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Read comments (29)Bedford County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the issue later this month.
Last month, the board revised its working document on Standardized School Attire; the most notable changes, though not the only ones, would be allowing plain blue jeans and applying the dress code only to grades 6 and up.
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.
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.
The working draft which is now being considered was drawn up after the school board's annual planning retreat in January.
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.
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.
I really shouldn't be wasting my time on this AGAIN because obviously no one is going to listen anyways, but this dress code is taking away our freedom as teenagers to express ourselves. We already have almost no freedom at home because of all the stupid junk we get into trouble at school for, but now the board is trying to take away the LITTLE freedom we have at all! It's not fair to any of us.....Have you ever thought maybe we should have a say in the dress code? No, we don't have to control all of it, but I think we should have some sort of choice in what we wear to school. That's my opinion. And the tucked in shirts? It's very hard for kids like me to keep a shirt tucked in because a lot of mine are long enough that if I tuck them in, it itches my legs badly. Thanks to the whole thing, I would not be able to wear any of my clothes. YOU DON'T FIND PLAIN BLUE JEANS ANYWHERE!!! No one stocks them and the factories all put some kind of studs , embroideries, etc. on the pockets! The shirts can't have decos on them either I suppose can they? Any kind of shirt usually has a aeropostale deco or some type deco on it. You don't find many solid colored T-shirts with collars! Collars are very bothersome anyways because if they aren't bent down the right way or something they feel weird or they itch. That's my opinion and if anyone doesn't like it, oh well.
Students and parents are not the only problem either. What about the teachers out there that are having sex with students? What kind of example is that setting for our kids?
Well, the cell phone can stay in the car then. Is she going to drive her car inside the school? I don't think so.
Also, how did parents cope with their children driving when cell phone didn't exist as much? I mean, I am seeing ten year olds with a cell phone and some even younger. I don't get it. I never had a cell phone and my parents did just fine. That is the problem; parents depend on so many other things when taking care of their children that they actually don't do the actual parenting anymore. Parents have just become lazy . . .
-- Posted by jaxspike on Tue, Feb 12, 2008, at 10:30 AM
Maybe you should read my post again, I dont think you understood it! I never said they should have phones in the school and texting can also be block if thats a problem.
The problem is with a few students and the way they dress and behave. Yes, there are also bad parents! Two of the five that I help raise is due to bad parenting.
mumble.tee.peg 'If it don't concern you, then stay out of it.' The board is elected so they are committed to listening to the majority and sorry but it's not my kids making the fuss--it's me. They are respectful and dedicated enough to follow whatever silly rules are thrown at them.
The fuss is that the gangs are the cause and dress code is not what we need to address that issue.
>>Why don't somebody take the time to say that the board is empowered to set policy, including dress codes and that we hope that they made responsible decisions.<<<
You are right WE gave them this power by electing them into office with the hopes they would do the right things while they are there..and listen to the people who they are Suppose to be representing. If they do not do their job it is also within our power as tax payers and voters to remove them from these seats.
I don't know what will happen at the forum, but reading these comments leads one to beleive that no one is listening to anyone. "I've got my opinion and ain't nobody gon'na change nutin' I think". Once the board makes its decision the war will resume.
Why don't somebody take the time to say that the board is empowered to set policy, including dress codes and that we hope that they made responsible decisions.
I still think that most of the fuss is coming from parents who let their children dictate to the parents what, how, and when. Solid shirts and pants make good sense. Looking a little respectful is good. Adjust the details if you wish, but will somebody get over this fuss. It's been a good show to follow, I just sorry I could not stand by the door with a felt hat to collect admisison to the best show in town --better than basketball tournments. I could use the money, and I believe people would pay admission to such good entertainment.
I hope you are referring to the parents whose kids' reading/math skills are inadequate due to lack of application. There are many of us 'up in arms' with kids who are honor students and/or have leadership skills in other areas.
Just my opinions...
Cell phones 'on school grounds' but not used during school hours? "Can I go to the bathroom?" translation "I want to text my friend, but since I can't let you see me using my phone I want to go to bathroom and hide to use it." Cell phones can also be used to cheat and in Chattanooga they were used to create a panic about school violence. Cell phones in school, bad idea, period. Leave them in cars and if they don't drive, maybe the school offices could come up with a 'coat check' type of system to leave in the office until the end of the day.
Clothes don't change your opinion of someone? How much respect would you give a police officer (please insert anyone you have repspect for who is in public) if they looked like Snoop Dog/Larry the Cable Guy, etc.?
I think a dress code is a good idea, if implemented for the right reasons. If the principals and assistants aren't going to fight the battle of the dress code now, what makes the board think they are going to enforce a new one? I'd challenge the board to visit schools UNANNOUNCED and question faculty and staff about any student they see out of dress code. If teachers say they don't have administrative support in enforcing the dress code, then go to administration. The board would have to realize that the teacher would have to remain completely anonymous or else face the reprecussions from adminsitration. If you think students are the only ones who have to deal favoritism, just see how some teachers get treated. I don't think this happens at every school, but I do think it happens at some of them.
I've said it before, how wonderful it would be if parents were this much up in arms because their children couldn't read and do math on grade level, or at least close to it.
Personally I like the idea of cell phones, at SCHS if they are caught using the phone during school it is taken up by the teacher. I think in case of an emergency cell phones are the best and quickest way to get in touch with your child. Also if your child has to stay after school then they can let you know. Many activities at High School required sudden change of plans I would like to know where my child was. If they end up closing schools, due to weather problems, you can contact your child to let them know what they are suppose to do or where they should go.
Cell phones was never an option when I was in school although I wish they were..there was many times I had to call home and fight the crowd in the office to use the phones. I believe SCHS use to have a pay phone in the gym when I was at school but somehow pay phones are pretty much a thing of the past I guess cell phones have sorta replaced them.
Well, the cell phone can stay in the car then. Is she going to drive her car inside the school? I don't think so.
Also, how did parents cope with their children driving when cell phone didn't exist as much? I mean, I am seeing ten year olds with a cell phone and some even younger. I don't get it. I never had a cell phone and my parents did just fine. That is the problem; parents depend on so many other things when taking care of their children that they actually don't do the actual parenting anymore. Parents have just become lazy . . .
I dont have a problem with them not allowing cell phones inside the school. However, my 16 yr. old will be driving soon and I feel much better knowing she will have a phone with her. If concern for my childrens safety makes me a bad parent or a cell phone mom so be it!
Maybe schools should outlaw cell phones in the buildings. I think those are more of a distraction than student clothing. I mean really, is there any reason for them to have them at school. If they need to call their parents then I am sure they can find a phone at school to use. Too many times though students use the phones to text each other and do things that are a distraction to learning.
Oh well, some parents would object to that though because all they know how to do is parent by cell phone. They actually aren't involved in their child's life which goes back to what some kids wear to school . . . if parents became more involved instead of worrying about their own life and revisiting your youth then maybe a school attire policy wouldn't be an issue. It amazes me just watching families at Wal-Mart and what parents let their kids get away with . . . and its more than they care to admit to. Many parents need to grow up and start taking responsibility.
http://www.t-g.com/story/1285485.html
Of course, I'm not close enough to the situation to know what enforcement is like.
2 comments-
What concerns me is that in the late 60s, we as teenager girls fought to get to wear pants to school. We may not be going back that far, but I feel like these kids today are losing that freedom that we fought for and I would hate to see it go back to where we were then.
Also, tonight, Cascade and Community are playing in the tournament at CHS so don't expect all the opponents to be at the Harris forum.
Yeah and that sounds so much easier to enforce, don't it?
As a parent of 3 in 3 different schools I just have to say a few things.
First of all, the schools have already have a dress code that the PRINCIPALS do not enforce, so what makes them think this one will be enforced as well. I am given the rules at the beginning of the year, so I know what they can and can't wear. Even with the current dress code, do you or they have ANY clue how hard, in this day and age, it is to find shorts that come past your middle finger? THEY DON'T MAKE THEM and heaven forbid you child is tall, then she has to wear pants in 100 degree heat.
Second of all...Let me get this straight...skinny kids tuck in and fat kids don't have to? Is that what it is basically saying?
and the hem? I already have to measure hems of shorts while shopping at the store looking like an idiot, now I have to get out the tape measure and make sure 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." So now I have to measure to make sure it's 2 inches EXACTLY or my kids will get sent home?
I have an idea, Why doesn't the school board take my kids shopping and come to my house every morning to get them dressed and do all the measuring for me?
and is the school board personally going to make sure Wal-Mart and the other stores are going to carry the appropriate clothes and make sure there are enough for all to have? I mean, I am not going on the "great un-tucked shirt had a squared-off hem and was designed to be worn untucked" shirt adventure come this August!!!
I have 2 children in Bedford Co. schools and I agree 100% with the dress code! After all the students of today are our future. I bet Bush, Clinton, or Huckabee has never went to a Debate with their behind hanging out of their pants, or Hillary's breast or belly showing. That is just my opinion!
-- Posted by groovychic on Mon, Feb 11, 2008, at 8:44 PM
Government officials wearing suits and ties doesn't make any difference, b/c obviously it makes them less effective... It doesn't seem to make Bush any smarter, for examply he can't even pronounce commonly used terminology such as "nuclear"... I'll tell you this much, wearing a suit/tie doesn't make anyone smarter or more noble, it just makes them better dressed. That is ALL!
Pretty soon, they'll be calling students merely by numbers instead of names, because school has become so inpersonable. When every decision of your education is made by a board who is out of touch with reality, it is no wonder our conditions are shaping up this way. Between standardized testing and uniforms schools are trying to restrict invidual teaching/learning styles and somehow believe that all teachers will teach the same, and all students will learn the same...
I guess this could only be expected that labels itself as free, yet our biggest business ally is the largest dictator in the world... We ALL know who that is.
Good point Terrortiffany10! The moms/dads who aren't taking an active role in discretion of their child's school atire spoil it for the bunch. Too often, we send our children to school to be raised by their peers & teachers in such an environment. With so many children and so few teachers, just imaging the chaos. Parents find it difficult to divide time between multiple children. Imaging trying to raise 30 new ones each hour. Some children of today end up learning lessons in the classroom which should have been taught at home.
How many 11-18 year olds do you know running for office?
I have 2 children in Bedford Co. schools and I agree 100% with the dress code! After all the students of today are our future. I bet Bush, Clinton, or Huckabee has never went to a Debate with their behind hanging out of their pants, or Hillary's breast or belly showing. That is just my opinion!
Does this mean that the pants level doesn't come up? Do we only need longer shirts to be tucked in? The students are still carrying drugs and guns and the violence level is still the same and may possibly get higher. As a student myself I don't like the idea because nothing's going to change except the dress code and the drop out rate. The boys don't even wear belts half of the time and changing the dress code isn't going to help because students will only act with rebellion. A lot of parents can't afford the clothes. Who's going to help them out? The gangs will still grow, no matter what we do. If grades 6 and up shouldn't be the only children to wear uniforms. If they are going to be forced to wear uniforms, kindergarten through fifth ought to wear them also. It's age discrimination towards older kids because they're being forced to wear uniforms and younger kids are not. As an eighth grader, I know people believe I'm not smart enough or old enough to have my own opinion, but they are wrong. I do have my own thoughts and I think that uniforms would only complicate school further, as if it isn't already complicated enough!Nothing's going to change , uniforms or not, and I'm trying to be professional about this, but I'm very irate at the thought that my younger brothers and sister will be dressing freely while I'll be forced to wear a uniform every day. My father views my outfits every day to be sure that I dress appropriately for school. Think about the people who can't afford this and don't want our country to be any form of communism. Uniforms are like communism in the school. Consider it. Please.
My mother always taught us growing up "the shoes don't make the man". It made me feel a little bit better about being made fun of by kids whose parents graced their children with a never-ending supply of Nike Air Jordans. It worked for me. But that was then. As I began to grow older, exploring my own adulthood, I found this to be a truth in only some aspects of everyday living. So many factors contribute to a person's individuality. Low levels of self confidence can generate a source of negativity and ultimately reduces communication within the workplace. Even our wonderful educators noticably pride themselves in appearance. How would teachers feel about wearing uniforms? With respect to the dangers present in our school systems these days, does a dress code prohibit a teenager from self-expression? Are these dangers new to our society? Should we expell a child who has long hair? I'll bet this sounds familiar to some of you Bedford County baby boomers. Lets enforce the rules we have in place. Here's a question, if all children dressed the same everywhere, how would we know which kid pulled the fire alarm? It was the one in the collared shirt. Don't take away the valuable life-lessons these children will learn as we have over the years abiding by your current "standards". If you can't enforce the rules you have in place, what makes you think you can enforce new ones? By the way, the shoes do make the man :)
I really shouldn't be wasting my time responding again about this because it is so obvious the board really isn't listening if this is the best they can come up with..
The reason people haven't attended meetings until now is because we felt the school board could make the appropriate decisions. Actual education issues are sometimes limited by state and federal mandates,so they don't have a lot of real power. I think the last issue they voted on had to do with NCLB and testing and they could only do that because the Feds let them have the option to do so.
The fact that so many have attended the forums should indicate that it is something parents feel the board can make decisions about.
Notice that the school board is not putting one red cent into clothing that "the school"will have to supply to those who have worn the prohibited kind the first- time-violating.THAT MEANS THAT SCHOOL FUND-RAISING PROGRAMS,SUCH AS PTO FUND RAISERS,WILL BE FOOTING SCHOOL BOARD DRESS CODE RULE VIOLATORS FOR THEIR SCHOOL ATTIRE.WHAT A COP-OUT,SCHOOL BOARD!!!!HEY,WHAT IS AN UNFUNDED MANDATE,BARRY COOPER?????
With the current trends next they'll be issuing uniforms for people who join the armed services... Or maybe those in corporate America. My how I forget, they already do! What great sheeple we are preparing for the world!
Can we have a county wide debate on issues that really have an effect on education? Oh wait, nobody attends those meetings.
This actually made Nashville news last night . . .
So the only thing that is going to change is the type of shirt and color? my question is WHY? also!
WHY??????