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GoogleLast year the Bedford County Board of Education passed the dress code.
"There are very few changes," Gray said. "The biggest change is that shirts have to be tucked in."
Gray said the board passed this resolution to the code based on recommendations of school principals, who felt it was difficult to enforce the sagging of pants when untucked shirts cover the pants.
Reflecting his view that the dress code is in place to prepare students for adulthood and careers, Gray cited five state legislatures that had bills this year against wearing sagging pants in public.
"It didn't pass, but it will come up again next year," Gray said.
He continued, "Students should be wearing clothes they could wear to work ... that's what we're working toward."
Other changes to the dress code include students now having the freedom to wear any solid colored shirt they desire, as long as it has a collar and sleeves and is of the appropriate size as outlined in the dress code.
Students may wear hoodies, which are considered lightweight outerwear. However, students must wear a collared shirt underneath these hoodies.
The revised dress code also touches on embellishments. The current policy reads "pants, jeans, shorts, capri pants, skirts, skorts or jumpers in solid colors with no embellishments of any kind" are acceptable. "Embellishments may be defined as elaborate decoration or adornments. Note: a simple thread of any color on jean pocket is not considered an embellishment."
To view the dress code policy in full, visit the Board of Education's web site at http://www.bedfordk12tn.com/education/di... and click on the "School Board" link.
Gray said he is addressing concerns over the enforcement of the dress code in terms of consistency from school to school and said Terry Looper will be closely supervising the enforcement of the dress code throughout the year.
"We are trying to be as consistent as possible," said Looper, acknowledging he is aware of parents' concerns over this issue.
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.
"(The dress code) is like any other school rule and should fall under the code of discipline," he said.
This code can be found in the student handbook, which is passed out to each student at the beginning of the school year.
Grand openings
Ribbon cuttings for Community High School and Learning Way Elementary are coming up soon, Gray said, and he invites the public to attend the ceremonies.
Gray said Community's open house and ribbon cutting will 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.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
"As Ed Gray sifted through paperwork in his office Wednesday in preparation for a new school year -- a new year that includes several changes within the physical and administrative aspects of the county school system -- he reported some minor changes in the system-wide dress code."
This is more than a minor change especially since school will be starting in less than 2 weeks.
Last years code required shirts not be any longer than 2 inches past the belt line. As any of you know Polo shirts shrink... alot. So this means if you purchased shirts last year that were within the guidelines these Polos will now have to be tossed aside and new ones purchased because there is no way even 2 inches will stay tucked inside a pair of pants all day.
I am Glad the School Board thinks we all have this extra money to run out and purchase Polos just because they decided to change the rules 2 weeks before school begins.
When this story was reported July 16th the t-g stated the New Dress Code had very little change and the only new changes were in connection with the shirt colors and hoodies.There was no mention of the shirts needing to be tucked in on July 16th.
http://www.t-g.com/story/1555075.html
Below is an excerpt from May 24 article written by John Philleo from his coverage of board meeting. Tuck in policy change was announced then. This statement was overlooked by reporter at the next board meeting where changes were discussed and was not included in their report.
*All shirts would be required to be tucked in under the proposal, mainly so that students won't be able to hide saggy or low-cut hip-hugging pants underneath.
Diane Neeley
I think that the tuck in rule should go back to what it was last year. That the shirt that touches the skin should be tucked in and not the polo. School officials have no idea how having to do this makes so many of the kids uncomfortable. Especially the ones who might be over weight. They are not taking the kids feelings into consideration. You just add fuel to the fire when it comes to self esteem issues.
Do they also have to wear a belt if they have belt loops on their pants. My little girl will not wear a belt so if they have to we will be in trouble right off.
Sorry I thought the May 24th article that was on the dress code was just a proposal, I didn't realize you had already made those changes.
I agree on that, with a little extra around the middle and the shirt tucked in it is uncomfortable to wear like that and also unsightly. I would choose to not go if I had to tuck in my shirt. I always am covering that roll and trying to disguise it not put it out there for everyone to see.
According to the revised Dress Code this is what it states on belts:
Pants, jeans, shorts, skirts and skorts with elastic waistbands must be worn at the waist. Pants, jeans, shorts, skirts and skorts must be worn at the waist, and those with belt loops must be worn with a belt inside the belt loops.
Comment:
I am not sure where one finds young female adult jeans that fit at the waist?
If they are preparing the children for a work environment, then all rules need to apply. If a student makes a complaint of harassment against another student for remarks about their weight while having to wear these shirts tucked in, then the zero tolerance rule should apply. I think it would be covered under bullying. If the child cannot stand up for themselves and say "I can lose weight, but you can't fix stupid!" Then file a harassment claim, let the underpaid educators waste their time investigating all the claims (cause we know it's going to happen) and suspend the kids. That work for you Mr. Gray?
"I agree on that, with a little extra around the middle and the shirt tucked in it is uncomfortable to wear like that and also unsightly. I would choose to not go if I had to tuck in my shirt. I always am covering that roll and trying to disguise it not put it out there for everyone to see."
So.... everyone that has a little extra around the middle is allowed to walk around with their shirttails out at work? I admit it's uncomfortable, but that's a lame argument. My dress shoes hurt my feet, but I sure can't walk around my office with my shoes off. My dress shirt is HOT in the summer, but I sure can't walk around without a shirt on. (NO ONE would want to see that anyway..lol)
Dianatn.... try Aeroapostle in M'boro. They have the jeans and the polos that fit the standard as well. The polos we bought are cheaper than Wal-Mart "Faded Glory" and made of much better quality.
Ed Grey and the school board, you are so totally out of touch!!! Standard attire is fine, but this goes over the limit to me. You will now have kids walking around constantly trying to keep their shirts tucked into their pants. Do the educators have nothing else to do but look for silly nonsense regulations? What about teaching my child something useful or keeping fights broken up. Its petty and will not fix what is boken in Bedford County schools.
This stupid dress code is just another example of punishing the masses for the transgressions of a few. My children have always learned and done well in school no matter what they wear. They could have simply addressed those that dressed inappropriately instead of having a knee-jerk reaction and punishing everyone. Those that dressed inappropriately in the past will continue to work ways around this dress code and look inappropriate. Meanwhile, all those students who did nothing wrong get to enjoy this ridiculous dress code.
Teachers should have to go by the same dress code I think........are they not at work??? If they are preparing our children for what to wear when they go to work, lead by example!
titansfan.... I agree totally
Well I know most of Community's teachers wear Community shirts. They have collierd shirts that have a Vik head embroidered on to them. I also know that pretty much all the ones at Cascade do the same with a Walker on them, so not sure what schools you are talking about the teacher's needing to wear the same unless it's the town schools.
I agree completely with the statement about teachers should have to follow the same dress code as the students. I know of one teacher especially that wore clothes that were inappropriate,and made her look more like a "lady of the night" than a teacher. skin tight shirts, extremely tight skirts and pants, and spike heeled boots that come up above the knee. While that may be in style, it is not the kind of example I want my teen age daughter to follow. I have heard what some of the boys call her because of what she is wearing and it isn't very nice at all. We will let your imagination run with that one. You will probably be very close...
Now about the tucking the shirts in. I understand the concept behind the school boards decision, but honestly, it doesn't take into consideration, different body sizes. I know that I don't wear ANYTHING tucked in, because I am self conscious of my middle, and I am 43. I cannot imagine forcing a young teen, that is subject to all sorts of ridicule because of weight, not to mention that they are at a point in their life where their self esteem is at stake. The only way to handle this if the school board insists on keeping that as part of the dress code, is for them ( principles, vice principles, teachers, SRO officers, anyone in authority at the school ) to step up and discipline the students that are making fun of those other students that are overweight. Don't make it a he said she said instance, enforce a ZERO tolerance for intimidating comments, bullying, and making fun of others.
The way I think of this whole thing is this. We are ALL made in God's image. Who is to say that God's image is the perfect "barbie" size and shape.
I think that our teachers have much more to do, than to worry about whether or not a students shirt is tucked in or not. They are already underpaid for the amount that we expect of them, now we are saddling them with having to police school attire. That is something that should be the parents responsibility. I know for one that my children have NEVER worn clothes that weren't appropriate for school, neither has their clothing affected what they learned in school.
The Bedford County School Board has a lot of others things to work on to try to fix this broken system, rather than whether or not a polo is tucked in, or if the child is wearing a belt.
How does this rule help students learn? Wasn't the dress code created to eliminate distractions during the school day? If a principal can't identify sagging pants without a shirt being tucked in, then is it really a distraction? Or are we just nitpicking at this point?
I can't help but think that this rule is going to be more of an internal distraction for students. If you're constantly worried about how your tucked in shirt makes you look fat around the middle, are you really going to be whole-heartedly concentrating on what the teacher is saying? I don't think so. In my opinion, this is was not a well thought out decision.
My children always wear something that shows self respect and honors God.It is a shame the schools need a dress code,but it is a reality that some don't respect themselves and need to be told what to wear in public.This dress code is a good example of the school having to do the parents job for them. If you don't want to follow the dress code you could always move or Homeschool either way please dress respectful of yourself and others when out in public. Pants up, shirts down,that's what I always tell my kids.
This "Dress Code" has been a joke from the start and it remains a joke!!!
The only thing good about it is that other school systems can look at it and not make the same MISTAKE!!!!
We found polos @ Target for $10.00 two weeks ago. JC Penney had them last year for $10.00 also and the quality is much better than China-Mart. Although my daughter is distressed about the tucking in thing, we made the best of it by finding really fun belts @ Kohls last week. They have yet to totally dictate belts, shoes and bags. This helped my daughter make an adjustment. Hope is well help your kids! Also remind your kids that when they go to college, they can wear anything they want because the professors only care that they are learning!
I find it sad that most of the T-G articles have addresssed dress codes but NO ONE HAS ADDRESSED WHY TENNESSEE SCHOOLS ARE RATED NUMBER 46 IN THE STATES. This is what I find to be the real irony. Bedford County Schools are not even keeping pace with that of Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas. Why don't we see articles about the academics? Is that not why we send our children to school. Bedford County honor roll students are having difficulty keeping pace academically when attending at the university level. What's wrong with this picture?
I personally don't give a crap of what you implement, it won't be followed anyways for everyone, only a chosen few will be made to abide by it, like always. I think there's more time spent with teachers hasseling the kids and trying to enfore the dress code just for the student to be sent back to the room by the principals when they've been sent to the office. Shouldn't the teachers be spending their time teaching and trying to raise test scores so that Bedford County schools aren't ranked so low in state test scores? I also wish that Barry Cooper and Ed Gray were off the school board and out of the superintendent position. I also feel that the position of superintendent should go back to being an elected position by the people of Bedford County.
I may not be a parent, but I was a Cascade student some years ago, and I feel the need to speak on this subject. Grow UP!! These are the rules, follow them....we had a dress code to some extent and it was followed, if not you were sent home. Seems to me everyone is forgetting, these are kids and not only is school about book "learning", but social learning as well. In my opinion most kids have been handed so much to them, that now they just expect to get or have. It may be a little rambling, but this is my thought on the subject!
I hate this dress code and it gets worse every year. They know who wears the wrong clothes and they must be scared of their parents. Its a shame 8 people on the school board can rule our kids and tell them what they cam wear!!!!!!
Justareader74,
Are you paying for it? Sorry but just a few years ago you didn't have a Standardized School Attire. These policies are backroom tactics that do not help a child to learn. When you are directly affected, come back and add some real constructive insight to the conversation. If you can't, then I would assume you are one of administrators and/or one of the principals that want this. And, in my opinion, if I were you, I would remain Justareader74...
There is so much to address, so I'll just take a few, one of the main reasons tennessee is ranks 46th worse in the states is due to many problems and most of them are due to students laziness, disrespect for others to include parents, fellow class mates, teachers, preachers, and god. Prayers in the class room go a long way also. Kids are more involved in trying to see how much rear ends they can expose and get away with it, or how many ear rings or tattoos they can cram on their bodies. When I was growing up we had our fads and caused problems, but the (KIDS) these days are rediculous and their parents need to take them out back and expose them to the leather belt, before they get in so much trouble they can't even get into the military. We need to get back to basics and the teachers have that 6 foot long wood paddle hanging in each class room and not crucified for using it before its too late, if it isn't already. Send these liberal minded parents that think its ok to do anything to some remote island and drop them off, with a one way ticket, and take their kids with them. Wake up americans, pull your pants up, learn how to speak correct english and be respectful to your elders, saying yes sir, or yes mame doesn't hurt that bad, try it you may like it, and life may go better, there's no need for a dress code if you kids will grow up and do the right thing, dress like it matters and you want to be a positive influence to others, if you want to be treated with respect show it. Post the ten commandments back in school along with the lords prayer, just because you are an athiest parent, don't deny your child from being saved by the glory of god. Remember the the most important thing in life, except jesus as your savior, that he was crucified on the cross so that you all can be forgiven of your sins and have eternal life. Its that simple and not so much to ask. If this is not exceptable to you don't get in the way of others to exercise their god given freedoms, that soldiers have died for also. Without god in our government and lives, we are goners. If you are a parent, step up to the plate, jesus did for you. Kids if your parents are wrong, try talking to them, if that doesn't work or help there are school counselers and others that I hope have matured enough to listen, if one doesn't help, don't be turned off, try another, you'll find that one that will make a difference. amen amen
First off, God had nothing to do with this dress code so I am not sure why he would even be involved in this discussion. Second, you are correct some kids are disrespectful but let me tell you a small secret there, it has ALWAYS been that way, even when I was in school many moons ago. Third, you are correct again in saying we all had fads that caused problems but the schools dealt with those problem children on an individual bases instead of punishing everyone for the mistakes of others. Plus none of us died from these fads and most of us actually grew up and out of these fads and so will these children (it didn't stop us from learning though, did it?)
Fourth, There will always be prayer in schools as long as there are test.
Do you guys remember what some students wore to class in college? Those kids in pajamas didn't keep us from learning, did it?
Mr. Gray, You said kids should dress as if they
were going to work. My son works construction. Everyone doesn't have a desk job.Polo shirts are not made to be wore in. He keeps his tee shirt tucked in and that should be enough.I feel that the dress code needs to idle as is and let it soak in for the students maybe this wil allow them to act as students and concentrate on their education instead of all year venting over this silly change to the dress code.
To Ed Gray and the School Board;
I am a mother of two middle school students at Community School. Not only are the middle school years very tough and awkward for our kids, but now the school board is enforcing a dress code that will allow students to be picked on by other students,lower self esteem and make them feel conscious about their image while at school. I work in a professional atmosphere and have never tucked in my clothing. I can wear a sweater or a polo that is not tucked in and still create an image of professionalism. Isn't it said "the clothes do not make the man?" Our image and self worth is not determined by the clothes we wear but by how we conduct ourselves.This is school - not a job, so our students should not dress themselves like they are going to work because they are not going to work - it is school! So whether we tuck in or not does not make a better student. This dress code was implemented to take care of a few problems in the school system. That in itself does not set a good example for our students. It shows them that our school system is not capable of tackling a problem but yet skirting around the problem by punishing students county wide. The real problem is this- As a tax paying Bedford County Citizen, I expect my children to get a quality education from their school. That is not what is happening in Bedford County. Community Middle School did not make the grade last school year and this problem is being handled by enforcing a more strict dress code. I want to see answers from the school board about how they are going to provide my children with the opportunity for a quality education. I am willing to do my part to see that gets done. However, now instead of teachers doing their job, they are running around punishing children for their attire. If I do not perform in my position at work, I will be replaced. I think it is time to see positions on the school board replaced and get some individuals in there that will focus on a quality education instead of dressing our children for us. If things do not improve with the Bedford County School System, I will be filing a formal complaint with the State of Tennessee. I hope that the school board will focus on their job of providing an education instead of policing clothing. We all do things to change our appearance to make us feel good about ourselves. We change our haircolor, we wear clothing that compliments our body image, we put on makeup, fix our hair where it hides our balding. When we do this for ourselves as adults,how can we mistreat our children for doing the same. How can you force someone to tuck in when their body type does not compliment tucking in then sending them to school with their peers in this shape. How would you feel if that was being done to you - members of the school board. You are turning our school system into something it is not. Please regain your focus back on the task of educating our children.
unionvillemomoftwo
I am behind you 100%
To those who have passed the school dress code:
First of all, I thought this was America, the land of the free.Where may I ask is my freedom to raise my children ? And if a dress code has been passed,it should be for the entire school grades.And the teachers and school staff should have to wear the same, to set an example.Solid colors are hard to find in some cases. I do not think wearing stripes or plaids has any thing to do with not learning. And the exspence is alot to do for some. It's bad enough all the things you have to buy on grade list supplies,And not for your own child but for the whole class.( markers for teachers, is way out of line). And then have to pay a class room fee????May I ask where does our tax paying money go to????
Rules on raising our children are way out of line.We can't even be parents,I'd like to have seen someone tell my Parents how to disapline their children and tell them what kind of clothes to wear to school.We were glad to get the hand me downs.And all of us kids turned out to be good adults.
I agree with the person who said, > We need to clean house in the school board,and get the ones who live in the real world in there. Not have the ones who are in there now.
One question to those of you??
Did you always wear solid colors and be dictated to how you dress, to get to where you are today??????
I am going to send my children to school in what ever clothes I feel I can afford to send them in. And if can't do the dress code, oh well send me to jail, then my family will go on welfare. Then you school board people can support my family, then have the right to say what they should wear.Until then, while I still have my job and feed and support my family,they will do as I see fit.
If I'd wanted to be dicitated to, I'd moved and lived under "Hitler".............
It just cracks me up to see all you get this bent out of shape over a dress code, but I never hear one complaint when your kids come home from school and you ask them "Where are your books?" and they say "We didn't have homework" only to find out it's true. Why aren't you up in arms over the fact that our kids don't get the education they need, because the teachers have to "teach to the test". Why aren't you upset when you discover your child hardly studies science at all? Why aren't you upset that your child isn't being prepared for college level work? Why aren't you upset that there are very few college level courses offered in our high school?
The funny part to all of this is, at the end of the day, all of you will still abide by the dress code!
I do not believe the tucking in of shirts has anything to do with the saggy pants. If the shirt is of the appropriate size, it should not be falling low enough to cover saggy pants being worn. It's just an excuse for not enforcing the first rules on the length and appropriate size of the shirt and saggy pants. Enforce the original rules of saggy pants and shirt length. You have some that are still wearing saggy pants but the whole system is to be punished for it. With the low cut of girls jeans these days, a tucked in shirt doesn't look that great either.
And I guess all these people working in Bedford County and statewide with their shirts untucked, paying for the School Board members salary are just useless, no good adults who just need to quit their jobs because they are no good for society with the shirts untucked...GET REAL
Since the schoolboard is so dedicated and concern with our children's clothing, they need to quit their positions since they no longer have our children's education in mind and join a fashion runway.
Why not focus on education? Why not figure out why Bedford County students are not being educated? Why not spend the time that you are spending on deciding what our children will be wearing and decide what new EDUCATIONAL rules would help the students instead of degrading them and "getting them ready for the work force" when many of them will not be working in an office. They will be having a blue collar job.
Why doesn't the board figure out why there are more homeschoolers and private school kids that are testing better and getting better educated?
Clothing has nothing to do with the way a child learns. I graduated highschool in '94 and wore the saggy pants with boxers hanging out,overalls with one strap down,etc. And it had nothing to do with my education. I made straight A's with occasional B's.
Looks to me that when the voting comes back around, we need to get some board members who care about education and not fashion.
It appears that Bedford County's illustrious school board has demonstrated taht it has no clue how to solve education problems in Bedford Co. Instead of addressing any issues at hand they choose to make a production of untucked, striped shirts. The board is just too obtuse to recognize this.
Most adults are free to wear what they want to work as long as its within reason. I think if we were to randomly vist workplaces we would find just as many shirts without collars as we would shirts with collars or would see as many jeans with minor frays as we would khakis or skirts.
I do not believe that any of these board members have any qualifications to decide what is best for children or how to provide the best learning environment. I see no child psychologists, no professional educators, and, to be frank, no one with any true leadersip ability.
The problems that exist in public education are too expansive to be solved with solid colors and tucked in shirts. Please, school board members, admit how dim witted you are. Stop believing you are making a difference when you are only making idiots of yourselves.
No, Gray, this should not fall under the rules of discipline. As a matter of fact, maybe all parents ought to send their children in the least compliant garb they can find and see what happens. I would donate to THAT cause in a heartbeat.
Please join me and other parents and children, and sign the online petition if you disagree.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Dress...
Always make your opinions known. I really thought the board was there to do what is in the best interest of the children, not to punish them for the few who disregard the dress code. I can't believe how they are catering to those individuals!
Dress codes in schools are created to avoid problems in the classroom, but I have a real problem with children being required to tuck in their shirts. This will make low self-esteem problems even worse for children with weight issues, whether it be that they are overweight or too thin. If the uniform approach was created to avoid children being looked at as equal, this rule will undo any good that has been done. Any child who is self conscious about their weight might end up with much bigger issues such as eating disorders. If you agree that this rule should be changed, no matter what the reason, please sign this petition. Thank you!
LOL, maybe we need to send those techers back to school if they cant tell if a kid has saggy pants on, this is nuts, punish all because of a few problems. Does anybody at the school board have in common sense.
This dreadful dress code might end up eliminating this current school board after all!!!
I've been trying to find a positive spin to the dress code and it's really hard.
This many parents (not in agreement with the dress code) across the county can't be wrong.
I challange the school board to listen and remenber who voted you in!
I cannot believe the school board is doing this. As I have stated before not all children are built to wear their shirt tails in. What do they think this is going to do to a student when everyone is laughing and making fun of them. I work in an office and we are not required to wear our shirts in. You can dress nicely without tucking your shirt tail in. Ok school board,set an example and make sure each of you wear your shirt tails tucked in everyday to work. I can tell you that if my child is overweight they WILL NOT wear their shirt tail tucked in so that all the other students can laugh and make fun of them. Come on school board get with the program. You do not have to wear your shirt tails in to look professional.
All these comments with the majority against it and yet the board still feels they can just do what they (a few select) want. You must vote these people out of office.I am against tucking in shirts too. I don't believe they can't tell if pants are sagging just because the shirt is out. If the pants are sagging send them home don't punish everyone and do nothing to the ones creating the problem. I have to get back to work and at work i am wearing overalls and a tank top and flip flops.
I appreciate the change that students may wear any color.
Please rescind the "tucking in" rule.
If the last year's dress code is followed, sagging should not be an issue. The shirt length rule would expose sagging pants.
Sign this online petition if you are against tucking in the outer shirts.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Dress...
Again...not that it will do any good, but please show the school board your opinion if you disagree with the issue at hand. The children and parents who followed the rules to begin with should not be punished for the ones who did not. ARE THERE NOT MORE THAT FOLLOWED PROPER ATTIRE THAN THE ONES WHO DID NOT? GET REAL!
The school board should have sent a survey home with children last year to find out what the parents thought about the dress code, then weighed the good and bad issues.
I think it would be a great idea to have the T-G interview parents to get their opinions published.
You've definately lost my vote!!!
Not only is this dress code violating our childrens' 14th amendment rights, it totally goes against the school boards moto called "Belief" located at their website. I say we all get together and contact the ACLU...maybe then the board will listen.
The school board should have sent a survey home with children last year to find out what the parents thought about the dress code, then weighed the good and bad issues.
I think it would be a great idea to have the T-G interview parents to get their opinions published.
-- Posted by kjp on Fri, Jul 31, 2009, at 1:54 PM
That's a great idea but that will never happen and the school board really doesn't care what the opinions of the parents are..they proved that when they passed this dress code last year with nearly no parent support.
To Evil Monkey:
I do not know Justareader74, but he/she is entitled to voice his/her opinion just as much as you are.
I do not have children in this school system either, but I have been reading these articles and the comments that go along with them. Some opinions I agree with, some I don't. Nonetheless, we are all entitled to our own opinion, AND we are all entitled to express our opinions on this website.
It's funny how the school system keeps pushing this when you can see the high school kids getting off the bus with pants' crotches down to their knees and girls wearing see through shirts that have to be more than one size too small.
Why bother if the teachers are just going to enforce it with the kids they choose to punish?
Way to go school board and others in control....Way to get the "new" school year off to a great, positive start!!!
Our kids really appreciate it!
Let me ask all of you this..... What would you choose the dress policy to be? Want to go back to the old system? Let the teachers and the principal of each school decide? Sounds good to me.... but wait.... One child comes to school with a picture of Obama on his t-shirt and another child comes to school with a picture of Jesus on his shirt. Which child should get sent home? If you say... Obama, then you are branded a racist and you have the NAACP and ACLU filing suit against the school system. If you say the kid with the Jesus shirt, then you are in violation of freedom of religion and the Alliance Defense Fund will be calling very soon with their team of lawyers. Let them both go and anyone who says they feel threatened or oppressed by these t-shirts can file a lawsuit. So now we say, "no offensive t-shirts"..... now you have the school system trying to define what's offensive. A t-shirt with a rainbow could be offensive to those who view this symbol as a gay rights symbol. It goes on and on across America. Dumb lawsuits because school systems tried to let parents and kids use their own judgement, but this is public school. As such, every child and every family can be on the look out for any reason to land some good retirement money based on a lawsuit against a school system. Why? Because the school systems failed to have a very detailed policy that addressed every possible situation.
The main reason behind strict dress codes has nothing to do with learning, it's all about protecting the school system from lawsuits. For a county like ours, one lawsuit could mean the end of all extra activities that we enjoy. Hard to pay to upkeep a park when you are forced to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to defend against organizations like the ACLU that has DEEP pockets and rarely loose.
So in closing, you may not like the dress code, but at least the school system cannot say they discriminate against race, color, sex, creed or national origin.
I haven't opposed the dress code. I would only like the new tucking rule to be reconsidered (which is a change from last year's code).
sameoldstory
Could you please show me some cases in history where Any school has ever been sued in regards to clothing, like you was speaking of? I would like to read those.
I want to see EVERY teacher, teacher helper, teacher aid, (in case there is a diffence) cafeteria worker, nurse, office, office "clerks", librarians, custodians, and any and every other person involved in working at the schools in this same dress code.
No elastic waists with blouse hanging out stuff. That would be too comfortable. There are several plump workers who I bet would quit if they had to dress this way.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,5302...
6th grader sues over right to wear pro-life tshirt to school
http://www.onpointnews.com/NEWS/student-...
Students fights to wear rebel flag t-shirt
http://www.freedomforum.org/templates/do...
Student filed suit after Castorina and Dargavell wore Hank Williams Jr. concert T-shirts to school on two occasions. The shirts bore two Confederate flags on the back with the phrase "Southern Thunder."
http://www.theroc.org/updates/korn.htm
Student suspended for wearing Korn t-shirt. The band was considering s censorship suit against the school.
http://www.kolnkgin.com/home/headlines/2...
ACLU got involved in this one
What is good for students is good for teachers, so teachers tuck those shirt tails in and we do not want to hear oh, I'm to big well guess what there are children that feel the same way. I do agree that certain attire should not be allowed in school but I think tucking shirts in takes this a little to far. If this school board truly had the best interest of children in mind they would not have enforced the tucking in of shirts. We too have a dress code at work and if you violate that dress code you are sent home to change and tucking shirt tails in is not part of that dress code. If you do not allow saggy pants and someone wears saggy pants then send them home. I do not wear my shirt tails tucked in but I go to work everyday looking professional. There is nothing wrong with someone wearing a collared shirt and not having it tucked in. These are kids not adults. What happened to letting a child be a child? I just cannot believe this school board has allowed this to happen. I am so very disappointed in our school board. Ms. Parker and Ms.Martin are you going to wear your shirt tails in every day?
OK, that does it we're turning the school over to the kids...........
6th grader sues over right to wear pro-life t shirt to school
Ok the school was being sued by the child's parent because they were violating her rights. The school banned a pro life shirt.
Quote from article: "But the school's position that they can restrict speech just because they find it inappropriate is not correct."
Students fights to wear rebel flag t-shirt
Quote from article: Unless a Missouri high school really has a "history of racial tension," school officials may not be able to show they had a legitimate reason to discipline a freshman for displaying the Confederate flag on his clothing.
Student filed suit after Castorina and Dargavell wore Hank Williams Jr. concert T-shirts to school on two occasions. The shirts bore two Confederate flags on the back with the phrase "Southern Thunder."
The band has even gone so far as to threaten legal action against the school. In a letter hinting at such action, David Baram, Korn's attorney had this to say, "It is sadly ironic that an institution and an individual purportedly existing to expand and provoke the thinking processes of its students have instead chose to punish and pervert the freedom of expression and thought of those students
ACLU got involved in this one
The Nebraska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has called on an Omaha school district to dismiss suspensions against 23 students who wore memorial T-shirts to class of a slain class mate.
Every one of these things are where the schools were censoring the students not one had illegal imagines, profane words or nude pictures. This is just more examples of schools stepping over their boundary. Offensive clothing is very vague... I was at the courthouse last week which BTW is a Public place just as the schools are and there were several people who were dressed offensive in my terms maybe I should sue the city for allowing them to be in a Public Building dressed that way.
The biggest problem with adults is they feel children have no rights and that is simply not true. If schools would stick to teaching and worry more about the students learning and attending classes instead of trying to control their lifestyle there wouldn't be any of these foolish lawsuits. Every lawsuit you posted was brought on by some school trying to control a student's freedom of speech.
Last week the Times Gazette reported that the unemployment rate was 13% for Bedford County. And now Ed Gray wants our kids to dress like they are going to work. I know several people who have been laid off from their jobs and other people who will be soon. They are worried about how they are gonna feed their families and the last thing they need is to have to go out and buy new wardrobes for their kids. This is something that the board of education doesn't understand. They all have jobs. I wish that everyone who has posted a comment on this topic would stand together and stand up to the board of education.
last year the central teachers barely said anything. the only teacher that i had seen that tried to set a good example for the students was mr. march. he tried to obide by the dress code so students would follow. i didnt see any of the other teachers doing that. and in my opinion if they are trying to get there students to be prepared for the working life they are going by it all wrong!
Dianatn.... you are correct in all cases, but the fact remains that if every one of these schools had a strict dress policy, these lawsuits would not have happened.
As for your lawsuit because you found something offensive, then that's your right. As these stories show, some teacher or principal found something offensive to them and decided to point it out to the student. I'm sure that every one of them were surprised when their name ended up in a lawsuit. My point is, that although Ed Gray hasn't said a thing, these dress code issues are not about education. They are about learning environment. One kid walks in with a Rebel Flag shirt and the next day another kid walks in with a Malcom X shirt. Then it leads to fights and arguments in the hall.
Is all of this stupid? Yes! Do the parents that make sure their kids have always dressed appropriate get punished for the actions of a few parents who let their kids walk out of the house in just anything? Yes! It's not fair, but in this lawsuit happy age, counties like ours have to protect everything they can.
My child is an upcoming 6th grader. I have gladly bought my "required" attire and am very much looking forward to starting the new year under the new dress code. I support the school board completely.
I agree sameolestory there are a lot of sue happy people in the world but we can not adjust our life to overcome stupid people. Should McDonalds stop serving hot coffee because some idiot burned themself on coffee?
My biggest problem is the board keeps saying we are preparing students for the work force. I do not know what type of jobs they are preparing the students that dress this way.
At the doctors office my doctor comes into my room wearing nice slacks or skirts and tops no button down collars or tucked in shirts. At the bank I didn't see one teller or loan officer with button down collars and tucked in shirts. The vets office is the same not one tucked in shirt or button down collar. I have been to probably every upscale retail shop in the area and never once have I seen the employees or management wear button down collars and tucked in shirts. Even in Lawyers offices they are not dressed in button down collars and tucked in shirts. Male Lawyers dress in suits in court but take a look at the female lawyers do they dress in collars and tuck their shirts in? But yet they are all professionals and look professional.
What kind of jobs are they preparing our children for? McDonalds? Wendys? Even though there is nothing wrong with those type of jobs that is certainly not the kind of job I want my child to dream of having nor prepare herself for.
One more thing sameolestory then I have to go but you said :One kid walks in with a Rebel Flag shirt and the next day another kid walks in with a Malcom X shirt. Then it leads to fights and arguments in the hall.
Racism exist inside the person not inside the clothing people wear. Changing their clothing will not change their views on either side.
I find it remarkable that a town so close to Nashville has paid no attention to what happened here when they tried both uniforms and tuck-in. Both wasted such incredible amount of school time that the tuck-in rule was rescinded within weeks across the district and the uniforms have been rejected by every school which asked its parents what they thought. Of course, this accords with the research which has shown that there are only three effects of unis: 1) a lowering of high school test scores (small, but statistically significant) and 2) an aura effect in which teachers perceive a non-existent change in behavior (mostly in middle schools) that results in poorer classroom management; of course, parents are usually sucked up into this aura effect for a short time. And of course, the final effect is that parents spend, on average, about $300 more (in 2000 dollars) on clothing per child than non-uniform families, But hey, you guy are probably wealthy enough and have such a great graduation rate that hurting your children is all in good fun. The tuck-in rule is as stupid as it is arbitrary, and ugly, and mean to heftier kid--but again, since all your kids are no doubt trim and full of self-esteem, it won't matter if you badger a few into depression. You have a mean school board; ours at least was duped by faulty data.
i agree with you completely edinnash. these rules are just a waste of time. what happened to the freedom of expression? these kids are young and deserve to express themselves without having to put up with the dress code and the school board telling them not to.
Dianatn wrote "Racism exist inside the person not inside the clothing people wear. Changing their clothing will not change their views on either side."
This statement is also true, but the school systems rarely get lawsuits filed against them because they should have know what someone was thinking. They due get accused of not taking care of problems before they get out of hand. Across America the Rebel Flag is viewed as a form of racial hatred. If they allow the student to wear the flag, then they risk a lawsuit based on a hostile environment because some student may feel threatened.
bengal wrote "what happened to the freedom of expression?"
It went out the door when students starting wearing Malcom X shirts, Rebel Flag shirts, t-shirts with swastikas, t-shirts with pot leafs, t-shirts showing someone smoking a joint. And who's fault was it that kids were wearing things like this to school..... parents! Because some parents let their kids do anything they wanted and called it "expression" the whole gets new rules placed on them.
I, for one, could really care less if the rule stays or goes. It's actually saved me a lot of money over the past year and there are no arguments with my child when it comes to what she wears to school. She knows the rules, hates the rules, but follows the rules. As for the "tuck rule" that's a little dumb, but an untucked shirt is a great place to hide a weapon. Food for thought.
sameoldstory, here's some food for thought: If a student wants to smuggle a weapon in to a school, a tucked in shirt won't stop them. Are we going to ban purses, backpacks, and lunchboxes as well? As stated in the article above, the rule change was made to make it easier to identify students with sagging pants. This is not about safety.
edinnash, great comment!
They say kids can wear hoodies so my son will probably be wearing one all year even though it is hot over his tucked in polo shirt. You don't have to tuck in a hootie unless they change that too.
thebunch
I wonder too why they can wear a hoodie not tucked in but a polo has to be tucked...wouldn't it be just as hard to see if there was sagging pants under a hoodie? Not that I am complaining about not having to tuck a hoodie.. just wondering what the difference is
Why don't all the kids wear hoodies the first day of school and see what happens. Un-tucked but polo's tucked.
This has absolutely nothing to do with grades, education, job preparedness or safety. No amount of reasoning will justify those positions. It has only to do with the ideals of a few of our board members who apparently believe that they alone have the insight and understanding to decide what world-view is best for all children within our system. To understand what drives these few members, you have to look no farther than their own personal biases and cultural preferences.
The way I see it, those few (or likely one) should start their own school, within their own church, and leave the public school system alone. The church in question should have the congregation and ministry to support it, both financially and through participation. That way, you can provide the education that best suits your ideals directly to those who favor the same, but leave those who are put off by them to their own lascivious devices such as t-shirts and embellished jeans.
Stop the dress code and if you are going to do it make it fair, teachers, and all of the staff. Also, if you really look at it, it has nothing to do with dress code. Students mostly get in trouble during lunch, walking down the hall, going to the bathroom,a nd after school. Why? Because no one is watching them. Teachers are in their rooms, during lunch the aids are not listening to conversations or who is stealing off anothers plate, they just want the students to be quiet. No one is watching the hall, and lord help the bathroom deal. My daughter holds it all day because of what goes on in there. Last year lunch was awful due to kids using bad language and stealing off plates at her table. This is where the problem starts, not the dress code. And if you have it, Why wear it tucked in. Sorry for you young girls with your monthly thing. I feel sorry for you, you already having a bad day and nothing like your shirt being tucked in. I hope the board really looks into what is going on in their school. Pay attention, look at what the real issue is here.
sameoldstory:
freedom of expression is not blamed on the parents. malcom x fought for what he thought was right. rebel flag t-shirts hun thats heritage not hate. everyone is entitle to freely express themselves. wheather its by what they wear what the do or in that matter who they are. students should be aloud to do as they please.
The administration and the board members need to be policing the halls,cafeteria,bathrooms, etc to ensure the code is enforced. They are the ones pushing it, not teachers.
As a teacher I can choose not to remain in an oppressive work situation if I am required to adhere to a strict code. Good teachers don't necessarily conform to the way society(and some at the Central Office) perceive they should dress. If they are inspiring kids and kids are learning, then neither should have to worry about their appearance.
"freedom of expression is not blamed on the parents. malcom x fought for what he thought was right. rebel flag t-shirts hun thats heritage not hate. everyone is entitle to freely express themselves. wheather its by what they wear what the do or in that matter who they are. students should be aloud to do as they please."
-- Posted by bengal on Sun, Aug 2, 2009, at 2:01 AM
So, by your standards, if a student walks in with a "White Power" shirt on, then that's ok? If a student decides to paint her face totally white, wear a spiked dog collar and a t-shirt that says "Kill the poor", then that's just expression in your eyes. As for the students being allowed to do as they please.....?
So, by your standards, if a student walks in with a "White Power" shirt on, then that's ok? If a student decides to paint her face totally white, wear a spiked dog collar and a t-shirt that says "Kill the poor", then that's just expression in your eyes. As for the students being allowed to do as they please.....?
-- Posted by sameoldstory on Sun, Aug 2, 2009, at 7:00 AM
I see no problem with that. People have the right to express themselves in whatever way that they feel. You express your individuality in a certain way, just like everyone else. Humans are not robots. My chidren where various items showing their heritage. We have Rebel flag tees and Irish themed shirts along with Native American items to show our heritage. There is nothing wrong with being proud of where you come from.
Kids express their expressions as kids so they can become the person that they will be when they are older. If someone walks around in Marilyn Manson makeup and dressed in goth. So be it. This person will experience others talking about them,etc. But they will become emotionally strong and in the workforce, they will probably be one of your bosses because they are going to be focusing on the goal that they are after and not after what society or other people are thinking.
I don't believe in racism or "hate" but just because I don't approve of it doesn't mean that others don't as well. Racism will be around until the end of time. It is going to happen anywhere, not just at school.
My children have basic rights in my home which includes a place to sleep, eat and learn. They are allowed to play inside and outside but they are expected to know the difference between work and play. What other rights does a child need? Where I draw the line on their rights is when I feel that they are disrespectful or do not follow my basic household rules. Then their rights are taken away. I feel this way because I love my children and want them to grow up and be productive, not because of a power trip. Its sad that many think that teaching a child in this way is inappropriate. Children are children. Even 17 yr olds. Being a teacher, I hold the same principles in my classroom. So for someone to say that students should be able to do as they please is absurd. A classroom cannot be productive without some kind of rules. As for the comment about the cafeteria at Central, there are at least 3 supervisors present and most times there are four. Unfortunately they cannot police every table. And if a child is having problems with other students all they have to do is inform a supervisor and it will be taken care of. I believe in expressing ones rights but in a positive way. I saw a kid over the summer wearing a t-shirt with a hand giving the middle finger "bird" sign. What a negative signal this kid was portraying. Unfortunately its everywhere. We cannot allow that negativity in school pure and simple. Is the dress code going to wipe out all negativity? Of course not. Is a shirt being tucked in negative? No, but it is an easier way to police other dress code violations.
No, but it is an easier way to police other dress code violations.
-- Posted by hereyougo on Sun, Aug 2, 2009, at 9:22 AM
Oh I see now, we are forcing our students to wear their shirts tucked in and be uncomfortable all day at school to make it easier for you. How nice!!!
Are you also going to make the pregnant girls tuck their shirts in? If not is that fair to the other students who are over weight without being pregnant? Talk about a lawsuit waiting to happen using a double standard!
hereyougo,
Your attitudes are part of what allowed this to stupid dress code to take place. Your job is to teach not to obsess over your definition of negativity.
I bet you are one of those nimrod educators you refuse to grade a paper if it is folded the wrong way or if the handwriting is to messy.
Back in my day, the pregnant girl would be too embarrassed to be in school and their parents would be too embarrassed to send them. Now we have schools like Oakland High School that has their own day care center. All because we are told to just accept everything. Anything goes and no one is allowed to say that something is wrong or a bad influence.
This will be my final say on this matter, but for all the parents who have been fussing about the dress code, just what type of message do you give your children? Are you teaching them respect and respect for authority? Are you teaching them that rules are made to just oppress and any rule that they feel is stupid should be ignored?
When you look in the mirror, you need to ask yourself.... Do I tell my child NO or it is easier to let my child do whatever they like? If you choose the easy way out, is your child better off in the long run?
Sameoldstory,
Yes, I think it is wise to teach kids to have the confidence to challenge authority. This rule has been made not to solve a problem but to try to exert a degree of control.
We certainly don't want to create a nation of spineless cowards. Kids must learn to stare down the face of unfairness, and it is up to parents to teach children to discern what is a fair rule and what is not.
I am inclined to wonder what would happen if a large majority sent their children to school in untucked plain t-shirts? While we're at it let's make sure none of the t-shirts are solid. I dare say no principal would attempt to put that many students in ISS.
sameolestory, that is not the case these days.
There are many girls who attend school pregnant.
sameoldstory:
these students dont do those kinds of things and we all know it. this dress code is not anything but the school board trying to make everyone the same. not equal but the same! they want them all to dress alike look alike even speak alike
I really appreciate being called a nimrod gottago. You know, I love children and I love my profession. I'm sorry it offends some that I believe in upholding values and respect in my classroom. And yes gottago, my students have to follow very basic rules and procedures. Here's an example, say you fill in your tax return yourself and you do not complete it correctly, the government sends it back to you. So why can't I teach my students that they must follow procedures in order to be successful in my classroom. I love the challenge of trying to make kids successful and trying to teach them values that might help them in life. Many think that it's teachers vs. students all the time. Absolutely untrue. I try to relate to my students and I give all my students an equal chance but I do not tolerate disrespect. I follow school policies and although I may not agree with all of them, I follow them because it is my job and I love my job. I guess most will chop up and butcher this post but thats ok because I'm proud that I'm trying to make a difference in some kid's life and I challenge anyone who has never experienced what it is like to be a classroom teacher for a day to try it sometime. Thank you.
hereyougo
Considering you say you are trying to teach our children to be productive and respectful and have values. What subject do you teach that this is part of the curriculum?
Are you setting an example for these students by following the same dress code these "Children" have to follow? If not, why not if this dress code is suppose to make them more productive, shouldn't you wish to be as productive as possible?
It is really not your job as a teacher to teach my child values. That is a parents job not yours.
And respect is earned, not taught...if you do not respect your students, don't expect it in return.If a child is disrespectful to you then you are within your rights to send him home but that is the limit of your rights.
hereyougo,
I am a teacher of my children, because I homeschool them, since last year when the dress code was first introduced. I also tutor children who are in the public school system to get them ahead. So I know all about "class rules". I may homeschool, but we also have rules. My children must have their school items ready at a certain time. Have their school work done at a certain time, etc.
My children are succeeding because I care about their education. Unlike some teachers, your co-workers. There are some teachers that don't care about teaching the kids or teaching them to succeed. They only show up to get a pay check. I saw plenty of that at Community.
So, if the county wants the public school children to get a better education, nothing is going to change by changing the dress code. It all starts with the teachers. You need teachers who are willing to teach and become mentors and not just babysitters. If my child attends in a pair of jeans and a Rob Zombie t-shirt, but makes straight A's, then what is the problem?? All of my children have tested higher than where the public school children are and they were t-shirts and jeans to school everyday.
PrpleHze.... First, thank you for bragging on your kids. I'm sure their great grades have nothing to do with the fact their mommy is grading the tests. Second, yes there are some teachers in the school system that just don't care, but are you willing to have your taxes raised for better teachers? We can have much better teachers, but Tullahoma and Murfreesboro pays better than Bedford Co, therefore many teachers tend to get in a few years of training here and then move off for better paying jobs.
Dianatn.... Maybe it isn't the teachers jobs to teach values, but many kids don't get that type of teaching at home and it's left up to the teacher. As I said before, we may be great parents, but we are being subjected to the same rules for those parents that basically don't care. I have noticed some of those parents here. When some parents are alreadying saying..."my child is going to work construction so they have no need to wear a shirt that is tucked in" that's just saying, "I have no intention of helping my child have a better life" Some people in this town love to be mediocre. They had no ambition and thus their children follow the same pattern. Just look of the auto workers up North and see where that got them. Instead of trying to get their kids to follow a good education and career path, they just expected that an auto job will be there. Now those jobs aren't there and their 20 year old child is wondering what to do with the rest of their lives.
This dress code rule and the reaction from some parents is an example of what happens every day to these teachers. They are expected to do a very hard job but when they have to step up and say "Your child is not doing well and we need some changes" those same parents are the ones that accuse everyone else for their problems. They blame the school for bad teachers. They blame the school board for not getting the right books. But who they should blame is themselves for allowing their child to just get by.
And one more thing PrpleHze..... You pulled your child out of school due to a dress code? So I guess they plan on owning their own business in the future? Are they going to quit their jobs in life just because they don't think it's fair they have to dress a certain way? Great example you are setting there. Just go ahead and show your child that it's OK to be a quitter if things don't go their way. Maybe they can come back home and let their mommy complete their preformance evaluations for work, because only their mommy will be there to protect them against the big bad REAL world.
sameoldstory:
I though you were done but yet another post!!!
sameoldstory,
First off, I didn't grade their evaluations. The state of Tennessee did that. See even though I homeschool, they still have to take the TCap test just like all other school children in their grades. So I didn't and couldn't grade them. Sorry to bust your bubble on that one.
Secondly, they were pulled out because we simply cannot afford the buy an entire wardrobe for all of my children in order to go to school so they can sit and watch movies, have pajama days, etc. We don't go out and spend money every year for my children to have new clothing for school. They get clothes when they need them. Not just to show off because they got new clothing.
Also, my children are planning on going on to college, thank you. I have one who wants to be a veterinarian. So her classes are more science oriented. And just because I grade their school work doesn't mean that I just give them straight 100's. They have to earn it just as any other child in the school system. The only difference is that I actually teach my children and it costs alot cheaper than having to go out and buy all of the clothing needed for school, the school supplies, teacher's supplies, and the school room fee.
Also, I am sure my children know more about the real world than you ever will. My children are very grounded and are not taught lies or fairy tales. They are taught the facts. They have see how cruel the world can be, and have seen how there are still some good in the world as well. So before you start to try and bash someone, you need to take a look in the mirror and see if you not just talking to make yourself sound better or just to hear yourself talk.
Ph-leze understand sameolestory, I understand there are parents who do not teach their children their values in life because most of them have no values themself. But that does not give a teacher the right to impose her/his values on my child. There are plenty of teachers whose values do not match what I have been teaching my child her entire life and yet they feel they have the right to teach my child things he/she believes is the right-way. If a teacher can not deal with a few unruly students without inflicting the same punishment for the entire class he/she should choose another profession.
As far as the person who said their child works construction ..please inform us what is wrong with this profession? I am sure the carpenters, the plumbers and the electricians of the world would like to know your answer. Many of these people make much more than the average college graduate. Not to mention if there was no one building these homes and businesses ..where would the rest of us be?
After looking, in vain, on the Bedford Co. School System's web site, I finally googled the date of the next school board meeting. The are held every third Thursday 7 p.m. 2nd floor Board of Education building. The next one should be held August 20, but since nobody is answering at the BOE building, I could not confirm it. I suggest any parent who has a problem with this latest issue be at the board meeting. It is supposed to be open to the public. Is anyone else planning to attend? Maybe they will change their tune if they have to look people in the eye.
This is absolutely ridiculous. This is my last year of high school, and I had hoped they would have loosened the dress code. Don't get me wrong; I'm glad we can wear any color now. However, I fail to see how tucking everything is gonna help.
I can definitely agree with many responses that say many teenagers will feel insecure about tucking everything in. It is understandable. I know everyone commenting has been through or is still in high school, and it's safe to say that high school is where teens can be ripped to shreds (psychologically and sometimes physically). I have already heard many students talking about making fun of obese or overweight students who have to tuck their shirts in. I can't even begin to imagine the ridicule they will receive.
I would love for them to do away with the dress code, but I don't see that happening in the foreseeable future. Last year's dress code appeals to me more. Tucked in shirts (or a dress code for that matter) will NOT suddenly make teens prim and proper. It will NOT stop teens from being excessively hormonal or rude. If anything, it will only irritate students more. I understand that schools don't want to have lawsuits against them, but they could at least be lenient with their dress code. No one will truly listen. I give it 2 weeks until students began to rebel, and then the rest of the year will be inconsistent as far as adhering to the code.
Some shirts for girls (and probably even guys too) are not meant to be tucked in. Honestly, what can I even wear now other than polos? If I have to dress like a mindless drone, I want the teachers to follow these rules too. It's bad enough that they rub it in our faces. It's bad enough that they spend SEVERAL minutes checking our outfits instead of teaching. Iy's bad enough that they can dress inappropriately. It's even bad enough that I feel like my school is now more interested in dressing 'proper' than learning properly.
Whatever happened to just getting an education? I know several people were able to get a good education with out uniforms. It's sad that that just isn't possible now. If parents are going to spend money to buy more 'legal' items of clothing, I expect more effort from the teachers and staff in terms of quality teaching.
tl;dr (summary) Basically, get rid of the 'tuck in everything' rule, That's really all I'm griping about. Well, aside from getting better teachers and teaching more efficiently.
PrpleHze... HAHA... So like I said...You took them out of school because you didn't like the dress code? I assume that before the dress code you sent your child to school in clothes that didn't fit or were old and torn. That is, unless you bought them clothes to attend school in so your argument over cost is moot. Every parent that I have talked to admitted they spent less on school clothes than they did in the past, because plain polos and plain jeans cost.
And you still didn't answer the question.... Are your children going to quit their jobs in the real world if they don't like the way they have to dress there?
I guess I just see the other side of things considering my job is hiring people all the time. I have yet found the need to call a real adult in my office to discuss proper office or court attire. I have had to talk to the 20 somthing crowd because they were never taught how to dress in a professional manner. Guys showing up to work in pants that are four sizes to big and girls showing up in very low cut shirts and flipflops. Excuse me for expecting parents to dress their kids in appropriate attire. If these "kids" were taught how to dress at a younger age by their parents, then they would not have to be embarrased by beilg called on the carpet for what they are wearing at work. Talk down the dress code all you like, but if the parents would have taken pride in themselves and their children in the first place, we would not be having this discussion. Personally, I'm glad the school system is trying to teach the kids to respect themselves, because it's clear that we have alot of parents (and I use that term loosly) that have no respect for themselves or thir children. When you send your child out the front door with a Rebel Flag on their shirt, you might as well scream "I'm ignorant and that's how I am raising my child"
I feel that the new dress codes are ridiculous.If the schools would focus more on the education and well being of our children then we would not have to worry about the option of other schools because some did not meet their standards. The students should be able to wear what they want alongs it shows no skin,the pants are on their hips, and no foul language on shirts. When it comes to talking about getting them ready for the future job force I expect my child to wear more than just a silly polo shirtand work at McDonalds or a factory. Some of the most high paying jobs don't even wear polos. I want my children to be different and to express their self. Making them all look the same does not knock out gangs or clicks. I feel sorry for some kids that are insecure about their weight and will have to tuck their shirts in. Does anybody realize that teens can be mean when it comes to weight????
Get real. Just because a person happens to wear a shirt someone finds 'offensive' doesn't mean they are automatically ignorant and stupid. I have met several people who have a good head on their shoulders who don't dress in polos and oxfords. Clothing choice and appearances are not always an accurate way to determine intelligence. You are completely generalizing. High school is a time for teens to express themselves. They're going to spend the rest of their lives following their occupation's uniform codes, so why force them now? A parent should be able to convey what the appropriate attire for jobs and interviews is without schools forcing the children to wear it.
While I appreciate the fact that the Bedford County Board of Education wants to prepare my children for the work force, I feel that our colleges are more qualified to handle that. At l4 or so, the work place seems a long way off, but the thought of being unable to comply with the changes in the dress code certainly become foremost on the minds of our children. At this age, many kids find themselves with less than perfect bodies that they do not care to show off. Many students struggle with weight issues. Last year we saw many students hide those large waists, large hips or other imperfections they felt they had under their shirts. This year at the last minute, we are being told tuck shirts in and wrap a belt around the waist or hips that they are so self-counscious of. What a low blow to deal these kids at a time in their lives when they are so vulnerable. Why would a group of adults who claim to have our kids best interest at heart exercise this kind of control over them and bring them so much embarrassment? I know these things first hand because my child was devastated and wonders if she can just wear a jacket year round. The question is, are jackets allowed?
Board members do any of you have a child going by your rules besides Mrs. Neeley? How many of you actually have children in our public school system? If not, I ask you to listen to the concerns of those of us who do. As parents, we feel we were dealt an unfair hand by you, our elected officials. We ask that you represent us, not dictate to us. Lets use some common sense, do what's right for the kids, and try to solve this together, parents and board. Parents, lets stand up for our kids and try to have this matter revisited in a timely matter. If we cannot resolve this issue to everyone's satisfaction, I ask that we form a committee to work for the good of our children and have our voices heard.
Great Post SCHS Mom!!!
I don't think any of us could have said it better.
Hopefully someone from the school system or school board will respond....but I won't want count on it!
We as voters just need to remember!!!
They have to be held responsibile for this joke of a dress code.
Amen SCHSMom I couldn't agree with you more.
When a Child who weighs all of 100 pounds and wears a size 4 is worried about looking fat because she has to tuck her shirt in, what in the world do we think the other children are thinking? What kind of eating disorders are we going to see because of this stupidity!!!!
Tucking a shirt in doesn't mean lowering a child's self esteem. Whoopidy do dah, they feel self conscious. I would prefer them feel awkward than feel voyeuristic, showing their underpants as if we want to see them.
Guns fit better in baggy clothes, backpacks, etc. so pardon the school system for wanting kids' clothes to fit them and be worn correctly. This isn't a personal thing, its about safety. SAFETY in a LARGE setting. Where else are there 1200 kids at one time besides school?
This is about appropriate dress for a formal part of their day.
This isn't camp, this isn't hang with our friends time, it's school. Maybe we need to remember WHY they go to school everyday. It's to learn and be educated- if what they wear causes so many issues in school, then it is a discipline issue. People- the reason for the dress code is because of the FAILURE of SOME parents/guardians to monitor their children's apparel. Suck it up, you created the problem.
This is not that big an issue. But hey, your kid only wears blue- that's a sign of wannabe gangster.
If you don't think so, ask a cop. If your daughter is wearing tight jeans and skimpy, see through or low-cut shirts, you should be worried about what she's saying/doing with her peers as well.
The bottom line? as a grown up you don't HAVE to work at a place with a uniform, but it's important to realize you have to dress the part. Not everyone dresses in a uniform, there are other jobs out there that are lenient. You just have to look nice for the interview so you can get the job.
Quit crying. It's not the end of your child's individualistic journey into becoming who they are. Don't make it so monumentous. Parents, back up the rules here. This isn't about your child only. It's much bigger and simpler than that. Teach your child to follow rules, that makes for a better society for ALL of us.
Eating disorders?? really??
All because of a "tuck your shirt in" rule??
If there's a child who develops an eating disorder from that, there's a bigger issue that's been there for a long time.
Do you want to encourage our overweight children that it's okay to be overweight, just wear bigger clothing? Doesn't that set them up for failure? Are we to deal with the issue, or band-aid their egos?
We have a childhood obesity epidemic in this country. Maybe we do need to look in the mirror and face the fat. Do something about it, for health's sake. Talk to your children about changes you can make, be part of the solution, not an enabler. Holy moly.
Unprofessional dress should be addressed with the school administration. Go make a complaint, I am sure it will be remedied. You can't just sit here and bash them without follow through.
Have you seen the way parents show up for school functions???
Cut-offs, daisy dukes, tube tops, no bra or bra straps hangin' out, dirty clothing, smelly?
Have you seen parents at functions and you KNOW they're intoxicated? They're rude, yelling at the coach or players, being obnoxious, making scenes?
Have you seen female students at school functions, in their daisy dukes, short shorts, tube tops, bra straps hangin out, or the boys with their saggin pants and foul worded shirts? Man I think everyone here could use some cleaning up- it's not only one group. Address all the bad dressers, would you please?
thinkingdeep
ok here's the problem it is not your job to decide if a child is overweight or not and certainly not the school boards. It is not your job to decide to either put a band aid or look at the fat in the mirror to correct the problem. The job of the school is to teach not lower self esteem. And if you think that a child who wears a size 4 and still feels she needs to lose weight in order to look good in a tucked in shirt can not get an eating disorder from trying to lose too much weight you are either crazy or just plain and simple don't care!!!
School may not be a party but it is certainly a place where you are judged by your appearance and anyone who says different is stupid!! Looking good in the clothing a teenager wears is their entire life especially for girls... it may mean little to you but it means a great deal to them. We followed the dress code last year and went and bought clothing to suit the board... she was not crazy about being restricted to the clothing she had to wear but this tucked in rule is taking it one step too far.
Shirts were untucked last year.... Tell me how many guns were taken from students in Bedford County schools last year in order for them to feel this new tucked in rule needed to be in place.
Just make the girls wear long dresses and the boys wear a suit and tie and get it over with. When I went to Central in the late 70's, early 80's, we wore what we wanted, no problem. I know this is a much different time but this tucked in rule is ludicrous. If you want to end the baggy pants, just put in the handbook that pants have to be around the waist and held in place with a belt. It's not that hard folks! I spent a career defending my country; just ask regular folks like me and you will get common sense solutions.
Thank you thinkingdeep... You apparently have seen the same things I have.
dianatn... You make a good point, but shouldn't we be teaching our kids that self-esteem has nothing to do with the clothes on your back? If a size 4 girl thinks she needs to diet, then there is a much deeper problem than just the clothes she is wearing. That being said, girls that worry about their appearance is as old as time itself. Let's look at all girls. If we go back to the way it was, then the have-nots are left to worry about their self-esteem because they don't have the trendy clothes and the latest fashion. On the other hand, if they are all wearing the same style clothes, doesn't that help out those kids who worry so much about being in fashion? I never once heard my child fuss about not having this or not being able to ware that after the dress code was put in place. I did hear her fuss before the dress code, because I refused to buy her all those things that other girls considered as stylish.
sameolestory
She has no deeper issues but fashion is a big part of her life. There is nothing wrong with that, people make quite a good living in the fashion industry.
As far as you refusing to buy the latest trendy fashion, that is entirely your choice. Even though it is not my choice I am being forced to purchase clothing my child does not want.
If you say clothing shouldn't lower self esteem then why would your child want to dress as the other children. The clothing your child wears will not make him smarter or more well liked, it will not make him be in the popular crowd. Children are not as dumb as people think.. most kids do not pick their friends by what they wear or where they live. They pick their friends by the people who are most like themselves and have the same feelings and want the same things from life as they do.
Do you think children who wear the trendy fashions look down on children who don't? If you believe that you have never been so wrong in your entire life.
Think about this just for one minute sameolestory: Do you feel more comfortable in clothing that fits your body and your lifestyle or in ill fitting, uncomfortable clothing? When we go and purchase clothing we all try those clothes on before we buy them, don't we? Why would we do that if we didn't care how certain styles fit us and how they looked on us...we are not all make the same way and it takes different clothing styles to make each of us look our best. If we didn't care we could just run in and pick up whatever was there in our size!
Dianatn said..."Do you think children who wear the trendy fashions look down on children who don't? If you believe that you have never been so wrong in your entire life."
What high school did you go to? Kids pick on other kids about their clothes all the time. Fights get started over someone making fun of someone else's clothes. If you think that some, not all, of the "fashionable" kids don't make fun of other kids, you live in a dream world. Maybe your child doesn't make fun of other kids. If mine does and I find out about it, the punishment is swift and harsh. It's not tolerated in my home. But to say that poor kids don't get picked on by rich kids over how they dress or the way they may smell, is false.
And if children don't pick on other kids about their clothes, then why should an overweight child be upset if they have to tuck their shirt in? If no one is saying anything, then there is not an issue.
And to answer your last question.... Do you think I like wearing a tie and sportscoat in the middle of summer? Of course not, but in my profession it is expected. And before you ask.... Government/ Legal.
And last year my child argued about having to buy clothes she doesn't want to wear. After only a few weeks in school I noticed she and her friends were wearing school attire even when they didn't have to. I actually laughed when I picked up a van load of kids at the movies and everyone of them were doing the polo and jeans. Most of their parents said the same thing I did... They will wear what they have to wear or they can stay home. No one saw the need to buy two sets of clothes just to feed some kids since of fashion. My parents didn't do that for me and I won't do it for my child. Therefore, the money I spent on school clothes doesn't go to waste. Last time I checked, my kids were never out in public without clothes.
The trick is to teach them just what you said... Clothes don't make you smarter and you don't need to wear the latest to feel go about yourself. If you teach them to respect themselves, they can wear anything and be confident about it. You teach them that a $20 purse is just as functional as a $400 purse. That a $25 jacket is just as good as a $100 jacket.
Maybe my kid is different. She has told me many times that it really doesn't matter to her. That's because she knows that some name brand doesn't define who she is.
"And if children don't pick on other kids about their clothes, then why should an overweight child be upset if they have to tuck their shirt in? If no one is saying anything, then there is not an issue."
Make up your mind you said the tucked in rule shouldn't be a problem.
Overweight children and adults BTW do not tuck their shirts in to show off their extra weight!!! But NOW they will be forced to. Before the tucked in rule they could wear their shirts untucked and not draw attention to the extra weight. If I am wearing something unbecoming to my body should I refuse to look in the mirror? Do I not know I look horrible in certain styles? If I am forced to wear something I know looks bad, does it not make me feel bad even if no one says a word? Of course I know what looks best on me and I know what type of clothing that suits my body, that's why we buy them.
You chose your profession..these children have not chose one yet. I bet not person forced you to choose a profession where you had to wear a suit and tie.
Maybe my kid is different. She has told me many times that it really doesn't matter to her. That's because she knows that some name brand doesn't define who she is.
-- Posted by sameoldstory on Wed, Aug 5, 2009, at 8:01 PM
Really?? Then why did she want you to purchase them?
"You teach them that a $20 purse is just as functional as a $400 purse. That a $25 jacket is just as good as a $100 jacket."
And that my friend is matter of opinion.
Tucking in is very uncomfortable for me and I am not overweight. It is also difficult enough when these kids only have a few minutes for a bathroom break and they aren't allowed to leave the classroom. I would also think that some of these women board members and administrators would be able to remember what it was like to have to change feminine products at school.
Just because the brand doesn't define who she is doesn't meant that she doesn't like nice things. We all like nice things.
I guess we have to agree to disagree is the dress code issue. At least you can make good arguments without name calling and I do appreciate that.
As for the cost of that purse.... well.... I'm not a woman so I have always wondered why you ladies thought you needed to spend so much for a purse.
Am I missing something here, weren't sagging pants the style in the '90s?
This is mostly for tmixer5 but I think relevant to the argument. I went to Catholic school until I was in the ninth grade. Authoritarian control, uniforms, and physical abuse did not help me become a better student. I became angry, learned to rebel, hate school, and avoid study. I learned that I was shameful, bad...and believed I should die.
First student suspended for having his hair to long 1967 and dropped out of public high school...I was never there anyway...in my senior year with a D average. After being on my own and marrying someone who truly believes in me, Graduated college in 1979 on the honor roll. I am not a unique case.
Corporal punishment is effective in controlling behavior, not thoughts and attitudes. Using violence as a solution teaches that violence is a solution. I do not believe Christ would advocate for a six foot paddle in the hands of an angry, frustrated teacher; and I believe very few adults have the judgement and self-control to use such power wisely.
There are far more important issues than how a child dresses or grooms. Ask yourself, why does a child want to call negative attention to him/herself? Why does a child have such bad hygene that his peers reject him? If that child knows the result will be painful, why the more? Why are some children so disrespectful to authority figures? Why do some children let themselves be led by the most dangerous and inappropriate of there peers? What do you know of the internal world of a problem child? Why do you think hitting that child will make him better?
We, society at large, create our children as they become adults. It is a complex process with a lot of influences that are beyond our individual control. And yet, it seems that so many adults that influence our children's lives, care only about controlling, the minutiae and the most irrelevant expressions of their individuality. This dress code is a sterling example of the hubris of adult authority.
Realistic, relevant and meaningful limits on behavior must be taught to children. In the end however, they will leave your control. It is the values that they have internalized that will matter. Beat your children and those weaker than you into bending to your will, or judge others based on whatever you like or don't like about their appearance, may not be the most humane values that we would have driving the decisions and behaviors of our future decision makers.
The History of the Sagging Pants.
I was working with kids in "placement in L.A. when the phenomenon of baggy clothes and sagging trousers began to appear as costume, mostly for those coming from the juvenile halls. It was already showing in the community and didn't take long to spread to the general population and become fashionable.
Being curious, I have asked a lot of the youth where I worked with and that I met in the community because of my work, what it was about. It was not just one thing. So, for the first time, I am going to try to put together the chronology as I have learned it in Southern California. I would guess other urban communities had a similar developmental process and as things happen in the big cities so it goes with the rest.
The baggy clothes were already in vogue with the street kids, particularly gang members when I started my first counseling job in Long Beach in 1981. Most of the kids I asked, would jokingly explain that baggy clothes were better for concealing drugs and guns...true, not a joke.
The sagging pants were adopted by the Crip gangs. They would hang a rag out of the pocket; it was called, "saggin' and blue raggin'." It may be a style that came out of halls, jails and prisons before that, but I haven't been able to nail down which came first. Quite a few told me that the plumber's crack style for dropped waistlines came out of lock-ups. Apparently it was a signal to those who were interested that the wearer was available...For what? you ask...I remember telling a kid that hoping to embarrass him. He said, "So what?"
We in the profession made a big deal out of it early on because it was often at the root of a violent confrontation between our group home resident gangsters. As time went on it had become so much a part of youth culture, that even the most innocent of kids bought in to keep from being rejected. It was about that time that the schools in the L.A. area started pushing uniforms, mostly related to their inability to keep up with the rapid changes in gang attire that aroused gang conflicts.
Creating rigid dress codes were effective with those kids who usually conform to rules anyway. The gang kids made more subtle fashion statements, in uniforms: pant hem too long, split up the inside seam just a bit. Crips in British Knight tennis shoes (BK = Blood Killer). At one time, when they could still wear t-shirts, Bloods wore Warner Brothers and Crips wore Disney characters.
I gave up. My agency gave up. We decided to teach our counselors and child care staff to focus on the positives, model appropriate dress (that wasn't easy with some of them), and to help the child understand himself and to help him perceive of himself in a different brighter future. This method of CARING about the WELL BEING of the child ended up producing far more positive results.
Sorry I keep writing so much and such long stuff, I just have a lot of time. Ya'll will be interested or not, but no one will be unaware that I'm sort of semi-retired (no permanent full-time job).
kyosaku, I have recently read several of your comments, and not only do I appreciate them for their thoroughness, I also generally agree with much of what you have written that I have seen. (That may not be a good thing.) I hope you continue to contribute lengthy and in depth comments.
Ok, this is off topic...kinda...but it's got me ticked off. IF I had not gone up to a 6th meeting yesterday, I would have had NO IDEA that buses were going to run 30 minutes early, so that they could get up to school to leave for the new magnet school by 715am. That means that my child now gets on the bus at 630am, to arrive school by about 700am TO SIT until 755am! Really?! I wonder how many kids missed the bus this morning because they were not prepared? So now I guess I'll be one of many new parents dropping their kids off at school so they're not sitting there for 45-55 minutes before school starts. Unfreakin believable!
I hear ya neighborhood mom. My two missed the bus the morning. Because the time they used to catch the bus in the morning which was 7:10 has now changed to 6:10. Unbeliveable!! I agree 100 percent. Mine have just become a morning car rider as well. We as parents should stand up for our kids I called the board today and the next meeting from what I was told is going to be the 20th I will for sure be there. I encourage everyone to please call the board verify the date, time and place and lets go express our concerns and feelings.
An HOUR earlier than they used to?! And I thought 30 minutes was bad! There was no mention when all this talk of the Magnet school came about that it was going to affect ALL county bus riders. I thought if you wanted your child to go there that you were responsible for their transportation. Dropping off was a nightmare and took me 30 minutes, because (I'm sure) there were quite a few "new" dropoffs due to the new bus times. Glad to know the school bored/schools NOTIFIED parents via the newspaper or the new "phone notification" system that they love to use...ie. pto reminders :( ...to advise buses were going to run early. What a nightmare! I will suffer the 30 minutes so my child doesn't have to sit 45-50 minutes just for school to start. Way too much time for something (not good) to happen.
Funny how they've told us that school doors don't open until 715am, yet it will be ok for buses to drop off before then! Unbelievable!
i'm a highschool student and tucking in my shirt makes me uncomfortable and makes me more worried about what i look like than paying attention in class.. it's terrible.