stressed
blahDress code: Randolph schools want no hoodies in hallways
By FRED HANSON
The Patriot Ledger
RANDOLPH - Hooded sweatshirts, better known as hoodies, would be banned from Randolph schools during the school day under a policy presented to the school committee.
‘‘They can still wear them to school, they just can’t wear them in the hallways,’’ said school committee member Marybeth Nearen.
The dress code for middle and high school students would also ban flip-flops and footwear with built-in roller skate wheels, ‘‘revealing or immodest clothing,’’ athletic gear and T-shirts promoting alcohol or cigarettes.
The proposed ban on hoodies during school hours extends to other forms of outerwear, such as coats and jackets, and other head coverings, with the exception of those worn for religious or medical reasons. These items, including caps, must remain in the students’ lockers.
All are part of a new dress code policy for students in the middle school and high school that was presented last week. It will go before the school committee for final approval on Aug. 31.
School committee member Maureen Kenney, who along with Nearen served on a subcommittee which drew up the proposal, said there were few actual changes in the dress codes. In some cases, the language was made clearer and more specific.
‘‘The big change is in the enforcement,’’ Kenney said.
The subcommittee which presented its recommended dress codes last week included school staff and parent, student and community representatives.
As a school committee policy, administrators are expected to enforce its provisions, Kenney said. Principals have already formed an implementation committee.
‘‘We really believe that if students dress for success, they’ll be poised to do better and behave better,’’ said Kenney.
Legally, the school committee can’t require students to wear uniforms, and can only regulate student dress for reasons of safety, health and cleanliness, Kenney said.
Nearen said that the ban on hoodies is for safety reasons, since students can use the hoods to conceal their identity from the school’s security cameras.
‘‘They were having a hard time identifying students who were cutting class or stealing items,’’ she said.
Nearen said she hasn’t had any negative phone calls or e-mails since the proposal was announced.
‘‘Everyone knows it needs to be done,’’ Nearen said. ‘‘It was the townspeople who demanded that we clean up the appearance of our students. And the committee agreed it was time for students to start dressing in a manner that shows pride in themselves and their schools.’’
School committee member Paul Meoni is opposed to the policy, saying he didn’t believe hooded sweatshirts posed a safety problem.
The policy also prohibits:
—Footwear such as flip-flops, slippers, or with built-in roller skate wheels.
— ‘‘Revealing or immodest clothing,’’ including visible underwear, bare midriffs, and skirts and shorts must be no shorter than mid-thigh. Pants can not be worn low.
—Athletic uniforms during classes.
— Beachwear or sleepwear.
— Clothing that advertises alcohol, tobacco, or illegal materials; or displays inappropriate language or pictures.
The policy requires students to wear their student ID badges at all times.
Students who violate the policy would be sent to the building administrator, who would decide whether to ask parents to bring a change of clothes or keep the student in the office or another part of school for the rest of the day.
Nearen said letters will be mailed to parents and teachers this week to inform them of the proposed policy ‘‘so they can be prepared.’’
Your Views
What impact does a dress code have on student behavior?
Write: Your Views, The Patriot Ledger, 400 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, MA 02169
Fax: 617-786-7393
Call: 781-340-3156
E-mail: editpage@ledger.com
Please include your address and telephone number.
Copyright 2006 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Tuesday, August 15, 2006
stressed
ecstatic
tired
cheerful chipper
sad
