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Read comments (30)The board has also tried to tweak the "tucked in" requirement.
The draft document would still prohibit T-shirts in favor of collared shirts (which could mean a golf-type shirt, a dress shirt, or even a turtleneck). In addition, excessively embellished or ornamented jeans, or distressed jeans, would not be allowed.
"These are standard jeans," said School Superintendent Ed Gray.
Shirts would have to be in solid colors. Blue or white shirts would be allowed at any school, and each school would designate three additional colors (presumably including the school colors). Small and non-offensive manufacturer's logos would be permitted on shirts, as would school logos of any size -- including things like approved school club or organization logos or even college logos.
The board is now referring to its proposal as a "student dress code" rather than by the term SSA.
The board had released its first draft proposal -- largely based on the rules adopted for this school year by Metro Nashville -- last October, and held public hearings on it in November, December and January. Those public hearings drew sharp criticism of SSA from students and parents.
One more public hearing is scheduled, for Feb. 12 at Harris Middle School, and then the board is scheduled to take a vote on SSA at its regular February meeting.
The board decided on most of the changes during its annual planning retreat last weekend at Bottle Hollow Lodge, and then made some additional tweaks during a special called meeting on Thursday. Those final changes will be incorporated into the document, and then once board members have had a chance to look at the final document it will be distributed to the public.
The working draft considered Thursday was drawn up after last week's retreat. It had been shown to principals and others within the school system, and apparently found its way into the public. Board member Dixie Parker had a constituent approach her with a copy of that revision before she herself had seen it.
The final public hearing will be focused on the new working draft policy, once it is released. School board members stressed that it's still not a final document and could be revised even farther if necessary.
Proponents of SSA, under whatever name, claim that it creates a more conducive atmosphere to education and has additional safety benefits.
"We're looking at something to create a stronger educational atmosphere," said board member Rev. Glenn Forsee.
Opponents say the benefits aren't borne out by scientific study and that the policy unfairly infringes on students and families.
SSA opponents say that the schools should do a better job of enforcing existing dress codes, but SSA supporters say that SSA -- a relatively short list of what can be worn -- is simpler and easier to enforce than a dress code, which often consists of a long and constantly-updated list of what can't be worn.
Indeed, efforts to loosen the original SSA proposal may end up complicating things.
The rule that shirts must be tucked into pants, intended to prevent distraction from the gap between low-riding pants and short tops, had drawn criticism from those who said that some overweight students or students with certain body shapes find it hard to keep their shirts tucked in. The board revised the rule slightly. Students would be able to wear a T-shirt, tucked in, as an inner layer and would then be able to wear a collared shirt, untucked, as an outer layer -- provided the un-tucked shirt had a squared-off hem and was designed to be worn untucked. Such untucked outer shirts could go no lower than 2 inches below the belt or no lower than the top of the pants pockets.
The board also allowed lightweight outerwear, as a result of complaints that some classrooms are uncomfortably cool. Heavy outerwear would still have to be put away and could not be worn to class. Hooded sweatshirts could be worn, but the hoods could not be worn on the head while the student is indoors.
School board chairman Barry Cooper opened the meeting by reading from a prepared statement in which he defended and explained the SSA study process at it has unfolded so far. He said that starting with Metro Nashville's policy as a basis for discussion made sense because it had already been thoroughly studied and vetted for legal issues. He said the school system has been listening to the public comments received so far during the process.
Board member Amy Martin said she's gotten very little feedback except from the public forums -- even though the names and contact information of school board members have been publicized during the SSA study process.
"Nobody calls, nobody e-mails," said Martin.
The next, and final, public hearing will be held 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at Harris Middle School. The original schedule had that meeting on Feb. 11, but it was pushed back a day a week or two ago because of some board members' schedule conflicts.
The only other agenda item at Thursday's called meeting was a resolution in favor of H.R. 648, a bill introduced in Congress by U.S. Rep. Don Young of Alaska which would revise some portions of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The resolution states overall support for NCLB, but says some of its assessment procedures and funding mechanisms need to be tweaked.
The board passed the resolution.
I think that the new "dress code" is better than the SSA, but I still don't understand the need to dictate what colors the students wear. What are different colors, stripes, checks, etc. going to hurt?
When a public school system, that is run on my tax money, can tell parents how to spend their money. I see that as a problem.
I sent an email to Amy Martin, but received a notification failure--unknown recipient.
If the school board does pass this resolution even though the majority (remember--that was the philosophy our country was founded on) is against it, then my theory is that it will not be enforced fairly and the administration will continue to be intimidated by the "gangs" and that we will not be given documentation that it is working.
I guess we'll find out soon and when school starts next year, we parents need to demand evidence that it is working.
It's a nice thing to get the communities opinion on "some" things..but on this item school board just decide and do it..my goodness!!!!! Oh I'm for the dress code!
It's a nice thing to get the communities opinion on "some" things..but on this item school board just decide and do it..my goodness!!!!! Oh I'm for the dress code!
If only we could get those few moms who have the "tramp stamps" to tuck in their shirt at ballgames....
You know, those tatoos on the lower back right over the b-u-t-t. One of my boys noticed tiger eyes, I guess, on the back of one "parent" and asked, "Why is it there? She can't even see it".
"The rule that shirts must be tucked into pants, intended to prevent distraction from the gap between low-riding pants and short tops, had drawn criticism from those who said that some overweight students or students with certain body shapes find it hard to keep their shirts tucked in. The board revised the rule slightly. Students would be able to wear a T-shirt, tucked in, as an inner layer and would then be able to wear a collared shirt, untucked, as an outer layer -- provided the un-tucked shirt had a squared-off hem and was designed to be worn untucked. Such untucked outer shirts could go no lower than 2 inches below the belt or no lower than the top of the pants pockets. "
Could someone explain how this makes a "dress code" easier to enforce? Are teachers going to walk around with tape measures? Give me a break. If the current dress code is not enforced because "it's too long", why not "tweak" that? I've sat back and read all the comments and am still not convinced a dress code is an end all to all the school problems. If you're not going to enforce the current dress code, who's to say you're going to enforce the new one. Maybe if parents stepped up and put their foot down on what these kids wear, we wouldn't have this issue.
A prime example of these parents are the ones that allowed their daughters on the Cascae Jr Pro basketball team with the short shorts and short jersy's (I'm not sure which team they were, but they were blue/white). The shorts were "Daisy Duke" short and the shirts were skin tight. Kudos to the one parent that had their daughter wear white leggings under her shorts. It was the only team that played that had shorts that short. It was terrible and I hated when I had to sit and watch their game finish before my son's would start. If I had a daughter on that team, I guarantee you, she would not have played wearing that uniform. I felt bad for a heavier set young lady that looked completely uncomfortable wearing it...it didn't matter how big/little you were, it was short and tight.
So yeah, parents are part of the problem. START ENFORCING the current code! Start calling them to school. I guarantee you, it will only happen a couple times before they start "getting it"! Don't punish the ones that "care" about what their kids wear.
We'll have to agree to disagree. I understand your point and I think you understand my point. It's a fair argument either way. I think they are just trying to standardize a better, more solid, dress code and help everyone out. Just my opinion. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think everyone having to wear nice collared shirts and khakis or blue jeans is harmful. It just cleans up the look around the schools...that's all.
There is NO WAY clothing will ever put everybody in the same playing field in school or even in adult life. If it did maybe everybody needs to have a set standard of clothing to wear it would mean No more rape or homeless no more poor or unemployed..everyone would be equal because they all looked a like.
Kids will continue to say "Boy did you see her she sure looks good in those Khakis" or Did you see his butt, it look good in those Khakis" it is called Hormones and they will continue too look at each other even if they are wear Tow-sacks.
Yes there are some students who do dress revealingly but instead of punishing the entire student body for what some few do. It would be nice if they would at least enforce the current dress code which states NO REVEALING clothing. I don't think anyone don't know what is and what isn't revealing.
Wouldn't it be just as easy to enforce the current dress code by using the CALL THE PARENTS rule, to come pick them up if they are inappropriately dressed?
How about helping to change the daily environment for the better. Instead of talk in the halls like "Did you see what she is wearing?" or "Man, she is looking good today!", the revealing clothes kids are wearing nowadays won't be an issue. As a result, focus can shift more towards classwork and important school matters. In addition, groups of people won't be separated by what they are wearing. It puts everyone on an equal playing field in the eyes of everyone else. It's pretty simple and it's not rocket science. I'm not so naive to think every problem in our schools will completely be erased with this policy. Nonsense. However, I do think this can be a positive for all the kids and parents for that matter. Again, if for some reason it doesn't work, then I'll be the first to admit it. Give it a shot, though, because it can be a very good thing.
PLease do explain to me what problems we have in our schools that a "Dress Code" will fix and I may very well listen. But as of yet I have heard nothing that a Dress Code or SSA will fix.
Dr. Philbilly, if you think I'm a liberal for using the phrase 'liberal changes', then you have completely missed the point. That statement had nothing to do with politics. I'm as conservative as a person could be and I have absolutely no liberal beliefs. My point was that the school board has been willing to adjust to some of the people's complaints and change the policy more in their favor as a result, thus the term 'liberal changes.' You better believe there is a lot of problems in our school system and I'd say the board is trying to address one of them head on. They can't do it all at once, but this is a step in the right direction. What is the harm in asking our kids and grandkids to focus on education, and not who is wearing what that day? Lets be honest, kids are easily distracted and the current dress trends have gotten out of hand. Give it a shot because I don't think it's going to hurt anyone. Do you?
Hold on there DoubleJ. Liberal ideas is the reason our schools are failing. You liberals want to bring a knife to a gun fight. We have serious problems in our schools and a dress code is the best our board can come up with,get real.
What if were something that you didn't think was such a good thing? Would you continue to agree that a few board members should be able to make such a sweeping decision instead of the people who it is affecting? Evidently it didn't work in Nashville or they would be off the "list" and they wouldn't be looking for a new director.
If there are so many supporters and they are so intimidated that they can't speak publicly, then why haven't they called or written letters to the board to express their support?
I think what's being overlooked by some supporters is that this proposal is being made because the school system can't control the kids at SCHS and they think this is going to be a cure-all. Many of us who are opposed want the actual problem to be addressed instead of restricting the rights of the kids who are already complying with school rules and we have every right to express our disagreement and propose that the rules already in place be applied.
I also think that only people with kids currently in school or who will be in school, should be commenting. It doesn't affect anyone else unless you're the ones selling the 'attire'.
You people absolutely amaze me! The school board is trying to do something good to help all our kids and grandkids have a safer and better learning environment and it's that simple. This is a positive thing and people try to find ways to pick it apart. They make some liberal changes and people still can't be content. I think it's a sign of our society....it's all about me, myself, and I. How about thinking about what's good for everyone for a change? What's the harm in this policy? Nobody is going to die and it cannot do anything but benefit the kids both now and for the future. If you go to ballgames and other functions, you can see it is absolutely dispicable what some of these kids are wearing now. A lot of girls are showing off more and more and a lot of the boys dress just plain tacky. Give this a chance because I'm sure it has worked at other schools and will work here. Quit making crazy and out-of-whack excuses, and be thankful they've made these changes to accomodate everyone. This is very reasonable and it will be a good thing for all these kids!
It might be more appropriate to have only actual parents of kids still in school as board members. I would hate to think that my grandparents decided how I should dress when I was in School.
As for the tone of the forum, it was set at the first meeting when some of the BOARD members were the ones being hostile and rude. It also appeared from the first presentation that the board members had already decided that they were going to force some kind of SSA no matter what the majority of parents thought--and I have heard of very few who were actually for it. THEY made a huge mistake in the way they made this proposal.
I agree with one poster who felt this should be put to a vote by all the constituents and I am also glad mine are almost out. If I wanted my kids to wear uniforms, then I would send them to a private school.
K-5 will not have to abide by the dress code? Now that's not fair is it?
I am still at a loss why shirts need to be solid colors with a collar.
justobserving. What a fitting name that is. Maybe you should have been the one person to stand up,state your name,address and publicly voice your respectful opinion instead of sitting on your etiquette. Your right,your not in the same class as the people at that meeting, they had courage.
I found out a ways back that there was no need to talk to Amy Martin. She has been on the board way to long and feels that she runs the school and doesn't care anymore about what other people think. Two terms should be all that anyone serves, then skip at least one term. If you have done a good job then the people will put you back in. No one needs to stay any longer than two terms.
Thank God my youngest is graduating this year!
The individuals of Unionville are not all against the Boards dress code consideration, unlike what other bloggers may indicate. A forum as hostile as the one that occured is not a true representation of the community. Individuals with personal opinions should voice, RESPECTFULLY, their feelings. Many individuals should review their own etiquette on how to conduct themselves at a forum. What was meant as an avenue of open communication become a lynch mob mentality. Board members should be mindful that varying individuals have varying beliefs but we the public should have a respectful approach to how we conduct ourselves. Some individuals conducted themselves without class in conveying their thoughts and that is unfortunate. No one comment represents Unionville. My hope is that the Board review the merit of this policy and act accordingly.
I don't have children of school age anymore, but I read the summary of the new proposal and utterly am at loss to figure why most folks should have any problem.
One has to believe that the problems noted in the postings have more to do with personal problems that parents have had with the school system that had nothing to do with dress codes --or else they are simply looking for something about which to gripe. Surely it doesn't have anything to do with parents letting their children boss them around and tell them what the kids are going to wear regardly of the parents' judgment.
Any feedback Amy Martin needed was clearly stated in the public held forum at Community School, the district she was elected to represent. If anyone supported this issue they had an obligation to be there and make it publicly known, they failed to do so. After learning the public meeting was "dominated by opponents", supporters should have came out in full force, they have failed to do so. Amy Martins lack of phone calls and e-mails could indicate there is nothing left to say on this issue. As it stands right now Unionville is against this dress code and the people expect our district board members to vote accordingly.
I think the school board is lying about their reasons for changing the dress codes. As I said before, "BLUE" is the GANG COLOR FOR THE "CRYPTS" and "RED" IS THE COLOR FOR THE "BLOODS". "These 2 gangs are ENEMIES". If they keep pushing the issue of "COLORS" they are going to be facing a "BIGGER PROBLEM".
And as far as some of the NEW CLOTHES LINES that have been coming out, and the NEW NAME BRANDS that are out that the children have been wearing to school with different designs, and logos, and artistic colors, "THESE ARE NO HARM. THE SCHOOL BOARD IS "STEREOTYPING" some [GROUPS] of children, by the Style, and Name Brand of clothes they wear. This is Discrimanative. Which is also a PROBLEM!!!
If these children are showing too much SKIN, BOOBS, or BUTT, and clothes are TOO TIGHT and REVEALING, or too LOOSE their showing UNDERWEAR, or wearing "RACIST" or "GANG LOGOS" to school then they should be having a meeting with that child and their parents to change that childs SCHOOL CLOTHES.
Other than that, what STYLE, NAME BRAND, LOGOS, OR COLORS a child wears to school is NOT their "RIGHT" to DEMAND. This IS NOT THEIR MONEY THEY ARE SPENDING. "IT IS THE PARENTS, AND SOME OF THE CHILDRENS MONEY."
If children are misbehaving and being disrespectful, then that child should be disciplined. Changing what kids wear to school "IS NOT GOING TO STOP THE CHILDREN FROM MISBEHAVING".
As far as "THESE TEACHERS, THAT ARE HAVING SEX, AND AFFAIRS, AND RAPING THE STUDENTS"
How ABOUT the "SCHOOL BOARD" Take "SOME TYPE" of interest in "THAT TYPE OF SITUATION". "Let the TEACHERS, STAFF MEMBERS, BOARD MEMBERS, SOR, CAFETIREA, JANITORIAL, OR ANYONE WORKING IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE HAVE TO PAY FOR A PSCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION, AND "MORE BACKGROUND CHECK" before they can be hired. Have them tested for Contagious Disease, Check their BACKGROUND HISTORY FOR "ANY - TYPE OF VIOLENCE, ABUSE, OR DISCRIMINATION". Because ALL OF THESE THINGS "ARE FAR MORE DANGEROUS TO OUR CHILDREN, AND THEIR ATMOSPHERE THAN THE CLOTHES THEY WEAR ON THEIR BACK.
IF THE SCHOOL BOARD WANT TO CONTROL SOMETHING, THEN LET THEM CONTROL THAT!!!!!!!!!
This new "dress code" sounds a little bit better to me!
SO YOU(THE SCHOOL BOARD)HAVE NOW CREATED AN APPLE OUT OF AN ORANGE FROM WHAT YOU HELD THREE PREVIOUS PUBLIC MEETINGS .THE FINAL PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD WITH A NEW SET OF RULES,NOT THE SAME ONES HEARD IN THE THREE PREVIOUS COUNTY PUBLIC MEETINGS.YOU HAVE CHANGED THE SET OF RULES THAT YOU WERE HOLDING PUBLIC HEARINGS ABOUT.YOUR VOTE(IF YOU DARE TO TAKE ONE) WILL NOT REFLECT WHAT THE PUBLIC HEARINGS HAVE REFLECTED:" NO SSA,BUT ENFORCE DRESS CODES AS NOW IN PLACE AT EACH SCOOL IN THE SYSTEM."
The exceptions that will be a problem are the same as they are now. It depends on who the kid is whether the teacher sends them to the office for violations and whether the office decides to enforce the rules or not.It is not difficult for a teacher to use common sense and send the student to the office if they think the dress is questionable and the office knows the rules.
It will take just as much time for teachers to refer to SSA draft to see if the shirts are the correct colors and if the pants/skirts are the correct size or length and whether they are tucked in properly and whether the kid is wearing a belt.......The new draft will not take any more time than when the teacher sends them to the office for making comments they consider "disrespectful".
When you can see boxers or bellies, it's very obvious and if weapons are really that much a problem, then we need to go ahead and install the metal detectors that other school systems do. It won't be long before Nashville does, and we want to be like them, don't we? (sarcasm)
If the students consistently get ISS or get sent to the new OSS, they will get the message. If not, then they are the ones who are not following any of the other rules either.
Good luck enforcing the "standard" jeans rule. I once told students to wear "standard" khaki pants for a group event. I even explained it to their parents during a meeting. When it was time for the event, I was amazed at their various interpretations of "standard" khaki pants.
If this is going to work, you must be VERY specific. Loosening the original plan will only result in making the principals, teachers, and parents job more difficult. You are completely defeating the purpose of this plan.
If you are going to allow jeans and this laundry list of exceptions, you might as well abolish the whole idea.
ok, so they can wear jeans. Wonderful. but still the problem lies with the shirts having to be tucked in. I have an over weight child 2 of them infact. Neither of my girls wear shirts tucked in, in an effort to be more comfortable, and to hide the fact that their stomachs are larger. To force them to tuck in their shirts, or to wear undershirts with an overshirt that is no longer than 2 inches below the belt or longer than the pants pockets, is still makeing them very self conscious. As long as they are clean, dressed neat and comfortably, what gives anyone the right to change what they wear to school? I for one am a parent that follows the dress code for my children. I do not buy clothes or let them buy clothes that will not pass the current dress code. I think the school board is overstepping their boundaries with this SSA and hope that the board will listen to what the parents and people are saying. If not then I think it is time to replace our school board with members that will do what the people that voted them in want.
Better yet, Why is this not on a ballot? Why aren't we as parents and registered voters not allowed to vote on this issue? Because I do believe that this would be voted down, just as it was the last time.
Sounds much better, but I still don't understand why the shirts have to be certain colors.
Parents, teachers, principals--enforce the code!!!
Students--don't spoil it for everyone else!!!
As far as no calls or e-mails, the comments on-line and the turnout at the forums should be sufficient. I also thought some of the students wrote letters.