1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. In this article, you will find those answers throughout the article. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. Describe the t-shirt 8th grader Alan Holmes was not permitted to wear in school.

3. a) What ultimatum did the principal give Alan when he saw his shirt?
b) why was Alan not permitted to wear the T-shirt?

4. What comment did the school district make about the incident with Alan?

5. How did Alan defend his choice of T-shirt?

6. The school handbook specifically says “clothing with alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug and/or violence related references are prohibited.” Do you think the principal made the right decision regarding Alan’s t-shirt? Why or why not?

7. The following are several Facebook comments about Alan’s t-shirt. With which do you agree? Explain your answers:

• All students receive a "Student Handbook" that clearly states what the dress code is. Guns and other weapons are not allowed on shirts ect...
• It's NOT an anti-anything...it's a keeping kids safe and maintaining an educational environment thing.
• This is getting ridiculous. Why are we so offended by everything? He's proud to be an American. He's a kid. Have we lost sight of Freedom of Speech?
• Stand your ground young man. It's not a "gangster" shirt, it's in support of the military.

CHALLENGE: Read about the Fallen Soldier Battle Cross image at wikipedia. Instead of punishing Alan because of a “zero tolerance” policy, how could the principal have turned the incident into a lesson for the school on the difference between guns used for violence vs. the gun in the Fallen Soldier memorial?