Shirt colors, enforcement are only changes in dress code

The Bedford County Board of Education revisited the school dress code at its monthly meeting Tuesday.

School officials had considered changing the current policy on hoodies. Teachers, after discussion, recommended retaining the policy, said School Superintendent Ed Gray.

Students may wear hoodies, which are considered lightweight outerwear. However, students must wear a collared shirt underneath these hoodies.

The only actual change to the dress code policy regards shirt colors. Students may wear any color they wish, so long as the shirt is of the appropriate size and style as outlined in the dress code.

Violations to the school dress code will now be handled in the same manner as other school disciplinary infractions, by utilizing the Manual of Student Discipline Code, Gray said.

For a first infraction, they will "try to fix the problem and keep kids in the classroom," Gray said.

Board member Dixie Parker asked Gray what would happen if a student's parent could or would not bring them a new shirt to wear.

"They have to be in dress code to return to class," Gray said. If no resolution is made, students will be turned over to ISS.

In summary, all dress code violations will be handled as any other type of violation.

Gray said consistency in the dress code throughout the school system has been stressed since the inception of the code. School officials and Gray will be checking in at schools throughout the first few weeks of the new year to ensure the policy, now in its second year, is being properly enforced.

Parker also suggested a mass phone call message be sent out reminding students and parents about the hoodie policy as well as the policy change in shirt colors.

New school open houses

Zach Baldwin, with American Constructors, reported crews are working through punch list items at Community High and Learning Way Elementary schools.

"Teachers are moving their furniture in and getting ready for school to start," he said.

Gray said proposed dates have been made for the new schools' open houses. Community's open house and ribbon cutting will tentatively be held at 2 p.m. Aug. 2. Learning Way's is planned for 2 p.m. Aug. 9.

Following brief ceremonies, all are welcome to tour the new schools.

Light at end of tunnel

The board closed its meeting by reflecting on the many changes taken on by the school system over the last couple of years.

Glen Forsee thanked Gray for leading the board, parents, teachers and students through the process of building and renovating several new schools, establishing a magnet school, rezoning, and implementing a dress code.

"Mr. Gray, thank you for directing us through this unknown maze," Forsee said.

Gray praised board members for keeping their focus "on what's best for education in Bedford County."