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GoogleEarly in the meeting, Supervisor of Student Services Terry Looper reported that the dress code in general was working well and has taken the guesswork out of enforcement for administrators. He said the neat appearance it requires has been beneficial.
"It really does add to the atmosphere of the school," said Looper.
Then, parent Kim Taylor addressed the board, and board members were given letters from several other parents objecting to the rule.
Taylor said that last year's rule, requiring only that the layer of clothing closest to the skin be tucked in, worked out well for everyone. She said the new rule, requiring all shirts to be tucked in, has been traumatic for teenagers with body image issues. Tara Atnip, in a letter to the board, said that as she was writing, her daughter was "sobbing uncontrollably because of the way she believes she looks with her shirt tucked in."
Taylor said that principals say they are only enforcing the rule as enacted by the board, while board members say the rule was created in response to input from the principals. Last month, School Superintendent Ed Gray told the Times-Gazette that the rule came about because principals said untucked shirts make it harder to enforce the rules against saggy, low-riding pants.
Taylor said that the high school years are already a stressful time for teenagers.
"Are you willing to have it on your conscience when a student intends to harm themself?" she asked.
She also said that dress code enforcement was not consistent, quoting another parent as saying she saw 15 students at one school in violation but only one who was stopped by an administrator.
Taylor praised school board member Diane Neeley for acknowledging the concerns passed along to her. Cooper thanked Taylor for presenting her concerns in a professional manner and said the school board would take the matter under advisement.
The board met at the new Community High School and will meet next month at the new Learning Way Elementary.
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
Untucked shirts make it harder to enforce the rules against saggy, lowriding jeans? People, please! It is not that hard to tell whether or not the students jeans are sagging down to their knees. If I can remember correctly, the rule last year stated that the polo shirts could not be anymore than 2 inches below the belt line. That is high enough to tell if the pants are falling down. My wish is that the school administration would be more concerned with the education of our children instead of what they are wearing. I don't object to the polos. But why make teens stress over one more thing in the most important years of their pre-college education? Peer pressure, good grades, scholarships, colleges, etc. Let's try to lower their self esteem as well!! Their appearance is extremely important to them during this time. Come on school board!!! Please rethink this decision.
If it stresses a child to tuck thier shirts into their pants,they're in for a real surprise when they get out into the REAL world,and it's a cinch they'll never make it in the military.Since when is looking decent and professional considered "stressful"? Way to go school board!!
When they get into the REAL world!! Come on people they are teenagers let them be teenagers while they can!!!! When they get into the REAL world they will be just fine without having to tuck in their shirts if they had a good education and isn't that why we send them to school in the first place. Teachers being concerned about a dress code instead of teaching is not (in my opinion) getting a good education. They need to be more concerned on why Harris Middle School is below the Test Scores instead of a Dress Code!!!!!
frankimstein,
Let me guess. You probably don't have children. Because a real parent who cares about their children and the mental strain that this is putting on their chidren wouldn't be for the school board.
Unfortunately, no matter what the parents of Bedford County say, the school board is going to pass whatever they want because they don't care. If you took a poll and say 80% of the parents are against the uniforms, the school board would still not change their minds. I wonder what they have to gain, by making everyone's life stressful?? Are they getting a kick back from someone? A company? What?
Because it simply just doesn't make any sense. I am waiting until next year when they say it is suit and tie,etc for the students. Since they have been adding more to the "so-called dress code" every year.
frankemstein,
You don't care because you don't live in the real world. Way to go school board? How many changes to the dress code has been implemented in this year alone? Don't know? Because you don't live in a real world. You wouldn't be able to handle it. Why would they want to go into the military? Some people do, some people don't. So because someone chooses another option then the military they are weak? What a poor weak attitude you have, you might have mommy issues.
Heaven knows I get several "survey's" a year on school issues. Why haven't we gotten a survey for the dress code? 1 survey per family (not child) and see where it gets us. I'm guessing it would not be in the majority. I stressed just trying to afford the clothes my child had to wear this year. Thank goodness I had some helpful grandparents this year, because I don't have extra's for clothes this year. And yes, I was at Goodwill and they had next to nothing for a pre-teen boy. Lots of girl clothes, but very little boy clothes.
Was anything discussed about the bus times? Unfortunately I was not able to attend and the paper did not have a comment about it.
I agree with Miss Taylor, its bad enough making the adjustment into adulthood with out the sigma of having to deal with body image issues. There are a lot of children that are being tormented by not just there classmates but by there own perception of themselves. The teenage years should be a time of learning, and development both physically and mentally. Through the actions of the school board they are creating a nightmare for a lot of children each day that they look at them selves in the mirror before they leave for school. Some of you may think this is a bogus issue in the grand scheme of things, but not if you are the caring parent of a child who is going through this.
frankimstein,
I highly doubt that my SIXTH GRADER has any aspirations for the corporate or military world at the moment. Yet every morning when my child gets ready for school I have to deal with this issue. Oh and by the way my child is not a Professional student, and at the age my child is right now they should be wearing Hanna Montana shirts, or sports team jerseys, a sixth grader should not have to be dressing like a yuppie from the 80's.
I am a parent. I do have a child in the 6th grade. I applaud the tuck in rule. Sagging pants are very disrespectful and I personally do not want my child in a school with children that dress like that. I stand behind this school board completely.
AMEN!
My daughter does not mind the polo shirt rule, but she cried her eyes out over the tucking in rule. She will not even eat lunch at school because she feels so self conscious with her shirt being tucked in. The eye is drawn to the mid section it seems, and its just plain embarrassing for kids.
It makes far more sense to reprimand the violators of the sagging pants rather than ever child whose shirt becomes untucked during the day
I DO have 4 children,3 of which are grown and have Kids of their own.They all believe in GOD & COUNTRY,Military or no.Having held a Secret Security Clearance in the "dreaded"military,maybe,just maybe I know a little more about the REAL world than you think.
However,there'll be no arguing with you from me,just remember..As the twig is bent,so grows the tree..(oh by the way,that's a quote so if you want to argue with them,look 'em up.)
This is not about saggy pants; it's about a few people in the school system that don't want to do the job they have created for themselves, plane and simple. Because a few of the principals are to lazy to do their jobs, that they and the school board have created for themselves, and yes it is their job to monitor the saggy pants like it or not. How difficult is it to ask a kid to raise their shirt up the two inches that the un-tucked shirt rule allows. Oh, and before you say that they don't have the time to look at every individual kid, let me say that its not every kid, and the principals along with the school board created this monster and it IS THEIR JOB to do the due diligence and monitor it, not continue to create new rules because they are to lazy to do the job they created in the first place. No, instead of this, they have added to the bureaucracy, no different from any other government entity you allow them an inch and before you know it they have taken a mile.
frankimstein,
Before you gat on a high horse I too served in this country's military and I hope that some day my son or daughter will do the same. I too held a Top Secret Security Clearance to do my job with nuclear weapons. What the hell this has to do with my kid tucking in their shirt in school is anybody's guess. I think you need to get a grip. No one as far as I can tell has called into question your patriotism. This is a school board issue not one of national security.
I was at Wal-Mart yesterday and a young boy walked across the parking lot. I didn't have to lift his shirt or even look really close to see his pants sagging. I saw this from across the parking lot so why is it so hard to see sagging pants at school, is the lighting bad there?
Dianatn,
Most of the time I enjoy debating points of interest with you, but this is not one of those times. You struck the nail on the head. It's not hard to see this problem as you say you can see it from across a parking lot. I think this is more along the lines of people in power pushing their personal opinion upon the masses. And it seems that as it is with the entire dress code issue it is not up for debate. The school board in all its wisdom has spoken. They are a mini federal government they think they know what's best for everyone and we should just follow like little sheep unquestioning and obedient.
The thing that bothers me is not just the dress code, it is the fact that the statement was to get the students ready for the work force. However, when you look at it there are not many jobs that require you to have tucked in shirts, doctors, nurses, lawyers, actors, teachers, and other staff that work with the students. I feel that if it is required by the students then it shall also be required by the whole staff. After all they are the ones that the students look up too. I would love to see the staff, cafeteria ladies and others within the school system including the board have the same dress code; I bet it would not last long. Take a ride in thier shoes, if it works (for all those in the school system) then by all means keep the dress code. If not maybe we should reconsider a few things. Back in the day when I was in school, we did not have these issues and I remember wearing just about anything.
Frankenstein, I have to disagree with you. I know that the real world is going to be a very stressful place, but I don't feel that by learning to deal with the tuck in policy is going to adequately prepare me. I am college bound, and feel that I can not even begin to train myself for the stressful real world until I am in college and experiencing an environment where a board of representatives aren't making my dress decisions for me. And college professors address their students as adults and could care less what they are wearing, as long as they are good students.
The Standardized Dress Code was established to help boost student's attitudes by putting every individual on the same playing field and by taking away the name band logos and the stress of keeping up with the Jones'. This year students were informed that they would be required to tuck-in their shirt tails. I know first hand that this new rule has put a heavy stress on students. We are in a time when body image is important. We are constantly hearing how you have to look a certain way and weigh a certain weight. Teenagers my age are very self conscious about the way they look and the tuck-in policy does nothing but highlight imperfections that students desperately try to camouflage. The tuck in policy effects not only the students with weight problems, but also, the students who are under weight.
The dress code is supposed to directly target those few who "sag". Why does the whole Bedford County student population have to suffer for those few who decide to break the rules? I have a piece of news, in the real world you are going to be exposed to sagging EVERYDAY. Why not prepare your child now for the inevitable, before they get out into the REAL WORLD and find that people sag their pants? Why should one person's convictions dictate how everyone dresses?
I would also like to know how the standardized dress has improved test scores. We are constantly wasting precious class time to check for dress code. Also there seems to be a gray area surrounding the dress code. Teachers judge the dress code in different ways and one thing goes in one class room and doesn't in another.
As a student I see the positive aspects of the dress code, and I have absolutely no problem with polos, but I do have a problem with how the tuck in rule is affecting my fellow class mates.
Point Well Taken.
I think this dress code is kind of silly considering when they go to college; any form of a dress code is nonexistent there as long as you don't go to class naked. Granted there are a few private schools that have one but most do not. Plus, so many jobs don't require shirts to be tucked in so I don't see how tucking in a shirt is preparing a student for the real world. All you are doing now is suppressing the child so when they go out in the real world, they go wild with their new freedoms and they run around without their shirts tucked in the world falls into chaos. LOL!
As I observe the students leaving the Community High School, I admire how they look -- and that is they look great ! I even tell my child how nice he looks with a tucked in polo shirt.
It's just like the people that write "good" checks have to pay for the people that write "bad" checks. You most always -- everywhere - have to present an ID -- knowing all the time your check is valid. If some of the students had not abused and gone to school with skin showing and the pants stride at the knees, then maybe this code would have never happened. I will be the first to admit there had to be a stopping point -- because we did not know what was coming next.
If it is any consolation to the students/parents, a former employer did not think some of the administration employees were arriving at work dressed professionally , and they, too, adopted a dress code -- so it's not just students.
I have NO complaints with the tucked in code.
It's pretty well known SOME people don't like change. I don't like being told I need to wear a seat belt either - but this is life
I have two children. One is in high school and has to tuck in. She is tiny and really doesn't think much about it. The other is overweight but not under dress code rules yet. I feel bad for her when she is because as an elementary school child she is already uncomfortable and suffering with self esteem issues. I agree that the saggy, baggy pants aren't hard to spot. I have no problem with the polo shirts but please reconsider the tuck rule. It is not only girls who are uncomfortable with this rule.
I am going to work right now with an untucked shirt and I'm getting by just fine.
I do not know what jobs people are talking about that do not require "tucked in" shirts. For adult women it is usually not part of a professional dress code, but for men, I see it everyday. The company I work for has a business casual policy, but the men are required to have collars and shirts tucked in. They do not cry about the requirement, rather they are compliant and understand it is part of the job. I have been in and out of a local school during the past few weeks, and I think the kids look great.
I think it is ridiculous to cause distress to these kids. I too have two kids under the dress code policy, and what I have noticed more so than baggy pants is how some kids are extremely overweight and can barley tuck their shirts in. Not only girls deal with self image. And trust me, a child or even an adult with a low self image is so much worse than teaching them rules and regulations and dress code. I was greatful for the dress code at first only because it would encourage a higer self image. People speak of jobs that require a dress code and joining the military that utilizes a dress code. Believe me when I say, if a child has a low self image of themselves, that is the least of your concerns. Why can't the schools focus on education, motivation, and guidence into the work force. Deal with teachers that are abusive verbally, and trust me, my son has had a few. Those are the more important issues. How about this, raise the test scores in Bedford County, and then enforce tuck in! That sounds like a win-win for the students and the school board! I have been out of school for 10 years and sagging was not allowed then. Does the school board really think that this is going to help enforce this rule when they haven't been about to enforce this rule in over 10 years? Highly doubtful.
Posted by dunroamin on Mon, Aug 24, 2009, at 10:46 AM
There are two key words in your post:
Job-Adults
We are referring to
School-Children
Do you see the difference in these?
I think a "UNIFORM" would have worked out much better than the dress codes!!!!
The kids have enough stress and enough to worry about, they really only need to concentrate on education, NOT on their wardrobe.
This was intended to make the schools
"look good", NOT to improve the test scores or quality of education.
There is a basic principal or two here that most people seem to be forgetting.
First off, most highschool students regretably will not be going to college where, by and large, there is no dress code other than to wear clothes.
Secondly if a high school student entered my place of business with their pants around their knees and shirt untucked looking for a job, I would tell them to go home and get properly dressed, then come back. NO ONE wants to enter any place of business and have someone come up to them looking like God knows what askning"May I help you?"
Thirdly, if a young person, especially a young woman, is so ashamed of how they look with a shirt tucked in, maybe the parent(s) need to get them off the "Big Mac" diet and slim the child down. Contrary to some of the politically correct B.S. out there overweight people, especially children, are not "sexy" or "simply being their own person" they are FAT and sooner or later they will have heart problems and other related illnesses tha everyone who pays for health insurance will have to pay for.
Responsible adults and parents need to encourage children to look good and be responsible, not to look like a homless person that ended up at the school.
GROW UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!
I have a child under the dress code at harris also. I think the whole tucking in is a awful. My child has a terriable time changing out in P.E. The tucking in of all shirts now is really bothering him.
I don't mind the dress code. I currectly have 2 children under the dress code rules and they don't mind it either. I do think that anyone involved with the schools that the children are required to dress as such should also dress under the same rules. This goes for administration, teachers, even the bus drivers. After all shouldn't they also go to work dressed respectible? I thought everyone should dress professional and believe me I have seen some teachers last year and this year that should be sent home to dress appropriately before returning to school. These individuals are getting a pay check from our taxes and should have the same respect as they are demanding from our children. Why is it that rules only apply to some and not all at these schools? Do we have teachers that don't want to tuck in their shirts because they are a little large themselves? Something to think about hugh?
So is this "tuck in" rule going to regulate how short a skirt can be? I BEGGED a teacher to have a girl bend over and see how much Moon she showed....just this morning, at Cascade....and she was an office worker, so they all saw her!!!!
She said...aww...some kids just have to do the best they can with what they have...UM>...it Was 2 teachers Child....so are they underpaid or their kids are the Exception to the rule?????
If My son has to wear a belt, tuck in, and all the other regs they have to follow....Did someone miss the one on short shorts and short skirts??
Penny1 to follow up on your comment. It is a Publicly funded school system, which States in their policies: You are enlisted to a Public Trust!! Sounds like they have Public Distrust, and do not feel compelled to enlist themselves to the Publics Demands!!
We're wasting our breathes....the system will do what it wants to do, when it wants to do it. Parents who have expectations that our tax money support our trusts...we're wrong, it goes from our pockets to theirs and we're left to support our children through most of their adulthood because a dress code, athletics, clubs, and teachers wardrobes are more important than the very basics of a publicly funded education.
All im going to say is I graduated the year right before all this nonsense started and im so glad i got out before they started it because it is ridiculous! The main fact of the matter is the school board, teachers, etc. should be doing their job and educating the students instead of worrying about what they are wearing. Like I said above..I GRADUATED GOT MY DIPLOMA WITHOUT THIS STUPID DRESS CODE! It is not making the education of the students any better by telling them what they HAVE to wear. And if they want to say its all because of sagging this still makes very little sense because is it not also in the dress code that the students HAVE to wear a belt?? Is that not what a belt is for? To hold up your pants?? Come on now..and if they are going to complain about all the ways teenagers dress then yes they should abide by the code too..why dont they? Has anybody ever got an answer to that?? There are so many debates over this..you dont go out in the "so-called real" world and see everyones shirts tucked in, there is nothing about policies at every factory saying this my dad has been at the same factory for 20+ years and I have never seen him go to work with his shirt tucked in! Where do they want these kids to go after high school? To college right? Colleges dont tell them what to wear as long as their dressed in something they get the education they pay for! The school board really needs to concentrate on their job of educating these students instead of trying to be their fashion police!
A student following the previous dress code which did not require a tucked in shirt looked very nice-- not like a HOMELESS person.
Hello... doctors and nurses basically walk aound in their pj's and plastic shoes....
I was at the board meeting. I have been outspoken about it since the beginning. I am the one who personally saw 12 students walk past admin at Cascade that were out of dresscode...only to have one girl singled out and taken to the office. This girl burst into tears in the middle of the hall, because she herself saw all the other kids getting away with violations, and her shirt was just partially untucked! Admin seems to focus on the heavy population. The skinny girls have shirts that are very tight, and that only reach their jeans...they are not tucked in...yet they are being left alone...
Another issue is all the pregnant girls are being totally exempted from the dress code. Yes, I can understand that they shouldn't have to tuck in, but they should have to follow the solid colored collared rule like the others...instead they show up in jogging pants and low cut tops. I saw it with my own eyes.
I will post the paper that what was handed to the board members. This policy is discriminatory, lowers self esteem, and should not be pushed on teens.
This is the flyer given to board members:
Because of the "tuck in" policy, our children, the future of Bedford County, are focused on the following:
SHIRTS instead of SCHOLARSHIPS
FAT instead of FACTS
HIPS instead of HOMEWORK
BELLIES instead of BOOKS
TUMMIES instead of TESTS
Everything BUT education
Other schools who have tried the dress code, has now have changed back.And let the students wear what they want,It's better to see children attend school then to quit because of a dress code. The heavier children looks like Baby Huey with a belt and some of the boys who because of them being heavy,wear there pants under their dun lap bellies. And to wear a belt is uncomfortable.
Why doesn't the teachers have to go by the same dress code to set an example?And I'm sure unless they went to a private school,they didn't wear uniforms.
I just think it's so unfair, to force someone to wear some thing that they are uncomfortable wearing.And make them come home cring because they have been picked on because of the way they look.
But most of all: I think the Education employees should Practice what they preach.And have the same dress code, And let the parents be parents in letting them have their rights back as Parents and choose what they want for their children.
I thought schooling was about getting an education and not DICTATION on how to dress our children,,,,,,,,,,
Ghostwolf..... you stated "Thirdly, if a young person, especially a young woman, is so ashamed of how they look with a shirt tucked in, maybe the parent(s) need to get them off the "Big Mac" diet and slim the child down."
Why do you assume that the only children with self esteem or body image issues are heavy and "on the Big Mac Diet"? That thought process is irrational at best. When it comes to their peers, kids are mean. They will make fun of someone with little or no regard as to how it makes that person feel. They may do it to be funny around others so that they may advance themselves in the "pecking order", simply because they do not like them, or any number of other reasons. Nothing is off limits. (hair, eyes, ears, names, shoes,etc...) There are many instances in history were great atrocities have occured simply because someone was different.
Would you consider a person with anorexia to be "on the Big Mac diet"? Probably not. They, however, have the mental body image that they are obese to the point that they starve themselves. Anyone can have a negative body image that they do not want to showcase.
Bamadoc72.... But all the kids are dressing the same. Why do you think the heavyset kids are the only ones being picked on. To assume that they would not be picked on with their shirts untucked isn't logicial. Kids will pick on other kids no matter what they are wearing so the dress code isn't an issue here.
cascademom.... If we go back to the way things should be, those pregnant girls would not even be in school, but that's another subject.
If you saw it taking place, why didn't you walk into the Admin office yourself and ask them to explain why it's not inforced. I have been in the halls of SCHS and have yet to see a shirt untucked. The kids are reminding the other kids to tuck in if they aren't.
shelvillian... Please reread my post. I did not say that heavyset children were the only ones being picked on. I stated that anybody can have self esteem or body image issues. And that kids were mean and picked on each other.
If someone is uncomfortable with their tummy area, whether they be morbidly obese or dangerously anorexic, they feel that everyone is looking at them in a negative way. If they are forced to tuck their shirt in, it simply adds to the level of anxiety and self disdain they already possess.
I will admit I haven't read all the posts. I personally don't get why all the fuss. The schools are asking the children to tuck in shirts. It is not only a way to prevent sagging but it will make it more difficult to conceal a weapon. I understand that a tucked in shirt will not keep weapons out of schools but it is one attempt to make it a little more difficult to hide one. Get your heads out of the clouds and support your school system. This policy is not an attempt to embarass anyone b/c of size. It is an attempt to protect your children.
what???
Really?? Are they going to ban purses, bookbags and backpacks also? What about lockers they going to put in see-thru lockers also?
How many guns have been taken away from students in Bedford County Schools for you to believe this is a problem?
If you honestly think weapons are not in the schools in Bedford County you need to move out of the Walgreens commercials and get in the real world. And for your information I am a secondary teacher. And most schools do not allow students to take bookbags to class. They must leave them lockers.
Actually I didn't tell you what I thought I ask the question "how many guns have been taken away from students in Bedford County Schools?" It wasn't a yes or no question.
Is there no school today? Now this is a yes or no question, just so we are clear.
I don't know if Bedford County has school today or not. I said I am a secondary teacher I didn't say where I taught. One weapon in a school is one too many. Anything to prevent that one weapon is a good thing. Get a life. Or better yet get out of the box you live in and get in the real world.
ghostwolf....
You are an idiot. My child is 14 and weighs 115 pounds. She is very slinder but is also concerned with her body image. It isnt all about children that are over weight. And for you to say such hurtful things just proves your ignorance. I see no point in the kids having to tuck their shirts in. I think every member of the school board should be fired! It is obvious that none of them have any idea what our children truely need and that is an education.
What happened to taking pride in appearance. Why has sloppy appearance now become cool? What better place to teach a child about appropriate dress? Parents who had no problem with how their children dressed, seem to have problems when they are dressed in jail clothing. Children are not dressing to play at home, they are attending school, they should have some self respect. It is a sad commentary that we have to have a dress code. God help us!
Yea chs61 it was so much better in the 60's with mini skirts, mini jackets, mini pants, hot pants, click clats, hip hugger jeans, Nehru jackets,Slogan Buttons, Love beads, afros, men with hair down their backs, Bouffant Hairdos,Chunky shoes, Tie-dye and Pin-striped jumpsuits.
Amen Diana! I think most of the people who are so judgmental by the attire of todays kids have forgotten how they all dressed when they were in high school :)
In response to my post, I did approach two teachers and ask them why the pregnant girls are not having to follow dresscode...I was told that Mrs. Edwards, the principal, is allowing it because of their "condition". Now remember, they are not only NOT tucking in their shirts, they are not being made to wear COLLARED shirts, NO BELTS, and can wear lounge or jogging pants with writing on them. There is NO PART OF THE DRESS CODE THAT IS BEING APPLIED to pregnant girls at Cascade.
If this ruling stands, mark my words, within two years, there will be a mandatory uniform. The Board will make a deal with WalMart to carry Khaki pants in all sizes, belts, and ONE solid colored shirt in all sizes. They will argue that 5 of those outfits will be cheaper than the cost of back to school clothes. MARK MY WORDS. That is why it is sooooo important to take a stand now. We gave an inch last year with the dress code. They took a mile. Just wait. More is coming. Thank God my child will be in college.
We had elections last year for board members. Who voted them back in?
Why would you not want your children to look nice and neat?? The tuck in rule is a little overboard..but the rest is quite presentable and pleasing. Do away with the skinny jeans for boys too...it's disturbing, they spend more time trying to keep from revealing their buttcracks as kids sagging have to hold their pants up!!! As far as the pregnant girls...Yes they should be made to dress like everyone else, If they can go to school in their "delicate" condition...then they should dress the same. Let's PUSH Big time for staff members and employee's to dress the same, put the focus on THem and something will change. Instead of principals and teachers dressing like they're on Project Runway, Let them dress like everyone else!! They may not be able to hold their noses so high in the air if THEY are brought down to a common level!!
March ppl....March...there's Power in Voices they can hear...I'd say they don't read this stuff!!
There is no way an issue with this much controversy can be a good thing.
School Board...please use some "common sense" and listen to the people that voted for you!!!
cascademom... And what would be so wrong with school uniforms?
Unfortunately by not making the pregnant girls follow the dress code, that in itself is setting an (bad) example to the other kids/girls that by being pregnant you can wear the "comfy" clothes. Hopefully that's not the case, but it would make me wonder. Sometimes (a lot of times) kids don't see the "long-term outlook" when they make mistakes. Bad policy if you ask me and one that may need to be brought before the school board for clarification! (NOT that that will solve anything...shoot, it may even make it worse!)
Neighborhood Mom,
That is exactly what I am thinking. But I bet the school board will not even care. Not until they have an epidemic of pregnant girls around. And even then they will probably just pass another stupid dress code rule that will punish everyone else because of it.
And I am sorry, but you can still hide weapons in the outfits that students have to wear. The ones who bring them into the schools, will find another way to bring them in. Nothing is going to stop them.
What???
So how does the hoodies that don't have to be tucked in protect against guns? So on the day a child decides he/she wants to take a gun to school, they wear a hoodie? Having the shirts tucked in is NOT an attempt to stop guns from entering the school system. It's just a lame excuse for not wanting to enforce the original sagging of pants.
ghostwolf ,
Great comment! I totally agree with you 100%!!! The majority of children are overweight because of their eating habits and most of them get that from their caretakers. Monkey see, monkey do. Teaching good health and eating habits starts when we are young.
Well, Unionvillemom, that was my thought also, but shoot, what do I know?! Where there is a will, there will be a way! Tucked in polo's are not going to stop someone. And when it gets cold out, they can tuck it in a jacket. And what's with not allowing cargo pants? They're really big pockets that can hold a lot (sarcasm)...try finding pants/shorts that don't have cargo pockets that can be worn for school!
Honda14,
I have to disagree a bit with you. Not ALL overweight children are overweight due to not eating/exercising properly. Sometimes it is genetics. Those children, I totally feel sorry for, because it doesn't matter what they do, they are going to grow the way their genes make them.
But however, I do agree that teaching good health and eating habits start at home. But just because you give them proper food at home, doesn't mean that they are going to get it at school.
And unfortunately, the economy will not help these larger kids. When families struggle and only have so much, it's really more expensive to eat "healthy".
That is why we try to grow most of what we eat. It's a great lesson for the kids on how food actually grows and how much work goes into it. And it lowers our grocery bills.
Everyone needs to get with the program! The real world is tough and everyone has rules they must follow. I have a high school aged child and am totally supportive of the dress code. My child looks great with his shirt tucked in (which he would have never tried had the school not required it). And no he does not have the perfect body or body image but he has to learn now that he will always have to answer to someone. If your child is having body image issues you should start eating differently or exercising with your children so their body image can improve! I have always been overweight and now in my 40's I am trying to get in better shape and try to encourage my child to workout with me. The dress code would not even be an issue if parents had sent their children to school in respectable looking clothes to begin with. We are responsible for the school board having to enforce a dress code.PARENTS....YOU BUY THE CLOTHES. I don't see the girls crying when they have on a shirt 2 sizes too small. If your child is ashamed of their body...buy them clothes that fit!!!!!
I agree in a way with you widowqueen. Except that why does every parent in Bedford County have to suffer because of a few. If the school officials would actually handle the those few and do their job, then there wouldn't be a problem. The problem is that why may be acceptable to one parent, may not be acceptable to another. Who are the school board trying to be? I think they need to focus more on the education part of school instead of what a child is wearing. If the school official cannot stop a child from wearing pants so their rear ends showing then bring the parents in and confront them. Then if that doesn't work, then take measures such as suspension,etc. And that takes care of the problem. You don't need to pass a "dress code" that punishes other parents who send their children to school properly!!
And if the principals would have policed the original dress code, we wouldn't be in this situation...and it appears (at least with Mrs Edwards @ Cascade) that it still goes on with the "overlooking" of the girls in "their condition"! That does not help matters! And like someone else said...you can tell when someone's pants are hanging low across a parking lot. It just makes me wonder...
We can talk about this until the cows come home..but until bodies are in seats at board meetings, and parents and students refuse to let this go, the ruling will stand.
Amen cascademom!! Don't loose focus, just stick with the plan. They need to Visibly see parents protesting and Hear their complaints.
I agree that the Walmart here does not carry the attire in all the sizes and colors that were required last year. I haven't looked this year because I don't have to worry about it anymore. Yay!
It was especially difficult to find them after Christmas last year. Maybe that is why the board decided to allow any color.