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 Students and parents listened to the Bedford County Board of Education discuss the third draft of the school dress code proposal. After making four amendments, the board passed the dress code unanimously. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler) [Click to enlarge] |
Amendments were made allowing more shirt colors and longer shirts before the final vote.
The dress code will go into effect at the beginning of next school year.
Board members Amy Martin, Dixie Parker and Ron Adcock told parents this was not an easy decision to make; Adcock admitted his mind was not made up until Wednesday night when he went through all the pros and cons of a dress code with his wife.
"What is right is not always popular," said Amy Martin. "A good school board does not run a school district, but a good board does ensure that a school district is run well. Some people will be happy [with this decision], some will be unhappy, but at the end of the day we hope everyone can work together."
The dress code now states, "In addition to the white dress code colors, individual schools shall approve up to a selection of four additional solid colors for shirts." Prior to the amendment, dress code colors were white and blue with individual schools selecting three additional solid colors.
Another amendment changed the length limit of shirts that are not intended to be tucked in from three inches to six inches. This section now reads, "Shirts with a squared off tail that reaches no more than six inches below the belt are not required to be worn tucked in, provided they are worn with an undershirt that is tucked in."
Other amendments involved deletion of some wording in order to simplify certain areas of the dress code involving attire for special occasions and the authority of the Bedford County Board of Education.
"The mission of the Bedford County Board of Education is to provide an environment that enables each student to learn and become a good citizen," the draft reads. "In a continuing effort to foster a productive learning climate and improve upon school culture, the Board has established a dress code."
Barry Cooper, chairman of the board, thanked parents for their interest in the matter and assured that all viewpoints were heard. At the end of the day, the board agreed on one thing: The decision was based on what they felt would be the best learning environment for students.
"We appreciate the community's input on this," said Cooper. "I would like to encourage those who participated in the [dress code] discussions to continue their interest in other school-related issues."
Cooper assured parents the dress code is "written in ink, not chiseled in stone," and the board will reassess the dress code next spring.
Approximately 40 visitors waited through a couple of hours of other agenda items to hear the vote. The meeting was moved to Harris Middle School's library to accomodate an expected crowd.
The third draft can be viewed at www.t-g.com/files/ssa-feb.doc
This version of the dress code does not include the amendments.
All this dress code is going to do is make it harder on parents and students.
By passing this dress code students can't wear what they want which makes cloths easier to by and more affordable because they can choose from diffrent styles. I belive this is just the begining to another war between students,parents,and the board members.
dlove,
The only way you can take money away is by not paying the taxes allocated to the school and to do that takes alot of effort. Fundraisers etc only pay for the extras, like books, field trips, supplies. The best way is to actually remove the board members from their positions.
If you want to hurt the county's money, then lets see how many kids actually show up for the first day of school. I am among of about 20 different parents who are planning on homeschooling our children next year. At least 10 of them are in one of my children's class.
So, the county will not receive any money for my children to attend school. They will not receive any extra money for fieldtrips, fundraisers, etc.
If every parent that is against the dress code keeps their children out of school in protest or keeps them out to homeschool the county will lose revenue.
In our so called meeting they told us parents that they were getting our input as to whether we would agree with or oppose the amended dress code is how I should have worded it and I apologize for that but I guess that was their way of saying that parents were so called "VOTING" on the dress code and at all 4 meetings there was alot more that disagreed with the amended code than was for it. Whether it was due to EXTRA costs for school clothing and I use the word extra very strongly cause as I stated before I will be buying twice as many clothes for my children now, or the fact that it now restricts our children from being able to express themselves through dress or just plain being comfortable and there to learn there were several parents that didnt agree but I guess the parents(taxpayers) of this county do not have a voice in the community. Maybe they should cut some of the pay for the board members and faculity and lower our taxes so we can afford this new policy that is going to effect our wallets and not theirs.
Sweet
If there had been a parental vote it would have never passed. Thats why there wasn't one!
We don't really know whether the majority is for OR against because:
We weren't allowed to vote! I still doubt that the majority of parents actually know about it. I know many people who don't even read the T-G and I still haven't seen anything sent home.
I also agree with this statement, we should have been allowed to vote. It is our money that is going to be spent, our children that we are being told what to buy for and we should have been allowed to vote, because speaking out at the public forums was a WASTE OF TIME!!!!!!!! and yes not many people realize what is going on..I had one person to tell me that they were not going to the meetings because it did not effort her child's school....her child went to Harris..the meeting was at Community..???
I quickly educated her!
I would not say another word if a vote had actually been taken.
-- Posted by nellie on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 5:37 AM
I could not agree with you more. A parental vote should have been taken.
We don't really know whether the majority is for OR against because:
We weren't allowed to vote! I still doubt that the majority of parents actually know about it. I know many people who don't even read the T-G and I still haven't seen anything sent home.
I would not say another word if a vote had actually been taken.
-- Posted by nellie on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 5:37 AM
I could not agree with you more. A parental vote should have been taken.
We don't really know whether the majority is for OR against because:
We weren't allowed to vote! I still doubt that the majority of parents actually know about it. I know many people who don't even read the T-G and I still haven't seen anything sent home.
I would not say another word if a vote had actually been taken.
From what I understood when the whole proposal came about that the dress code was to help with "gang related" colors in schools and to help cut back with children picking on other children that couldnt afford what the more "fortunate" childrens parents could. Well after reading the dress code when it was first presented and now there is still going to be the difference with the children because the more fortunate children will be shopping at American Eagle or Acrombie and Finch and yes both of those come with nice little logos to let you know that this is their line of clothing even Duckhead has an emblem on them and then there is the Wal-Mart brand that will not come with those nice little tags and the children will know who could afford what. It was stated that they wanted a more calmer enviroment in school whether you change what they can wear or what colors they wear you are still going to be faced with the distraction of some children making fun of others or not associating with other children due to lack of social standings. This has been a proven fact that has happened since I was in school and it will continue I dont care what you try to place them in cause unless you dress them in exact clothing from head to toe then there will be a difference and what public school system is going to provide all the students with the attire for the school year?? I believe that the dress code thing has gotten way out of hand I could understand enforcing the rules we had already set forth but now it has been changed almost in its entirety and I am not rich I am a mother of 3 and now I get to go out and buy new wardrobes for my children just to go to school in and yes as i have seen posted where someone did comparison on the cost of walmart and other dept stores times that by 3 and tell me if you can afford that along with the school supplies you have to buy for those children to attend school. And I am sorry I am sure that most of you readers dont go straight from work to an evening out with family or friends in the same clothes you worked in and I do not expect my children to do so on a Friday night when they are going out with friends why would they want to wear the uniforms that you have basically put our children in out?? And if I may I will add one last comment to this dress code, it now shows me that the teachers will be pulled away from teaching our children because they will have to ensure that each student is abiding by this code intstead of being able to focus on what our children need to be learning cause I am sorry not every child is going to remember to tuck in their shirt or make sure that they dont have any designs on their pockets of their jeans or if they have the right color on. And to the parent who commented on here about their son not being able to be comfortable in regular jeans I am there with you on that. My son plays football and is somewhat larger then other boys and he has to wear husky or carpenter jeans in order to be comfortable so now when he is in school he gets to sit for 8 hours feeling cramped in clothes. Too bad that majority didnt rule in this because there seemed to be alot more parents opposing this issue then there was agreeing.
Don't say that the teachers sit around and don't do anything all day long. For the majority we have some great teacher in this county. Don't let a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel.-- Posted by titanup1 on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 1:20 PM
_____
Thats the point, not just with teachers but students as well!-- Posted by Disgusted on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 2:48 PM
Amen Disgusted... Don't let a few bad students spoil it for the rest.
Glenn Forsee has an opinion posted that is well worth reading....
-- Posted by Junebug14 on Thu, Feb 28, 2008, at 3:39 PM
"Your continual input is needed and valued. Each voice that speaks on an issue is important. The quiet voice on the street has as much validity as the vocal voice in a public forum.
As a result of our vote, we will break ground and keep building for the future."
Forsee, an Assembly of God pastor, is the Ninth District representative on Bedford County Board of Education
I have never in my life read so many negative and ugly comments from people!
I would like to thank the school board for listening to me and MANY, MANY other parents who are IN FAVOR of the new dress code! Who was it that determined there was majority against it? Everyone that I talk to is SUPPORTIVE of it!
For me this dress code holds more positives than negatives. Why can't you people who are complaining so much turn all of that negative energy into positive? Goodness gracious, it has got to be exhausting for you...it was for me just reading it all.
I have a child in Junior High and one in High School and they are both excited about the dress code. I have encouraged them both to look at the positive side of the issue and not focus on what they feel are the negatives. We have looked over the policy and feel like it will make things easier in our household...less expensive, less hassle in the mornings trying to put together the right outfit, a neat appearance and comfortable....all positives! Why don't you all give it a try, you may be amazed at how much better you feel about everything.
Glenn Forsee has an opinion posted that is well worth reading....
Well EM I see nothing wrong with those according to the Dress Code as long as it has a collar and is the right color :>)
Doesn't say anything about full body condoms either.
Actually it does say hoodies can be worn but you can not wear the hood on your head inside the building here is what it says about hoodies
"Hoodies" in approved colors are considered as allowable outerwear; however, at no time may hoods be worn on the head inside the school building.
Does it mean hoodies as in track jackets or hoodies as in pullover sweatshirts with hoods?
Two thumbs up to you Big Daddy Rabbit, I agree. I just read this website regarding this dress code and in it, it states that hoodies are not allowed to be worn inside the school...what if a child is sick and isnt feeling well...the child is cold...are parents going to get extra funding when i have to take off of work to take my sick child to the doctor because he or she cannot have some sort of jacket on?? What is our school system coming too? Do we all need to just start home schooling our children? NO CARGO PANTS, what the ****? I have a child that is on the husky side and that is all that will fit him comfortably!!! So now, not only do our children have to be picked on because of the way the new attire is going to look on them but they have to be uncomfortable as well. I am not, nor have I ever been in favor for a dress code to this degree. I will still stick to what I said before....our school system could not ever make sure the children obeyed the dress code we had.....we will see!!!!
Kids losing freedom? My children will not have freedom till it has been earned. Faith, discipline, manners and education are all important factors in exercising life in a free society. Society is ran by adults with the children left as our charge. How am I to know which adults to avoid when we decorate the children the same. Yes, I am being discriminating. That is how I made a successful marital choice as much as my bride did. I pass on the left, and never stay at a stagnet speed side by side of an eighteen wheeler. I like being able to see trouble coming, gives a man a shot at getting out of the way. If your a mother or father who allows your children to make poor dressing descision with "$@#%" written anywhere and everywhere on their clothes IT IS MY INTENT NOT TO CHANGE YOU, BUT RATHER PROTECT MINE. Culture shock just isn't what it used to be.
I was informed today that the new edition of the dresscode is up. So everyone can take a look.
http://www.bedfordk12tn.com/board/policy...
If it's a federal law, it's the same in Tennessee as California.
-- Posted by nellie on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 4:16 PM
Thank you Nellie!
Here are two really good signs when you are on the wrong side of anything that is good.
1: You want to use a lawsuit in California to back your case up. Only two things come from California, I wouldnt want to be either one of them.
2: The ACLU is on your side. Good gracious if me and the ACLU agree on something, I know I need to be the first one kneeling at the alter.
-- Posted by seedsower on Mon, Feb 25, 2008, at 3:50 PM
Are you serious?
Now you have a problem with the state of California and the ACLU?
You cannot be as closed minded as that.
What does the case occurring in California have to do with anything?
The articles were posted to propose a legal approach to a decision that many parents object to. It offers a healthy perspective on how, as american tax payers, we can have our voices successfully heard. I wouldn't consider that wrong. I'm sorry you missed that point.
I have to agree with the comment made by seedsower about California and the ACLU.
**the ALCU you is not the way to go!!!!
We need to clean up our town!!!!
That is they way to go! If things are getting into our schools and into the hands of our children...then we need to clean up our town!
If it's a federal law, it's the same in Tennessee as California.
titanup1,
Yes, your are correct, we are fortune to live in a country that we can debate the issues.
Unfortunely that will one day to be taken away,and we all let it happen when we do not take a stand.
and I really feel like none of us would have nothing to debate about if the adminstration, at the schools would have done their jobs, and yes I will agree with you on done their jobs fairly.
titanup1, it's been nice expressing our views as both involved parents.:)
have a good rest of the evening
Here are two really good signs when you are on the wrong side of anything that is good.
1: You want to use a lawsuit in California to back your case up. Only two things come from California, I wouldnt want to be either one of them.
2: The ACLU is on your side. Good gracious if me and the ACLU agree on something, I know I need to be the first one kneeling at the alter.
Punkin,
I honestly believe we are BOTH trying to say the same thing initially. I completely agree with what you said about good kids vs. bad. My daughters wear T-shirts frequently and I AM one of those parents that really can't afford to buy a whole new wardrobe either. I'm just going to make the best of it too. My kids have never been in trouble and get good grades and I never worry about what they wear but I also monitor when they are getting "to close to the edge".
It is unfortunate that all have to suffer for the actions of a few. That is the state of our entire country these day. The majority is always conforming to please the few that bark.
A dress code has been in place for years but there was no enforcement. In the cases that I know of where there was enforcement it was shrugged off.
We could debate this till the cows come home and I'm grateful we live in a country where we are allowed to have these debates.
I hope there is a resolution where all can agree but experience teaches me that everyone being satisfied is impossible.
Don't let a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel.
titanup1 on Mon, Feb 25,
Thats the point, not just with teachers but students as well!
http://www.shelbyvillehosting.com/petiti...
Verify your signature by checking your email inbox. If it doesn't show up in your inbox filter through your Spam folder.
Sign, verifiy and pass this on to everyone who wants to take a stand against a select few not representing those who elected them.
titanup1 and anyone else,
I understand that the children do not need to go to school with "it all" hanging out, ok.
The point that I belive we are all trying to make I belive is this: The kids that where disobeying the current codes should have been the ones that have been delt with, also
the collard shirt thing...not all kids that wear t'shirts are bad kids...and the ones that go for the prepie collard look are not all good kids.
They could have been allowed to wear a solid color t or any school shirt, team club, whatever any day with jeans,(that fit) and not have had as much feed back..unstead they chose to dictate.
And as districts go No not all distrticts where represented...the board members choose to go with the group other that represent their ditrict as they where elected to do!
When you represent district....you should listen to them. I am a district one voter, and no I feel as our school was not represented!
regradless if anyone runs against Mrs. Parker, I will not even allow her my curtousy vote.
Well not everyone on this blog is a christian.
"Parents in this blog should be more concerned this their child's actual education...both spiritual and academic...instead of crying over something that really should not be cried over.-christiandad"
Are you going to purchase my children's clothing so they can attend public school next year?? I don't think so. I don't buy my children new clothing every year. I buy them when it is needed like most middle & lower class parents do. And most of their clothing are hand-me-downs from their older sibling.
My children and I do not attend church or go anywhere fancy, so we have no need for khaki pants or polo shirts. Our county is a farming county. Not a rich or a business community like in Rutherford or Davidson counties.
I neither agree or disagree with the actual dress code. What I personally take issue with, are the Board Member's lack of concern toward the overwhelming parental input that said "no" to the proposal. I think, as tax payers, parents should be able to vote on the matter. If not, than I feel the school should provide the clothes they feel are conducive towards a more disciplined environment.
The present dress code, in my opinion, applies to that same disciplined environment, provided the school enforces it.
You are proving my point. Where are all the blogs about how our test scores aren't where they should be? I AM READING YOUR POSTS and I understand your feelings but you refuse to see any side but your own. I just get tired of everyone trashing the school board (I'm not on it by the way...I figured that was the next comment).
I keep hearing how everyone NEEDS THEIR FREEDOM to express themselves. What if a girl wants to wear a bikini or shorts that half of her rear end hangs out to school to express herself. Is that acceptable? What if a boy decides he can better express himself by wearing a thong to school instead of pants.
Yes, what I just said does sound ridiculous. My point is that it has to stop somewhere. Parents are complaining about having to buy clothes. As parents don't we ALREADY buy them clothes.
Where are the statistics that confirm the MAJORITY of parents are opposed to school uniforms because I was not aware that we were voting on it and if so I did not get to cast my vote.
Another said if I don't like the way some of these teens dress then don't look. Just wait until someone hides a gun or something just as bad in their clothing and see how fast parents want it changes.
Don't say that the teachers sit around and don't do anything all day long. For the majority we have some great teacher in this county. Don't let a few bad apples spoil the whole barrel.
I agree with ChristianDad.
Although I also agree that some of the board members should not be there, that is something the voters will have to decide. But, I neither agreed nor disagreed with the dress code change. But I do agree that there was an issue. Mostly the issue was due to kids that were changing clothes at school and teachers that were not on the same page as to what was and was not acceptable. Teacher that turned their heads became friends to the students, but teachers that tried to enforce any type of dress code was not liked.
When I was younger I was taught to respect those in authority over me and was taught to respect my own body. Unfortunately, we have many parents these days that want to be a friend to their children and let them have all types of "freedoms" even if it does mean putting themselves in a position of looking like the world that is full of loose morals.
Parents in this blog should be more concerned this their child's actual education...both spiritual and academic...instead of crying over something that really should not be cried over.
They are failing the state because they do not have teachers that want to teach.There are teachers that sit at their desk playing with their cell phones, drinking coffee, while the students watch movies or do busy work so they don't have to teach them. I have taught my children more than what they have learned in school. I teach my children throughout the summer to get them a headstart for the next grade. I am not a teacher but a parent.
So if you are saying that the kids learn better in a certain color, shouldn't that mean that the teachers must where the same color so they can set an example.
titanup1,
I have to fight to make sure my child is getting the proper education, so cloths is just one more thing. Some of our educaters have been passing childern a long for years, not all children are easy to teach, thats where the teaching skills come in... sadley not many teachers want to to deal with the hard to teach children..I am not speaking of children with behavoir probelms, I am speaking of bright kids that some things just don't seem to click as fast...so dont assume that just because we are against your "this is the way would should dress because I think it looks better" policy.. that we are not involved with are childern in other ways...the reason my child is doing as well as he is now is not because he has a teacher alone to thank! by the way if you could come up with a color that would keep my child from needing all the extras he has to have in the classroom to learn, I would be glad to buy it..but you can't...
The only reason this is going down is because the town schools are failing the state!
I have read the dress code rules and I don't understand the not allowing jogging pants to school. Let's face it, there are certain times of the month that young girls wear jogging pants because it makes it easier on their stomachs because of cramping, my own daughter has worn jogging pants due to bloating and so not to put pressure on her stomach on certain days. Was that even taken into consideration and as long as the jogging pants are nice and with no holes, what's the problem with them? I don't see how her being uncomfortable will help her learn better on those days, since she can't even take tylenol to school to ease the pain.
They already limit bathroom time to 3-5 minutes for these girls. Come on women, if you are on this blog then you know for a fact you need more than 3-5 minutes....they regulate bathroom visits, lunch time ( they have to literally swallow their lunches whole on most days) and now clothing? what's next?
Where does the control stop? and the person's own judgement step in. I think it's time for a Revolution to begin in Shelbyville and let these people know that we will no longer be silent and our children will no longer be little robots.
titanup,
Tt is about the promise of an "even" field for all students. What happens is it separates that. If you don't understand why people are so upset, then you are not reading the many posts the opposition has stated.
titanup1,
How are our children suppose to establish their own identities and their own beliefs if we turn them into little robots. Instead of passing a new dress code, the school officials need to get up and do their job and inforce the existing one.
As for dressing "like a thug". If you do not like looking at people who dress that way and express themselves that way, then simply do not look.
It is up to the parents on how their children should dress, not the government.
As for the comment about what you have to wear to work, that has nothing to do with this. Because we are talking about children, not adults. My children dress layed back, jeans & tees, or athletic pants,etc. Whatever they feel like wearing and all 3 of them are straight A students.
So clothing has nothing to do with how and if they learn.
I'm glad the school board passed this and I don't know why everyone is so upset. I wish people were as concerned about EDUCATION as they are about how the kids are dressed. I have children at 2 different schools and whenever I drop off my teens at Central some of the kids are dressed like THUGS.
True, you can't judge a book by it's cover but some of these outfits are riduculous. I don't enjoy seeing someone's underwear because their back pockets are BEHIND THEIR KNEES. Some of the girls aren't much better. Maybe if the kids had followed the original dress code to begin with the school board wouldn't have been pushed into this mess to begin with.
To all of you who are so concerned with freedom of expression don't worry your child will not die from conforming a little (what do you think they will have to do when looking for a job?)and there will be plenty of time in college to express themselves.
I know I've angered some with my comments but ALL I'VE HEARD for months is complaing. I'd rather wear jeans to my job but I don't have that option. I don't sit around and cry about it all day.
More promising news for parents opposed to Dress Code:
Redwood Middle School Settlement
The Napa Valley Unified School District agreed to settle a lawsuit challenging the former "Appropriate Attire Policy" at Redwood Middle School. As part of the settlement, parents or guardians of current and former students of Redwood Middle School (RMS) may request correction of their student's disciplinary records, if any, related to the dress code.
RMS Dress Code Discipline Records
The Napa Valley Unified School District agreed to settle a lawsuit challenging the former "Appropriate Attire Policy" at Redwood Middle School. While the District had a difference of opinion with the plaintiffs on the extent to which the law limited schools' ability to restrict clothing choices in order to establish an educational environment conducive to teaching and learning for all students, it made an economic decision not to continue spending limited District resources defending this lawsuit.
As part of the settlement, parents or guardians of current and former students of Redwood Middle School (RMS) may request correction of their student's disciplinary records related to the dress code.
The rest can be read at this link:
http://www2.nvusd.k12.ca.us/Projects/10/...
The following articles are promising for parents who wish to challenge the school boards decision-
JUDGE: REDWOOD DRESS CODE LIKELY UNCONSTITUTIONAL
By DAVID RYAN
Register Staff Writer
Monday, July 02, 2007
Students seeking to knock down Redwood Middle School's strict, no denim, no logos, no stripes dress code won the first round Monday, when Napa County Superior Court Judge Raymond Guadagni ruled the students and their families "established a substantial likelihood of prevailing on their constitutional and statutory claims."
The group of families filed the lawsuit in March with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, arguing the middle school's dress code violated their First Amendment rights and the state educational code because it did not let the students opt out of the rules barring certain kinds of attire on campus.
Donnell Scott, a parent of two students suing the Napa Valley Unified School District and Redwood over the dress code, said she was elated.
"This is a public school and we the people are the public," she said. "The students have rights and those rights need to be heard."
According to charges in the lawsuit, one of Scott's children was removed from campus for wearing socks with the Disney character Tigger on them, and another was disciplined for wearing a T-shirt with the words "Jesus Freak" printed it.
In addition to denim and logos, the school code also bans clothing in certain colors and various accessories. It is the strictest code in the NVUSD.
Administrators and teachers defend the code as helping to impose safety and discipline at the school while limiting gang-related distractions.
Sally Jensen Dutcher, a school district lawyer, released a statement saying the district is "reviewing the decision and evaluating the next steps."
Thomas Loran III, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who argued the preliminary motion in front of Guadagni May 23, said the ruling gives him confidence the ultimate outcome of the case will favor the families.
"While I do find that it's a non-final determination, it's a strong indicator," he said.
ACLU GAVE FAIR WARNING
By Julia Harumi Mass
Saturday, September 01, 2007
We represent a number of families in a lawsuit regarding the Redwood Middle School dress code and the free speech rights of students.
As you reported, the school has implemented a new (interim) dress code policy, which allows students to wear clothes with messages, stripes and patterns, and blue jeans.
We are happy to hear that many families are enjoying increased flexibility under the new policy and that school is off to a smooth start.
We write to address a number of inaccuracies in a letter the school district sent to parents with the new policy.
In August 2005, the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California wrote a letter to the Napa Valley Unified School District, bringing its attention to the fact that Redwood's dress code violated students' rights under both the First Amendment and state law.
NVUSD did not adopt our suggestions, but offered to open up the policy to community input.
One of our clients participated in a lengthy process to try to bring the dress code within legal requirements. Ultimately, that process failed.
In November 2006, having exhausted informal efforts to defend the free speech rights of Redwood students, the ACLU wrote to the NVUSD, explaining that we would sue to enforce the law if the NVUSD did not modify its dress code.
The district, unfortunately, ignored our letter.
Finally, in March of this year, we sued the NVUSD and asked a Napa County Superior Court judge to consider the free speech rights of students as well as state law limits on dress codes and uniform policies.
The court agreed with us and issued a temporary order prohibiting NVUSD from enforcing the dress code unless it gave parents six-month's notice and an opportunity to opt out of what was essentially a uniform policy.
We thought that would resolve the matter, but NVUSD appealed, and two weeks before school, Redwood sent its old dress code out to parents as if nothing had happened.
We informed the district's lawyers that we thought this violated the court's order, asking them to rescind the policy so we wouldn't have to go back to court.
The district ignored us for two days and didn't tell us they would back down, causing us to draft papers and send lawyers to court unnecessarily.
We are happy for our clients' victory and that students' rights are restored at Redwood.
We wish this could have been resolved without any legal fees or court action between the time when we first approached the district in August 2005 and when we finally filed the lawsuit in March of this year.
(Harumi Mass is staff attorney for ACLU of Northern California and lives in Albany.)
If anyone would like to contact the ACLU, like myself here is how:
By mail: You can write a letter explaining your situation or question or you can fill out our printable complaint form and send it to: Intake, ACLU of Tennessee, P. O. Box 120160, Nashville, TN 37212. Please keep your letter brief (for example, a summary of the events, not a detailed history spanning several years). If you wish to send any supporting documents, please do not send originals, and please send only the most relevant documents. We will contact you if we need more information.
http://www.aclu-tn.org/gethelpfaqs.htm#C...
My question to everyone opposed it this:
Are we going to stay on the blog and complian, or are we going to take action?
We do have a right to assemble, If we unite and send our childern to school....are they going to send them home??
We have time to organize. Are you ready?
Do you really want to take a stand?
Parents for Children's Rights!
What do you say?
Lets get together parents of Bedford Co.
There are more opposed than you think....not all have acess to the blogs....
Murphy's Law,
As a matter of fact, I do not buy new school clothes for my children at the start of the school year, I only replace shirt or jeans as needed! We do not go shopping just to go shopping.
and yes it is a freedom lost. because when you give up one simple thing, the next thing is eaiser to take away....your dress code will change next year....you eat an elephant one bite at a time!
It appears that you all are looking for something to complain about. A dress code has nothing to do with losing our freedom or expressing our individuality. It is about learning discipline. Students need to learn that there are rules in life that have to be followed. Most professions have restrictions on what type of clothing is allowed. Why is it a bad idea that children are required to wear certain clothing to school, which is in essence their job for thirteen years?
-- Posted by Murphy's Law on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 6:23 PM
This is for anyone who is in favor of the new 'dress code'. The school board and other officials state that the solid colors, etc will control or stop the gangs that they say are in Shelbyville. However, 2 of the basic colors that were chosen (blue & white) are the colors of MS-13. One of the main gangs in Bedford County.
For anyone who hasn't researched or have never been involved in gangs here's a tip: Bloods wear red.--Crips wear Blue--Kurdish Pride wear yellow-- Mexican Mafia wear blue and red.
So making our children wear solid colors will make it harder for officials to find the gang members because they will simply blend in with everyone else.
And thanks to the school board's decision, there's no way that I can afford to buy all 3 of my children a new wardrobe just to go to school, I will be homeschooling my children next year.
Not only is this county infringing on our children's freedom of speech expression, but they are also denying our children the right to a public education.
"If we did not go and put our vote in or let our voice be heard then we should not complain about it."
If the parents had actually gotten to vote on the dress code itself, then there would not be so many to object and many did go and voice their opinions. Many used the comment cards provided at Community. Unfortunately, the only vote we had was for the board member we elected. We need to make it harder for any future candidates to get elected. I am even considering it but I don't think I can serve with some of the people that will remain after the next election.
I am not complaining about it to my kids (other than commenting on what they are wearing and whether they will be able to wear it in the fall). They do not know what I am saying about it to other adults. They are complaining about it but they will abide by it.
I have also decided to try to arrange to attend more board meetings-although I do not think they provide the public an opportunity to be heard unless you can get on their agenda somehow. The reason more did not attend the last meeting was because the paper stated no one would be able to speak.
When/Where is the next meeting?
To seedsower--haha is not a very adult response. I wonder how your kids act or do you embarass them?
HI DISTURBIA..I am not on the School Board...I am very far far from being RICH....and I am not OLD..I do have a son that is a Jr. in school. Yes it is going to be very hard on my husband and I also.I do not work cause I have had Breast cancer twice since 2000 and I have had 3 mini strokes too. My husband is a Head Maintance man. We have to struggle all the time to make end's meet. Our power bill alone this winter is killing us. It was 408.00 in Dec. and 489.00 in Jan. and 407.00 this month. I also understand what EVIL MONKEY had to say too. But I feel the more up-set we (the mom's and dad's) are the more up-set and mad our children are going to be. That will just make it harder on them in school. What can we do but go along with it and make it a easy change for them. If we are stressed out over it ..then the kid's will be stressed out too. They can wear jeans still and they can find some shirt's that will be long enough for them to wear on the outside instead of tucked in. I believe that Wal-mart will get more of certain things in than they do now since they know that we will be needing this stuff for school. I go to Goodwill alot and look around and I can find some nice things. I know they always have Polo Shirts. The kid's will have several color's to choose from.I wish I had the extra money to help several people out cause I know time's are tuff. But there is nothing we can do about it now but deal with it. Maybe we all have learned that we need to go to these meetings from now on when something comes up about the school. If we did not go and put our vote in or let our voice be heard then we should not complain about it. I do not mean to sound cold or mean. In a way I think that it will help some of the children out some cause they want feel like their clothes aren't as good or nice as some of the other kid's. They will all be wearing things that are some what the same. If I had the money I would help out anyone that may need the extra help. But we will be struggling also.I do not believe the School Board was paid off. Think twice before you say No my child will not be helping with any fund raiser or going to foot ball games or basket-ball games. Stay part of your child's school. It is so very important in their life's. I know my husband and I will.I do understand and we are in the same spot as everyone else.
HAHA.. is about right. It's what I do everytime I think about how idiotic your statements are. This coming from an adult male who on occasion received punishment at home, and a couple of times at school. Your statements are a sad reminder of how you think the only way to deal with problems are to make even those who don't deserve the punishment have no choice.
You have a military mentality that used to be cool in the 1960s and 70s, and is no longer the case. When the times change, do me a favor and be a part of it instead of trying to provide unilateral solutions for individual discrepancies.
HA HA!
Disturbia,
Call me please.
I would like to know who is going to tell my teenage daughter that mom may not have the money to pay the band instrument payments because now I have to buy 2 sets of clothing. She grows fast enough as it is, what fits her tomorrow, most likely won't fit her next month. So I will have to replace 2 pair of pants each time and not just 1. Who's going to tell her that her lifelong dream of playing in the MTSU band may not come true because I can't afford the extra stuff that comes with band because I am too busy trying to scrape up all this extra money? This is not an exxageration, this is real life. If I am buying 2 wardrobes something has to give and the school board has made the decision for me, that perhaps her music will have to go. Where is the fairness in that?
Who is going to tell my baby boy that I may not be able to let him play baseball this upcoming season because I will have to have every last cent for unnecesssary clothing that will be worn for 7-8 hours a day? On top of that, who is going to take me to Murfreeseboro to buy all this and pay for my gas? I can easily go to Wal-Mart and get her the normal clothes she likes, but they can't possibly stock the store for the whole county.
EM is right, it will further the gap between the have and have nots.
How is this helping any child that has to give up on a dream? My child will NOT be the only child to be left out of things. and it breaks my heart. I think most of the people on here praising it are #1. ON THE SCHOOL BOARD. #2 RICH #3 OLD PEOPLE that don't have kids or #4 just don't plain care about our children.
I want to know who paid off the school board to make this decision, what's in it for them? There has to be some kind of monetary or other gain. Something isn't making any sense on this to me.
and just to let the school board know this, My children will NEVER partcipate in another fundraiser, they will never sell another candy bar, another magazine, cheap wrapping paper, I will NOT attend another football game, I will not be sending anymore "donations" of candy, paper, money etc. I will buy my children and MY CHILDREN only what they need. and if every parent will do the same thing, then it will hit them where it hurts, their pocketbooks. Just like where they are hitting me!
You haven't answered any of my questions I asked a few days ago.
You, also, have no solution to the problem how it is supposed to level the field for all the students.
reader_2,
Yes, I do enforce the dress code. I teach elementary students, so I am aware that the parents are responsible for dressing these students in shirts that are too short and pants that do not fit properly. I also understand that sometimes it in not a lack of trying on the parents part. The child may be experiencing a growth spurt and as a parent myself I know that clothes that fit one week may be too small the next!
"Just what has giving your child a whooping and the Death Penalty have to do with each other? If someone goes out and kills someone (like what happened to a friend of my son's 2 weeks ago)then I do believe they should get the Death Penalty. Just maybe that boy that took the life of Joe Floyd was giving too many Whooping's when he was growing up and all he knows is to hurt other people. Yes I do hope he get's the Death Penalty."
-- Posted by rebelrose on Sun, Feb 24, 2008, at 10:39 AM
That logic is as extreme as:
"I am glad this finally passed. Now I hope the Board gets to pass another policy. When these kids break rules, they get their tails tore up like we did back in the day. Now that is what they need, a good ole butt whooping to fix that attitude. God bess everyone."
-- Posted by seedsower on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, at 10:01 PM
Aren't these societal generalizations the precise reason the Dress Code has passed?
tiffany,
I set up the students petition at:
www.hellotn.com/petition
rebelrose,
I understand what you are thinking, but they just changed the dress code, What is next? I am glad you and your son are not going to be affected by it too much, but alot of other families are going to be. And please remember, The school board stated that this policy places each child on a level playing field, no matter their financial background.
Here are a few reasons why that is not true:
1) They have more than 1 child attending 6th grade and up.
2) The child has a different body type that will reveal and embarrass themselves, Whether be too thin or too thick.
3) The "enforcers" can pick and choose whom is violating.
4) The incomes of families will now affect what extra-curricular programs that the child can attend, because the families have to pay for additional school clothes.
What this does is widen the gap between what a child can achieve outside of school based on their families financial situation at that time. For example, Susie is now a cheerleader, her mom is a single mom and she has to scrape by each month to pay for uniform leases, shoes, trips, etc. Susie will not be able to do this next year because she has to wear a new uniform and he single mom will not be able to afford her extra-curricular activities.
If anyone is for this? That is the only reason you are, to make sure you kid has a leg up and to keep the under-privileged down. Pretty sad if you ask me.
Mr.Seedsower got me so up-set over THE GOOD OLE BUTT WHOOPING that I forgot to say anything about the dress code...So I just asked my son about it who is a Jr. and he said NO BIG DEAL I still get to wear my jeans. He likes polo shirts anyway. He may not wear them all the time cause he like's his DIXIE OUTFITTER SHIRT"S.It seem's like the MOM's and DAD's are the most up-set over it. I just think that for them to wear their shirt out they have to wear a T-Shirt is a little to much. My son's belt's have his name on the back and the rebel flag on the side's and his other leather belt has the trucker girl on it. Are they going to say he can't wear the belt's he has too.Tucking the shirt in is the only thing he does not like. If his shirt is long enough to wear on the outside WHY does he have to wear a t-shirt also and the t-shirt has to be tucked in? Isn't that going a little to far? I will still buy the cookies and the candy bar's when the kid's sale them. Maybe not as many. But we have to buy new shirt's and jeans for our son anyway each school year. He want be getting as many new Dixie Outfitter's Shirt's. I don't belive it is going to be as bad as we think come the New School Year.
There goes our summer food!!!! Does the board have any idea how much this is going to cost everyone?!?! To the rich families it's no problem,but to the families like mine, we have too many kids to be buying all or this CRAP!!!!! NO WHERE IN BEDFORD COUNTY IS GOING TO HAVE ENOUGH "STANDARDIZED" CLOTHES FOR THE THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS WHO WILL NEED THEM!!!! I'm going to go tell everyone at Harris Middle School NOT to wear the stupid uniforms because the board needs to realize us teenagers...yeah...WE ARE INDIVIDUAL AND WE DO NOT LIKE UNIFORMS!!! And by the way, weWILL stand up for what we believe is right no matter what everyone else thinks. Darrick and Evil Monkey.....I'm with you on the petition. I'll even start a written one for the people who don't have internet access!!!! Just let me know if you want me to and believe me I WILL DO IT!!!!!!
Mr. Seedsower....You do not know my children and our son who is a Jr. is a wonderful son and a good kid in school. 3 of his brother's in North Carolina have their own business and their children (my grandchildren) go to the same private school.They also have never had to give their chldren a GOOD OLE WHOOPING.I am not saying that they walked the Golden Road all thru their childhood and teen-age years. But we found sitting down and talking to them and taking away the T.V. or being able to go some place works wonders. If you talk to your children they will talk back to you when they have a problem. That is called RESPECT. There is never a need to WHOOP or HIT a child. How would you like to be hit or Whooped every time you have made a mistake in your ADULT life? I am so glad you are not in the school system. I am very THANKFUL you are not at Cascade too. Mr. Looper was wonderful and fair to all the kid's at Cascade when he was there and he is missed very much. But I am thankful that we have Mrs.Edwards now.My son had her from K thru 5th grade. She knows all the student's and she is very fair to all of them. Just what has giving your child a whooping and the Death Penalty have to do with each other? If someone goes out and kills someone (like what happened to a friend of my son's 2 weeks ago)then I do believe they should get the Death Penalty. Just maybe that boy that took the life of Joe Floyd was giving too many Whooping's when he was growing up and all he knows is to hurt other people. Yes I do hope he get's the Death Penalty.
i would also like to sign up for the communism 101 class,so that i can see how many other ways our "government" will be controlling our children in the future!i agree with punkin 100%. i will no longer support any fundraiser event or function.I have 3 kids and my time, money and fuel will now be spent on my kids new uniforms!!thanks to the BORED of education!!now can we really move on to solving the BIGGEST problem?DRUGSGANGS AND ILLEGALS?This should have been a priority in the first place!
seedsower,
I understand that people need to follow rules, but the dress code that currently exist is fine. Why do they think it is easier to enforce a different dress code?
Secondly, Now you must understand, the little money that alot of families had, is going to be paying for school clothes instead of paying for extracurricular activities. Now the disparity of the rich and poor are even more widen because the rich can afford the equipment, (cheerleading outfits, karate outfits, dance costumes, football gear, etc). Now those children are buying clothes they only use for school, while the rich children get to achieve their dreams and have fun.
Real frigging fair! You have no idea what this has done.
Hey rebelrose, you say none of your children ever needed a good ole butt whooping. I bet their are a WHOLE BUNCH of people who thinks differently.
There is another thing that I dont quite understand, God said "He that spares the rod, hates his son. Why is it no one wants their son to get spanked when they are young, yet these same people are normally for the death penalty. Why is it ok to kill someone elses child but not ok to spank yours?
You know what they say about an ounce of prevention....
Well spanking children and a dress code don't even coincide, so we need to get off that subject. However there are similaritites, the parents should be responisble for BOTH the dressing of their children and the proper discipline. Of course the schools should enforce rules and discipline as well, but a dress code is a way to keep from having to do much, it allows policies to enforce rules, rather than the administration.
A wise man once said "Spare the rod and spoil the child." I offer this proposal. Instead of spanking the child, spank the parent. If they want to spare the child the 'horrors' of punishment, let them take it for them. I wonfer how long it would be before the kids started acting right then.
Can the school board say lawsuit?The Constitution of the United States gives us the right of free speech and expression, it also gives us as parents the right to be able to raise our children without goverment interference.I want Barry Cooper,Amy Martin,Dixie Parker,Ron Adcock,leonard Singlton and whoever else was involved in passing this un-american policy that on Friday morning I e-mailed the ACLU about bringing a lawsuit against the Bedford County Board of Education(Communism).If we can get a lawyer to file a lawsuit they may not be able to enforce the new policy until it is settled in court.I have done alot of research and the courts rule in favor of the children and parents 75% of the time.Remember vote all these board members out and take back your schools!
Isn't it hilarious that the dress code PASSED in the same way it was OPPOSED "Unanimously!... Way to represent the People, School Board. I hope you have enjoyed your decades of unopposed positions. You better start making nice with the folks who put you there, time and time again, putting their full faith in trust to vote on behalf of their concerns.
I am glad this finally passed. Now I hope the Board gets to pass another policy. When these kids break rules, they get their tails tore up like we did back in the day. Now that is what they need, a good ole butt whooping to fix that attitude. God bess everyone.
-- Posted by seedsower on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, at 10:01 PM
Yeah, you let a teacher give my child a good ole butt whooping and the teacher will recieve one also. It is my job and ONLY my job to punish my child with a spanking, if the teacher likes having his/her hands attached to their body, the best thing they can do is NOT touch my child.
Why is violence the answer? Ridiculous
Murphy's Law:
Can you please answer a question for me about the statement you made that is attached below...Did you ever try to enfore the current dress code to the students that you were tired of seeing their behinds?
"I still think that many of you on here are up in arms about nothing. I really don't see what the problem is. Also, I don't feel like my children are being told exactly what to wear. There are choices, but not so many that it will make it hard to enforce. I have a right to make that statement. I teach and I am tired of seeing the behinds of my students. I am only sorry that the K-5th grades are not included in the new dress code. And I would not mind following that dress code myself."
-- Posted by Murphy's Law on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 6:44 PM
Dear Seedsower...Let me tell you what I think about a good ole whooping for our kid's like you said.I hope and pray that you do not have any children. If you do and you have been giving your children some of them good ole whooping like you said our children needed....Then they are going to give their children whooping too. That is what is WRONG with some of our children. I have 6 son's and 1 daughter. 5 of my son's and my daughter went to school in North Carolina and we moved here when our youngest son was 5 years old and he has gone to Cascade School since kindergarden. He is a Jr. now. Not once have any of my children needed a Good Ole Whooping. All you have to do is show a child or teen-ager LOVE and they will give LOVE back and show them RESPECT and they will give you RESPECT.GOD BLESS YOU
Yea right seedsower I hope they give one of them an ole fashion butt whooping for wearing the wrong color shirt. There will surely be more attitude fixed than the child's.
I am glad this finally passed. Now I hope the Board gets to pass another policy. When these kids break rules, they get their tails tore up like we did back in the day. Now that is what they need, a good ole butt whooping to fix that attitude. God bess everyone.
-- Posted by seedsower on Sat, Feb 23, 2008, at 10:01 PM
I think you should be first in line!
I am glad this finally passed. Now I hope the Board gets to pass another policy. When these kids break rules, they get their tails tore up like we did back in the day. Now that is what they need, a good ole butt whooping to fix that attitude. God bess everyone.
This is to Couriosgirl...I do not know what school in Bedford County you have been at and looking at the kid's Butt's and underwear. I can tell you that you have not been at Cascade High School. My son has gone there since he was in Kindergarden. He is now a Jr. and the whole time Mr. Looper was there and now Mrs. Edwards the children have all dressed well. There has been no Butt's showing or any showing of the underwear there.Yes some of the children wear some wild things. But they are kid's. We do not have Thug's or Drug's at our school. Can't you think back to when you were a teen-ager and you wanted to wear something that the Adult's were not crazy about?? I sure do. Back in the early 70's there were Bell Bottom jeans and Hip Hugger Jeans.But it sure never hurt my learning in school any. I do not think what the kid's want to wear today hurt's anything at all..If the worse thing a child can do is wear baggy jeans and jeans with holes in them... I think we are doing Great with our kids...Do you think that if a teen-ager wanted to smoke or drink that wearing tan pant's and a blue polo shirt is going to stop them? NO!!!If a child or teen-ager is really into learning at school then what kind of pant's or shirt they wear is not going to make a difference.
I love it! I just wish it was stricter. The stricter the rules the less amount of gray area and therefore would be easier to enforce. Thanks to all of the School Board members, I feel this is one small step in the right direction.
http://www.shelbyvillehosting.com/petiti...
Check your email after signing it.. If it isn't in your inbox then please check your Spam Folders to actually make the signature count!
curiousgirl, <== (if that is what you were trying to spell.)
Maybe you need to worry about opening a dictionary and learn how to spell some elementary words like decency not "deseancie" instead of worrying about how someone dresses.
It's not about the dress, it is about the money and the lack of forward thinking.
Sorry- I hit a key before I was finished, this post is in response to couriosgirl...
I'm curious if certain schools in Bedford County have less enforced dress codes than others.
What school have you seen this style of dress?
Thanks Evil Monkey :)
I think the dress code is GREAT!!!!
It has been long needed in our school system! Have most of you sat and watched these kids coming out of school lately? they have on clothes that look like they came out of dumpsters on ,they look 10 times too big for them , and their tails are showing with only a thin cloth of underware or thongs showing !! No wonder we have kids getting sick all of the time !!! Not to mention these kids who go to school in dog colars and dressed like the GRIM REAPER ! What is wrong with the parents letting their kids walk out of the house like that? The whole problem that comes from these things and expressions ----
are kids with no respect for themselves or others!!!!
But hey , isn't that what most parents want now a days ? You know , kids that tell them what they are going to do!!!
It is time to take the reigns back and teach these kids to have a little common deseancie !! Maybe the school dress code will teach them what they are not being taught at home and in the mean time -----give the rest of us a break from seeing all those kids behinds!!!!!!!
Dianatn,
Call me. Let me see what I can do.
Darrick, i do hear you. RIM students are known for expressing themselves in a different way. I have 2 good friends who are in the RIM industry. However, they don't choose to wear saggy pants. I understand that some do choose to dress that way. My opinion is I don't think our future/present generation will want Snoop Dog(s) to perform thier next heart surgery. Kids can express themselves, but they are at school(in a controlled environment) to get an education not to be in a fashion show so to speak. You are right not everyone looks the same in the real world. And yes it does really stink when your child dresses appropriately and that right gets taken away because there are others that don't dress approrpriately. I think the main point here is that kids have got to learn respect and to follow rules when there are rules to be followed. And most kids do follow the guidelines but there is obviousely several that don't. We live in a world where we don't want to be told what to do.... that's why this has come to this...it is sad. Just my opinion.
Ok... I just didn't want anybody saying "well these are kids not adults" also if you are only allowing one IP address per signature doesn't that mean only one household member can sign even though there may be 5 or 6 that are against this and will be effected by it? In other words the total count would be total households not actual residents who are against the policy. But I do understand where you are coming from also by not wanting people to make up emails and ID's in order to sign more than once.
I dont think this dress code will solve anything..If they cant enforce a dress code they wont next year either..It's a shame the school board doesnt listen to what the public wants..I send my child to school dressed decently..always have...always will..the kids that come to school dressed inappropriately will still come to school that way I think..
Students are affected by this as well, so I don't see any harm against it. They are residents right? I have programmed it so if the same IP is used then it might not allow it.
EM
I have a small question about your petition is there a age requirement on this for signatures to count or can students sign this also?
Disturbia,
You used 3 o in yahoo, I corrected it.
Call me at the number at the top after you click the banner. Let me see if I can fix it for you. No idea why it didn't authorize. The reason I have to do that email thing is so people prove they are real people and not a computer petitioning.
About signing the petition:
My signature MIGHT have mattered if it had ever sent me an email to verify my signature. And yes, I used a real address. Oh well, I tried.
When should kids get the right to be kids? They are not adults and should not have to act like it. I have some of the best memories from childhood and it was not because my parents made me dress and act like a little adults. Maybe that is also where alot of these other problems with kids start too. They are made to act like adults when the maturity is not there. Most of us dressed with the times when we were in school. Does anyone on this blog think that it ruined your learning environment or did it give the opportunity to think for yourself. There is always someone breaking the rules. I do not want my children to learn to conform, I want them to learn to think outside the box. If someone does not follow the rules, they need to have to deal with that individual. I let my kids pick out their clothes and I may not always like them, but did my parents always like what I wore? Of couse not, I didn't see my mom wearing neon colors, mini skirts, huge earrings. Did it make me a learning distraction? Well let me see, I took honor classes and made all A's and B's. So again I say it is not the dress code that is the problem.
Yipee, we have a different dress code. I still have not figured out why we have a new dress code when the old dress code would work fine. The problem lies in the fact that it was not enforce, so why should we think this one will? It will not end society, and everyone will get used to the extra money. This should help gang recruitment too as they all wear the same colors. One question that nobody has answered to me yet is why don't the teachers have to comply with the same dress code? If it is so good and works so well shouldn't everyone have to do it?
Dump Truck Driver
There are MANY professions were sagging pants is acceptable. Have you ever heard of the recording industry? There are different professions with different expectations, which means we are NOT teaching the kids to undergo discipline, and we are NOT teaching them to live in the real world, because nobody in the real world looks the same, dresses the same, talks the sames, etc etc etc. Business is being conducted on a global scale now and when these children grow up and travel abroad to present their products they will be in shock, because unlike what you suggest, the real world doesn't require that everyone look the same, it requires skills, abilities, and a desire to work.
http://www.shelbyvillehosting.com/petiti...
SIGN THIS! and pass this to people who are adamently against conformity!
You're right, Let punish all the drivers on the same highway because one drunk driver got arrested. Makes total sense. Not.
Yes it is true that the ones that follows the rules gets punished for the ones that do not follow the rules. It is sad but true. However, this is what our kids have got to learn, life is not fair. There is expectations in life especially when you get a job. Your job may require you to wear a uniform. Maybe not. Either way, your employer will have expectations of you to dress appropriately and act right. I think this is what it boils down to...... trying to educate our children that there is expectations/guidelines/rules/etc in life. Getting them ready for the real world.... does not always mean we have to like change but it is teaching them. It is sad that there are kids out there that think sagging pants are acceptable. Sagging pants are not acceptable in today's workforce environment. It shows the education level. Education is the key to success. I am sure it was hard for the board to vote this change in because of the good people that was against it....but they don't want our county to become all thugs without education either. It did not matter to me what the decison was......I am confident that our board knows what we need and I commend them on making a hard decison to TRY to better our students education in Bedford county.
Ladies and Gentleman,
I present to you, the petition.
http://www.shelbyvillehosting.com/petiti...
oops i meant 3 kids and 6 different wardrobes, not 3 kids 3 wardrobes...my bad :)
Some of you whiners act like you don't buy new school clothes for your children each school year! It should actually save you money and prevent the disagreements that usually occur when parents and teens go shopping for clothes together.
Posted by Murphy's Law on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 6:23 PM
I have to agree with Diana on this one, I will now have to buy 2 sets of clothes for my daughter. That is double the money that I have to spend. and in the 2009/2010 school year that will be 2 kids that need 2 different wardrobes and then in the 2011 school year that will be 3 kids with 3 different wardrobes. If you are so for it, then by all means, your donations to my clothing fund will be greatly appreciated because like every other parent on here I am nickel and dimed to death by 3 different schools in this county.
This is not a rich county by no means and most people work and live from paycheck to paycheck. Noone even took into consideration that kids may not actually want to wear their uniforms to hang out with their friends, go to movies, go to ballgames etc...they still have to have normal clothes.
I have talked to over 15 kids from a local school today and they are saying that the first week back the entire school is talking about wearing what they would normally wear. Do you really think an entire school will suspend it's entire student body or even spend an entire week calling parents every day? I hope they do it, these kids have minds and aren't afraid to stand up for what they feel is right. My kids go to school looking presentable everyday and if that's what it takes for them to get the message across I will support each and every child at that school 100%!
In the US, the State, not the feds, regulate school dress codes and uniforms. So far, no state legislature has mandated its public schools to set out dress codes or uniforms, although many states have enacted legislation that addresses the issue. Local school boards are often the bodies that decide on what is appropriate dress in school and then have the schools themselves enforce their codes.
School board officials are mainly elected. People who share your ideology can be voted in. Those who oppose can be voted out. Many school board officials throughout the country have cited that uniforms and strict dress codes are used to combat crime and disciplinary problems in schools. However, requiring students to wear uniforms has had no direct effect on drug abuse, behavioral problems or school attendance, according to a 1998 study entitled "The Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavioral Problems, Substance Abuse, and Academic Achievement" published in The Journal of Educational Research. The study went on to say: "Students wearing uniforms did not appear to have any significantly different academic preparedness, proschool attitudes, or peer group structures with proschool attitudes than other students." In other words, uniforms do not lead to good behavior.
Take Action!
Participate. Parents and students should attend school board meetings together and present the facts and law to support their case against restrictive dress policies. Become the Board. If the school board doesn't listen, become the board. If you are over eighteen and want to make a difference in your community -- not only for dress codes but for a variety of issues -- run for a school board position. In New York City's last school board election, only 3.3% of those eligible actually voted. So if you drag your friends, family and neighbors in your district to the polls, you have a decent chance. Vote. If you don't have the time or inclination to run for office, then make sure you vote for someone who represents your views. Support. Support your local ACLU. This non-profit organization will go to bat for some of the smallest cases that get barely a mention in the newspaper because their goal is to defend the Bill of Rights. Twenty five dollars makes you a card-carrying member--no longer a dirty label. Demonstrate. Picket the school for a change in policy. Again, the more parents on the picket line, the better. Excel. If dress policies are used to combat violence or enhance academic preparedness, then a "model student" with purple hair and piercings flies in the face of those policies. Be the best you can be and the battle is already won.
I say it is time for a new era of "Civil Disobedience".. I think EVERY child should show up in normal, respectful clothing the first day of school... and continue that policy up until the Horse Show. There is no way in the world these schools can send thousands of students home or put them in ISS...
Good idea? I think so, it is one of the best ways to silently and peacefully stage a riot!
Amy Martin, Ron Adcock, Barry Cooper, all of you... What a disgrace to pass a STUPID policy. YOU WERE ELECTED to represent the PEOPLE and not subject your OWN, BIASED, UNPROVEN rhetoric. No, the dress code is not the end of society as we know it, but it sure is the beginning of conformity, masked in the slogan of "discipline". There are people who are more than willing to replace everyone of the schoolboard members, and in fact I am somewhat thankful for this dress code, because it has parents involved in what effects their children. I don't see how the school board can justify the costs, the headaches, and the pure ridiculousness of this absurd policy. Plain and simple, it is their way to avoid having to deal with individuals, they are TOO LAZY and would rather just make everyone suffer for the actions of few. I honestly don't care if any of my family disagrees with me on this issue. None of them have numbers to prove ANYTHING positive from this change of policy.
I will repost what Diana posted, if you really want to take action then do your duty and get rid of those people from PUBLIC office, because they are serving Private interests, nothing else.
http://www.bedfordk12tn.com/board.html
$133 x 2 or 3 kids adds up quickly! I am tired of being nickled and dimed to death by these schools. If we're not selling something or raising money for something else, they're selling $30 year books along with all the extra activities. I can't afford this and I'm sure there are a lot of people in the same boat. I'm tired of it! My kids go to school with decent clothes. They wear what they want (if it doesn't match, all the better in their eyes), but it has to pass muster with me. I will make my vote count this fall!
LivingInThe County and Murphy's Law,
The costs are the clothes do not include the cost of their extra curricular activities outside of school. Not only do I have to buy a school uniform, but I have to buy "play clothes" too. Plus Karate Uniforms every 8 months! This is for 1 kid now, but soon to be two later a couple years ago. What if I am unable to afford all of the three sets? And that is my family, there are more out there that have even more kids and are in worse shape financially.
I guess there are people with blinders on that don't see REAL people, just numbers and "discipline". Well, this isn't discipline, it's stupid.
Murphey's Law,
Since you are a teacher, Why didn't you enforce the current dress policy? I know for a fact it wasn't against my kids because I have common sense. But common sense plays both ways. If you can't control kids in class, and enforce school policies, how can you teach?
Do you honestly think kids are going to obey this policy? Do you think ISS and OSS are viable punishments? Oh you don't like the dress policy, then we kick you out. Woot that's justice! It's ridiculous, it's sad, and downright one of the worst policies that causes more harm then good. There is NOT one good thing about it. I have more to say but I honestly don't want to type it...
I am also a teacher and I would be glad to wear what the kids have to wear. As a parent I do have a problem with my kid not being able to be a 'normal' teenager. I don't promote conformity as long as rules are being obeyed and I think the school board should have listened to their constituents and put this on hold or been more gradual. From what I hear, it is the belts and tucked shirts that the kids seem to have the most complaints about. I also still don't understand why non-collared shirts are gang-related.
hey that's really good but it looks like extra clothing to me. They will still need clothes to wear when not in school. Which right now they wear the same things after school that they do during school.
Not only that but when the season changes you need to buy either long sleeve shirts or short sleeve shirts. Not to mention a jacket of the right color.
It is the end of society as my youngest knows it.
Another link-Can you pick yours out? Better yet-Can you pick out the gang members?
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/228427/1837...
Sorry-I just think these are funny.
OK, let me do some shopping and math for all the gripers...
Boys
6 polo solid color shirts
2 pair kahki pleated pants
3 pair of standard levi jeans
Walmart.com $133.98
JC Penny outlet $201.87
Girls
6 polo solid color shirts
1 pair denim capri pants
1 pair denim jeans (at the waist style)
2 pair kahki pleated pants
1 kahki skort
Walmart.com $123.28
JC Penny outlet $181.89
A full week of school clothing for at or less than $200.
I dont see how anyone can complain that is it going to cost them more to cloth their child with this new dress code.
You could probably pick up even cheaper savings if you search for bargins. There are stores that even cater to school attire needs and have sales at the beginning of the school year.
I think you want to gripe for the sake of griping.
I am sorry. I still don't see what the big deal is. I don't think that these dress codes will be the end of our society as we know it. I will check back with y'all later. I can't wait to see all the new comments, but its time for my movie.
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/955393/3712...
This is the link I wanted although I think the other one is funny too.
Here's our kids:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/955393/3712......
I just watched a piece on CNN about Jonah Goldman's book, "Liberal Fascism." (I think that was the name) It had a smiley face on the front with a hitler mustache. The point was that facsim would not come to the U.S. as a Nazi, but as a "popular" idea that appealed to many people.
For some reason it made me think about how so many school systems across the country are adopting these dress codes when so many parents object because they can't back up their reasons and about all the people who think those who oppose are just a bunch of 'whiners'.
Do you think teenagers (and this is basically what this dress code will effect) will wear these clothes after school hours? I not only think they won't I feel sure they won't. So don't that mean parents not only get to purchase clothing just for school but after school activities also.
So instead of purchasing clothing that could be worn where ever these children went now you purchase 2 sets.
I still think that many of you on here are up in arms about nothing. I really don't see what the problem is. Also, I don't feel like my children are being told exactly what to wear. There are choices, but not so many that it will make it hard to enforce. I have a right to make that statement. I teach and I am tired of seeing the behinds of my students. I am only sorry that the K-5th grades are not included in the new dress code. And I would not mind following that dress code myself.
Having restrictions on what you wear on a job and being told exactly what to wear is completely different. The only professions that I can think of that have to wear certain things is fast food servers and I prefer that my child not be trained to work in at McDonalds.
Some of you whiners act like you don't buy new school clothes for your children each school year! It should actually save you money and prevent the disagreements that usually occur when parents and teens go shopping for clothes together.
It appears that you all are looking for something to complain about. A dress code has nothing to do with losing our freedom or expressing our individuality. It is about learning discipline. Students need to learn that there are rules in life that have to be followed. Most professions have restrictions on what type of clothing is allowed. Why is it a bad idea that children are required to wear certain clothing to school, which is in essence their job for thirteen years?
You all just wanted to make yourselves look good to YOUR peers across the state.
-- Posted by nellie on Fri, Feb 22, 2008, at 5:35 PM
They dont know that Bedford Co. is just another fleck on the map! No one of any real importance across the state even knows their names nor do they care to.
I sat right behind Sadie.
I have no pity either! If we have adults on the board that cant stand their ground for what they really believe in we dont need them.
It's the early 1960s. We all look so sharp in our starched white shirts and ties--cuffs buttoned or linked, girls in their nice modest dresses--all looking the same, conforming to society.
No!!!It's actually 2015. That's what all our kids will look like then. We're sending them back to the way we and our older siblings had to dress.
The school board members either no longer have kids in school or their kids dress this way already.
It is such a shame. We worry that our kids grow up too fast and then we go and take away part of their childhood.
We had to let the immigrants take over another part of our society.
Will they all have to salute next?
And to Amy--the majority of parents did not agree that it was right and the majority should indicate what's popular.
You all just wanted to make yourselves look good to YOUR peers across the state.
I have no pity, I feel that some of those board members are controlled by one or two others on the board...
evil monkey, I was probally close to you.
I actually saw reservations by a few of the members on the board to vote yes. I guess adult peer pressure got the best of them. I wasn't shocked when I sat there listening to their end vote speeches. A couple of them looked on the verge of tears, I felt pity and betrayed all at the same time.
Does anyone know if there is a policy on petitioning to have this amendment removed?
Only 3 at the moment! Ones already out of school and the youngest starts next year.
Now that this is over maybe they can move on to something thats really important. What's the proposal for getting rid of the drugs and thugs? I am anxiously waiting to read about the solution the school board has to correct these REAL problems!
Disgusted
Ouch, 5 kids? If your feeding them at all you are doing wonderful, in my book.
Are all 5 of your kids going to have to use dress code standards or are some of them not old enough yet?
Give a few "wanna bees" a little power and this is what you get! I wont be purchasing these clothes in Bedford Co. under any circumstances.
"What is right is not always popular," said Amy Martin.
What is right for MY children is not for Amy Martin, Ron Adcock, or anyone else to decide. Since they want to make my parenting decisions for me maybe I need to take my 5 kids to their house for breakfast in the morning. I need them to tell me if I'm feeding them to their standards as well.
All I can say is I am glad my last [of 4] graduates this year. Do any of the schools have an ROTC unit? Could they wear their uniforms? Do cheerleaders still get to wear there uniforms to school?
mtsufan, yes is do agree with you.
There should be a rule in place under the current dress code.
The new dress code will have to be enfored as well.
I hope it will be enforced better than the old dress code.
Reader2,
You make good points in your statement.
"I see a lot of students and it wasn't being enforced, so lets make all the students in Bedford County pay for those who chose not to follow the rules because teachers and administrators didn't have the guts to enforce it!!!" I agree the adminstrators and teachers have to enforce the rules. Would you agree that we have to have a rule so the ones who don't obey it can be punshied.
You don't have to run for the school board to make a statement, you can do that at the polls.
We all have the right to vote without having to.... "run for the postion yourself".
If someone decides to run, that's their choice...If someone decides not the run, that's their choice.
It's nothing personal, I just happen to think they made a bad decision.
The current dress code would work fine if it was being enforced!!!!
I see a lot of students and it wasn't being enforced, so lets make all the students in Bedford County pay for those who chose not to follow the rules because teachers and administrators didn't have the guts to enforce it!!!
Does Ron Adcock or Amy Martin have a clue that they just turned their back on their district? People who elected these two stood up in a public meeting and all of them expressed their displeasure with this dress code and these two still voted in favor. Forget voting them out, the people of Unionville should demand that they be removed A.S.A.P.
Starting with our government,our judicial system and now the school board. our country is going to hell in a hand basket .We have a presidential candidate that was sworn into the senate with his hand on the koran,He does'nt believe in GOD! we have judges and law enforcement officials making their own rules. we have all sorts of immigration issues that is not being addressed among other wrongs in this country.It's really bad when in AMERICA we are the minority and the hispanic population are the majority. What good does it do to stand up and be heard? And now we have the school board hearing the parents and students feelings on s.s.a. with that meaning nothing! A little patronasation on their part to make things look fair and all ready knowing from the get go what they were going to do!We live in a country where the rich and powerful are telling the back bone of america, which are the working people what to do because they can. What is wrong with this picture? It sure does'nt have anything to do with the ever forgotten AMERICAN DREAM!!!!!!!!!!
I do check my children!
Most of us do!
If you want to get right down to it lets...the problem is at Shelbyville Central High School,and the problem is this town smiling at every illeagl that comes our way...Why don't our local law inforcement take care of the illeagal probelm why not check the school records and see how many are children are illeagal or their parents. No that would take up your education time. Tell me how much time do you spend truly educating....I know...I see more than one may think.
For all of you who say vote out the current school board. Really make a statement and run for the postion yourself.
http://www.bedfordk12tn.com/board.html
I think all the names of all the board members should be published so everyone knows who not to vote for.
If it is so minor then why did the school board feel they needed to change anything about the dress code?
I don't feel like it is too minor when it is the parents who will have to purchase the new clothing for their children not the school board.
And for your information not all students were in violation of the old dress code but all students get the same punishment.
I have never heard such childish reactions to something so minor...if parents had been checking their teens attire daily, this would not have been done..so blame yourselves....we should be talking about education and not complaining about clothes...for goodness sake....grow up!
I have never heard such childish reactions to something so minor...if parents had been checking their teens attire daily, this would not have been done..so blame yourselves....we should be talking about education and not complaining about clothes...for goodness sake....grow up!
Does this actually surprise anybody that the school board went ahead with this even though the Majority of the parents were against it?
Angel37,
Don't most principal's wear suits and wear ties?
punkin,
Are you in the picture? curious if you were sitting near us.
SO THIS IS HOW FREEDOM DIES!!!
ONE UNANIMOUS VOTE AT A TIME!!!
WHEN ALL OUR FREEDOMS ARE GONE - WILL YOU DIE FOR THEM TO BE REPLACED LIKE SO MANY OF OUR PREVIOUS GENERATIONS. THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A COUNTRY WHERE WE ARE PROUD OF OUR FREEDOM - PRIDE IN OUR FLAG - OUR COUNTRY.
IF YOU CAN GIVE FREEDOM AWAY SO EASILY - YOU DONT DESERVE FREEDOM.
BUT WAIT - YOU DIDNT GIVE YOUR FREEDOMS AWAY
DID YOU. YOU HAVE TAKEN THE ROUTE OF WILLINGLY GIVING AWAY THE NEXT GENERATIONS FREEDOMS, AND WHAT A BONUS YOU WERE FREE TO REMOVE OTHERS FREEDOMS.
YOU RECEIVED THAT RIGHT ON THE BACKS OF SO MANY DEAD SONS, DEAD FATHERS, DEAD GRANDFATHERS & DEAD HUSBANDS.
NOW THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT, AND WHERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS FREEDOM.
2 CORINTHIANS 3:17
Now that this has passed, I agree that EVERYONE who works at the school should folow the same dress code. From the principal all the way to the janitors and kitched staff. What's good for this kids, it's good for the teachers. They are no better than the kids.
it was suggested at the meeting to let the student goverment help make the color choices...does that mean that student council will be letting their fellow students vote on the choice...
Yes, accecptable attire includes "pants, jeans, shorts, capri pants, skirts, skorts or jumpers in solid colors with no embellishments of any kind. (Embellishments may be defined as elaborate decoration or adorments).
The T-G published the updated dress code when it was released. It can still be viewed at www.t-g.com/files/ssa-feb.doc
When are they going to announce the colors for each school, and where to buy them? I just want the school board to know you have lost all my faith and respect and I will be visiting the polls when the time comes. I also expect to see all teachers and board members dressed under the same required code when you are at work. Or is it a "DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO" kind of rule? This dress code will not solve anything and if I am wrong about that, then tell me what it will. As I have stated before, the gangs, bullies, drug pushers, rich and poor will still be there. The dress code will not fix that. This is only a band-aid to cover the real problem.
Ok so they can wear solid collared shirts but what about jeans and shorts? I thought I read jeans will be okay but this article doesn't say.
Thank you Bedford County School Board for giving me back all my free time and extra money, as I will no longer, sell, or purchase anything from the Bedford County school sysetms. I will no longer donate any of my time to any organzatin that I have overly voluntered myself for in the past!
As for all of you that have complained about this from the beginning and most where teachers...I shall not have to listen, because, I did attend the meetings, I did take part as I have attend and taken part with all things that have involved my children, and have brought up the things that you asked me to.
If extra money is needed purchase something for the class rooms, or schools...ask the school board..I am sure that they will get around to you...or better yet send the candy boxes to them to sell, and have them to show up to work the consession stand.
I think I will enjoy the the rest!
by the way..has the new teachers been lined up for the new classes starting up at the schools....Communism 101
Thanks to you all.
The school board made their decision Thursday night now the voters will have a chacne to make a decision when board members come up for re-election!
Well, what's done is done.
"Shirts with a squared off tail that reaches no more than six inches below the belt are not required to be worn tucked in, provided they are worn with an undershirt that is tucked in." Thank goodness kids who normaly wears a medium, cant wear a XXL undershirt)That rule is enough for me to agree on a dress code.