Is "zero-tolerance" in schools too much?

Here in the state of Georgia, there are a lot of schools in this area with the "zero-tolerance" stance on discipline in our schools and the idea that this is the best approach to keep students in line. However, these strict punishments that students receive when they break  a rule can be very unnecessary at times, for example:  http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/23561550/ga-lawmakers-seek-to-revisit-school-weapon-policy

The middle and high school I attended had "zero-tolerance" policies and  for the most part, they helped students think twice before they got into trouble. However, for a student to get suspended and receive failing grades on assignments he misses while on suspension is ridiculous. These policies do need revision and I am very glad to see that this has grabbed the attention of policy-makers.

Breastfeeding Rates on the Rise in the United States

              This means a great deal for our nation, because in the past the U.S. has had very low breastfeeding rates, in comparison to other countries, for a long time since back when formula was first created and introduced to the world back in 1867. This has had an impact on our infant mortality rates and how our babies receive basic nutrition. The Surgeon General’s call to action includes goals for supporting breastfeeding and ways to increase the breastfeeding initiation rates among postpartum moms and newborns in the United States. You can read more about the “Call to Action” by clicking on the link below:

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/breastfeeding/calltoactiontosupportbreastfeeding.pdf

Breastfeed infants are exposed to increased overall health benefits and this means a great deal for our government healthcare and supplemental nutrition programs such as Medicaid and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). You can read more about these programs by clicking on the links below:

http://dph.georgia.gov/WIC

http://dch.georgia.gov/medicaid