opinion on Cool Math Games. “Read a book,” was his response.
Most students and staff have different opinions on the topic of games in a school environment. But now that Cool Math is blocked, many people wonder what students are going to do to pass the time.
“There is always another website that hasn’t been blocked, so it’s only a matter of time till everyone moves on to something else.” Said one student
This brings up an interesting view on how Cool Math Games was dealt with in school. Why delete the most trusted and safe website, making students resort to more risky options to keep themselves entertained? When you could have kept Cool Math and continued moderating it.
Having a middle ground, such as Cool Math, helps prevent students from searching and clicking on potentially harmful websites.
I think that we should bring Cool Math back to our school. Not only can it help our students pass the time after finishing their work, but it also deters students from potentially harmful websites, creating a safe middle ground for our school.
