Talk of the Town

By Judy

July 28, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this

I think that it is important to have a dress code and that it be enforced but I think it is pathetic that Metro Atlanta schools can’t get together even for a dress code. What a difference - one school has to have a skirt hit the top of the knee yet here in Gwinnett - no higher than 8 inches above the knee. It is time that Metro Schools start working together to have the same rules, standards, etc. Some county lines break within subdivisions - how confusing to parents, students, etc.

By anonymous

July 28, 2005 11:15 AM | Link to this

The regs all sound okay except the 8 inches above the knee skirt rule at Gwinnet…..8 inches above the knee is more like where a t-shirt should stop!

By D.Landry

July 28, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this

I completely agree with the dress, but I don’t think they go far enough. These kids are going to school not a fashion show. I was fortunate enough to go to Catholic school all of my life so I had to wear uniforms. Everyone looked alike and we were all there for one purpose…to get an education. For the parents who feel their kids need to “express” themselves by what they wear, let them express themselves all they want to the weekends!

By s

July 28, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this

Clayton County has just adopted a rule requiring shirts to be tucked in at the waist.

I don’t know how they are going to handle the XXXL basketball jerseys that the kids wear.

By old uniform suffer

July 28, 2005 11:21 AM | Link to this

At least they don’t have to wear uniforms…

By angie

July 28, 2005 11:26 AM | Link to this

Ok i can under stand not wearing anything too tight short or low but no tank tops are a bit extreme. It does get hot here and what about the schools whos central air doesnt work properly or those who dont have any at all? And i guess i can understand clear and mesh bags but what about the girls privace for their personal items?

By Kim

July 28, 2005 11:29 AM | Link to this

These are great and the parents may need a dress code as well, with the way some of them dress when they come up to the school. I believe the uniforms will resolve of the issues we face, and create more focus and save alot of money especially for the single parents. You can’t go wrong with purchasing 5 outfits to be worn throughout the year for school only.

Hats and belts also needs to be dress, no hats wearing during schools and belts must be worn to eliminate falling pants or shorts.

Consistency is a key to success. And more parent involvement

By Lauren

July 28, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this

8 inches above the knee in Gwinnett .. and we wonder why teenage pregnancy is a problem?? Wake up people …

By Susan

July 28, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this

I’m appalled! Gwinnett says no skirts higher than 8” from the knee? How much higher can they go without showing everything? When I was a kid, girls HAD to wear skirts (public school) and they could be no higher than just at the top of the kneecap. No slacks, shorts, midi tops…boys had to wear nice shirts (no tees), slacks (no jeans) and no one could wear tennis shoes except in the gym. Girls’ (and boys’) bangs had to be no longer than the top of the eyebrow, and the boys’ hair couldn’t touch the collar of their shirt in back. No sideburns. We were happy, and excelled in school. These days it’s like a fashion show instead of an institution of learning. I say bring back the old rules of dress, or put students in uniforms. Cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about someone killing your child over a pair of shoes or a jacket.

By Scott

July 28, 2005 11:39 AM | Link to this

I think in the hot months of school that shorts should be allowed that are appropriate and also students shouldn’t have to wear shoes. I remember growing up in school where going barefoot wasn’t a big deal and that was in the 80’s and 90’s.

By figii

July 28, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this

“Gwinnett, no skirts higher than 8 inches from the knee.” That is obscenely short. I have heard that in Clayton, all shirts must be tucked in and belts must be worn. I can understand this as baggy pants & loose, untucked shirts provide a place to hide their weapons.

By Mike

July 28, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this

School uniforms would be the ticket!

By Richard Young, Jr.

July 28, 2005 11:41 AM | Link to this

I didn’t like dress codes when I was school age and at 33 still don’t like them. But kids, as a guitar teacher I’m always hearing you gripe about your school dress codes and I’m afraid you have little room to gripe compared to some others.

First of all, the schools I went to in SC did not allow any shorts at all. EVER. 95 degrees and I was forced to wear long pants or jeans.

Second, take a look at how your teachers dress. Do you think they dress that nerdy by choice ???? Most certainly not !!!! They can’t wait to get home and get out of those goofy uncomfortable shoes. Ask them about their teacher dress codes sometime.

I won’t even go into the corporate world or people required to wear uniforms…

Kids, count your blessings and cherish the freedoms you currently have.

By Chip Coffey

July 28, 2005 11:46 AM | Link to this

I attended high school in the 1970s in South Carolina. Our school had a very strict and rigid dress code that included: no slacks for girls (until halfway through my junior year); no outlandish jewelry; no tee shirts, tank tops, hats, etc.; boys’ pants had to be loose enough for a golf ball to drop from the waistband down the leg of the pants; no blue jeans and certainly no shorts; boys’ hair could be no longer than touching the collar of shirts and could not completely cover the ears.

Student who did not obey the dress code were sent home! No questions asked.

Neither students, parents, teachers nor administrators worried about violence in schools. The “bad kids” were the ones who smoked cigarettes, drank a bit, sometimes picked fights and, heaven forbid, smoked pot. No one could’ve fathomed a student bringing guns or knives to school to kill other students and teachers!

Is there a correlation here? Maybe and maybe not … but it certainly does provide food for thought.

Schools should have the right to restrict what is worn and/or carried by students. This is not at all about personal freedom; it has become an issue of safety and limitations. Our children desperately need supervision, restrictions and guidance.

Administrators should not be concerned about enforcing dress code policies. And the media should not be trying to stir controversy about it!

Expecting children to obey rules and regulations is not a bad thing!

By Yvette

July 28, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this

If all schools went to uniforms, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. I fault the parents for not knowing what your offspring’s wearing!

By Athene

July 28, 2005 12:14 PM | Link to this

I think not only there should be a dress code, schools should actually have impose a uniform so that the students would pay more attention to their school work rather than fashion. This would also take pressure off students whose families are not so well off. They would not have to feel inferior to richer students for not having expensive clothes.

By Wish My Kids Had Uniforms

July 28, 2005 12:18 PM | Link to this

I think they should all go to uniforms. Much easier and less expensive.

By Kelli

July 28, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

I think that all children should hAve to worry about their studies rather than their attire. I think it would be great for all public schools to use uniforms.

By JD

July 28, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

I think that some schools need to really vamp up their dress codes. I do not think that uniforms are a good idea in any high school. I think kids should be free to express themselves through their clothing…within reason.

If I read correctly, one of the counties in our area is allowing the skirt line to be 8 inches above the knee? That is rediculous. I am only four years removed from high school so I know that the guys are taking full advantage of these short skirts. As a man who plans on having children in a few years, I believe that being more strict on dress codes could prevent much of the harrassment that goes on. When I was still in high school I enjoyed the short skirts and halter tops and that sort of thing, but now I realize that I would not want my children parading around in such clothing.

I will say that it is the parents’ responsibility to make sure that their kids aren’t wearing inappropriate clothing. However, I knew girls that would wear one thing when they left their homes and change once they got to school. However, if both parents and schools work together to enforce appropriate dress, the issue can be resolved.

By Robbin

July 28, 2005 12:41 PM | Link to this

At the begining of the school year, the high schools try to inforce the dress code. As the year progresses and bigger problems arise, the dress code is the least of their worries. So out come the spiked heels, thongs peeking out of the waste bands of jeans, shorts and short skirts, baggie pants hanging down to their thighs, etc. If the 1st period teachers would be consistent and write those students up sending them to the office, maybe after being sent 5 times and getting some consequences they’d get the hint.

By Amy

July 28, 2005 12:41 PM | Link to this

I think schools here in the States should take an example from schools in other countries, such as in Sydney, Australia, where there are no “public” school systems, only private schools. They all wear uniforms and each school’s uniform is different. I saw long skirts, short skirts, blazers, jumpers, dresses, straw hats, etc. They even wear the same shoes as everyone else. Most schools wear oxfords. At some schools the girls all wear mary janes. I can’t tell you how cute those kids all looked!! And they were so well-behaved on the public transit system. I have only been out of high school for 6 years and I agree “real” uniforms are the way to go. Not these “guidelines” and/or “khaki pants, red/white/navy polo shirts”. TIME FOR PLAID PEOPLE!!

By Wayne S

July 28, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this

Strict dress codes are definitely needed for our high schools. I have three boys in two different high schools and I see what the students are wearing when visiting the schools for school f*******. Most are dressed in appropriate attire but there are always the ones pushing the envelope. There are groups that seek to identify themselves with their dress to the point they seem to be wearing ‘uniforms’. Others go to extremes to be different or to shock. Yes, some freedom and individuality is lost but the peer pressure to look like everyone else is also lessened with dress codes.

By Angelica

July 28, 2005 12:52 PM | Link to this

I think all states should mandate school uniforms to avoid competition. Sometimes, kids focus on trying to find the latest styles and trying to impress one another versus striving for the honor roll.

If not uniforms, then have a dress code for what is appropriate and what is not.

By Elizabeth

July 28, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this

Dress codes can interfere with education: during the year I worked as a full-time teacher, I often spent as much time handling dress code matters as I did teaching. Every teacher enforced the dress code differently….

I wore a uniform in one high school I attended. People in the community knew just from looking at you what school you attended. You knew that if you did something out of bounds away from school, the school would hear about it. (This was a private day high school in Tennessee.)

By Michael

July 28, 2005 01:11 PM | Link to this

What gets me about the Gwinnett County dress code is that they are so willing to enforce it with students yet I have seen many a teacher in some of these schools wearing slinkier outfits than the ones outlined in the dress codes as not acceptable.

How do you expect our children to abide these dress codes when the school system cannot even police their own employees?

By Mia Williams

July 28, 2005 01:19 PM | Link to this

I’m a rising junior at Decatur and we had these rules every since I was a freshman and many people didn’t abide by them. The teachers and or administration wouldn’t say anything to those who were disobeying the rules unless a fellow student would complain about it. The dress code at our school is unfair toward females who have a shape, where as girls who weren’t shapely they are able to wear anything as they please. I hope that eventually the rules will be abide and equal for EVERYBODY!!!

By SB

July 28, 2005 01:31 PM | Link to this

I like the idea of a dress code if it is enforced. I don’t believe it will be very long since there are so many other issues that will be a higher priority - such as in Clayton County where there are so many behavioral problems in our schools, it’s sad. Dress is the last of the worries. I’m glad that the schools have adopted these as times have changed from when I was in school. Unfortunately, many “parents” either don’t care or have just as bad judgement as their children.

By Rhonda K.

July 28, 2005 01:33 PM | Link to this

I would love uniforms. My child is in elementary school, and when I shop for her school clothes the hardest part is finding clothes that are age-appropriate!

By teacher

July 28, 2005 02:14 PM | Link to this

As a teacher, I am frustrated by the amount of time we are expected to waste on dress questions. As long as the necessary parts are covered, I couldn’t care less; I have an enormous amount of curriculum to cover in a limited amount of time, and I would like to be allowed to do my job, rather than having to enforce ridiculous, unrealistic and pointless dress codes. As for uniforms, if I want to look at people all dressed alike, I will go into the military or apply at a private school where they are required. Far more important issues are at stake than what kids wear to school.

By tn

July 28, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

Uniforms, Uniforms, Uniforms!! I’m not so keen on the “clear” bookbag thing…..that just seems odd to me…especially in this day and age where teachers and administrators can search a kid if there is even the smallest inkling of wrongdoing….but anyway, where was I….oh yeah! Uniforms, uniforms, uniforms, uniforms, uniforms!!!

Get rid of the baggy pants, tank-tops, bottie-cutter shorts and skirts, low cut tops, cut off tops, tube tops. I see too many kids caring about the “t” and the hat they bring to school, but they seem to forget to bring pencils, pens, paper, books, calculators….but I’ll be $@%* if they don’t remember to bring that $100 throwback or them $200 kicks….. GET REAL PEOPLE!!!! Uniforms, uniforms, uniforms, uniforms, uniforms, uniforms….etc, etc, etc.

By Rachel

July 28, 2005 02:43 PM | Link to this

Eight inches above the knee - are you kidding me??? I have relatively short legs and 8 inches, well let’s just say I could just about wear a belt and forget the skirt and would be in compliance with that guideline. I went to school in Dekalb in the 80’s and we were not allowed to wear shorts except on the very hottest days and then they had to be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee. The teachers were strict about it too. They would get out their ruler in a heartbeat and send you home if your shorts were too short. The same rule applied to skirts. I would have hated to wear uniforms in high school but fashion wasn’t quite as revealing then as it is now. Fashion trends being what they are today uniforms would probably be a good idea as teachers would have to spend too much time enforcing dress codes if they were as strict as they should be. It would also eliminate a lot of embarrassment and harassment for the kids whose parents can’t afford to get them the latest styles. School should be about learning, not who has the coolest clothes.

By Abacus

July 28, 2005 03:33 PM | Link to this

Eliminate dress code problems with uniforms. They are less expensive, can be handed down, and they’ll be no “I have nothing to wear” complaints. I wore uniforms all through school and I can honestly say that my self esteem and individuality did not suffer. The focus was on learning, not who had the most expensive or outrageous)outfit. I know several families who fought uniforms in their school and are now wondering why they were against them. One family was able to spend an extra 3 days on vacation because of what they saved on school clothes!

By Jo

July 28, 2005 04:17 PM | Link to this

Nothing wrong with being comfortable & believe me, school authorities have to deal with issues a LOT more pressing than dress codes but the overly baggy attire should go because it’s a perfect place to hide contrabands; I do however, have a problem with rich kids snubbing kids who can’t afford the latest fashions. Things like hair, sideburns, facial hair, tattoos & piercings should not even be an issue; you can’t hide a gun in a goatee & you don’t have to be rich to dye your bangs pink; mine are & I spend maybe $9 every 4 months doing so.

By Marcia Boone

July 28, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this

If the HS would just enfore the dress code in the Student Handbook, things would be better. After sending students to the office for the umteenth time and nothing happens, teachers give up. Students soon learn that nothing happens so they get even more lax—and get away with it. Students buy what the stores sell.

Students take off that jacket and show skimpy clothes after they leave HR. I keep the A/C at the minimum suggested by the school. That keeps the jackets on!

Teachers smile on the first chilly day—knowing the dress code problem is solved until warmer weather : )

There is no dress code for teachers, but I think they should not wear things that students can’t. I actually saw a 1st year teacher wearing flip-flops to school last year. The caliber of teachers is not what it used to be.

By dail f melton

July 28, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this

jiminey christmas! Finally, a teacher who sees the light behind uniforms and dress codes. NO uniforms please! Love the military, love scouts, but kids in school need to learn to deal with social issues as well as the three “r’s”. They are not going to accomplish this all dressed as penguins! Parents, spend more time on encouraging your kids to learn, and alot of your low score problems will be solved. As far as their dress? Encourage modesty and let the rest of it go. Teach ‘individualism.’ Not “uniformity’ in their actions. Thank you!

By Marcia Boone

July 28, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this

How will Clayton Co enforce the dress code of shirts being tucked in? What will happen to those who do not comply? How long did MZHS enforce it last year?

Will that be for faculty and staff too?

By Tulanedre

July 28, 2005 04:43 PM | Link to this

How about this: Allow dress down days for the first 3 days of school. No hats, no bandanas, guidelines around girls outfits regarding skirts, mid-riffs, shorts, etc. After that, boys in khakis, polos or oxfords (white, yellow, light blue), girls in uniform skirts (or trousers) and blouses (same colors). Allow honor roll students to have 1 additional dress down day per quarter.

By Marlyn

July 28, 2005 05:21 PM | Link to this

Let’s keep it simple for all…Students wear khaki pants, shorts or skirts with white tops. This would reduce stress at home with parents and kids debating what to wear. This would reduce the stigma of not wearing designer clothes at school. This would be helpful to the family budget. It would assist school employees determine who is a student or not on their premises. This would reduce gang identification. This would create an equal clothing playing field for all. Why not go with this type of uniform or dress code?

By tn

July 28, 2005 05:30 PM | Link to this

dail f melton Are you kidding me?? You’re actually suggesting that parents should spend more time on educating their kids to learn…..and the dress code problem will go away?? What planet are we on? I never said the low score kids were the problem, as a matter of fact, most of my advanced kids were the problem last year. All the girls had the shortest skirts, skin showing, tightest clothes…..what’s wrong with uniforms again? You think they do away with individuality? That’s too bad, if a school has to choose between an idea that will get the students’ minds in the classroom (uniforms) and upsetting a kid’s so-called “right” to individuality, I think the school will choose, let me rephrase that…I HOPE the school will err on the side of EDUCATION!! I teach in a district with a very high poverty rate, yet I see more and more kids wearing expensive, designer clothes that even I can’t afford, and sadly, those clothes don’t fit into our dress codes. And to be honest, we have more problems to deal with than dress code violations..i.e. fights, students cursing at teachers, sexual misconduct, harrassment, you name it, we got it…..no, uniforms aren’t the end all, be all….but they certainly put a kids mind in order when they see everyone dressed the same for the same reason….EDUCATION!!!

By g.harris

July 29, 2005 12:37 AM | Link to this

Some of the school systems have taken dress codes to the extreme. I live in a small county and dress code was implememted a few years ago and it has been nothing but a hassle ever since. The school system has went so far as to put kids in detention if they have on the wrong type of clothing. Khakis with rivets on the pockets are considered “illegal” due to they can be used as a weapon, but they are required to wears belts. Go figure! When I was in school we had a dress code no revealing clothing and clothing had to be neat and clean and not full of holes. I would like to see the school systems go back to the old ways.

By Jill

July 29, 2005 03:46 AM | Link to this

I was a cheerleader in high school, and we were allowed to wear our uniforms to school on game days and pep rallies (though we didn’t like it — the A/C made us freeze!). Girls used to always complain that we never got in trouble even though our skirts definitely were shorter than the dress code.

The only reason the Gwinnett rule makes ANY sense is that it’s impossible to find shorts and skirts for girls that actually fit most school dress codes.

Uniforms aren’t exactly the solution, either. I personally hate the “private school look.” Five years removed from high school, I only remember a handful of kids actually getting in trouble because of the dress code. Girls save their sexy outfits for the weekends, and if guys’ clothes are so baggy that they’re falling off, threaten to arrest them for indecency.

By Ferrell

July 29, 2005 06:31 AM | Link to this

Dress codes are just that…dressing for someone who made up the code. I work in the Gwinnett school system and, on a daily basis, know that dress codes are not enforced…they students know it’s a sham…look at the way they dress.

By Tara

July 29, 2005 07:27 AM | Link to this

I love the idea of stricter dress codes, actually I think they are not strict enough because they are not inforced. I think they should be enforced properly with every student/,

By tl well

July 29, 2005 08:27 AM | Link to this

I think all schools should become uniform schools. That way you want know who is rich or poor. You want have to worry about what is appropriate or inappropriate to wear. It will save parents, such as myself, money in the long run. Our children want be so interested in styles or who dresses the best in school. I believe their priorities would change as well as ours.(parents and teachers)

By old mom

July 29, 2005 08:36 AM | Link to this

UNIFORMS taking away your individuality???? Not getting them ready for the real world if they have to wear a uniform???? Uhm….even McDonalds and Wendy’s have uniforms, as do plumbers, pest control companies, UPS, FED EX, Six Flags, Chick Fil A, etc. Look around you…..uniforms are not just for the military. In the “real world”, don’t you feel more confidence in someone dressed respectfully than you have with someone who appears not to care for their appearance. Are the kids going to graduate high school, get up the next day and say, hey..gotta go buy new clothes for the “adult world” now??? And, NO, teachers should NOT have to be running around with measuring tape. PARENTS - you chose to bring this child into the world, now complete your mission, raise a moral child with a great character and give them their wings to go out into the world and make a difference.

By Martha Yeager

July 29, 2005 09:07 AM | Link to this

Uniforms for both teachers and students—-all school personnel—sounds like a good idea to me. I’ve been teaching 30+ years and have watched student (and new teacher) dress get worse and worse. From the student whose pants fell to the floor as he was walking through the gym (and he had on turquoise briefs—yuck,) to the teacher who had about 3” of cleavage (in the front! g), I am sick of seeing all of it. Policing the dress code takes up too much of my time and leaves too little time on subject matter. Make the rules, enforce them strongly. Call mom and dad to pick up Buffy or Trey and have them go home and change. Couple of times of that and they will get the picture. Some of these kids dress like streetwalkers (good old fashioned word) and drug dealers—put’em in uniforms.

By Rachael

July 29, 2005 09:33 AM | Link to this

I am 22 and I had to wear a uniform all through high school and I LOVED it. It put everyone on an even playing field and it made for such an easy morning. I didn’t stress over what to wear, I threw on khakis and a polo and ran out the door. Taking away someone’s individuality is a crock, honestly I see such a lack of individuality anymore it’s sad.

By RWH

July 29, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this

We as parents must maintain our key alertness to the schools dress codes. Be highly concerns about our daughters and young men dress. They are in school to learn and not for any fashion or give off any sexual indications. Baggie pants…won’t work, they give your young man a “thug” look and it brings attention upon him; young ladies, be they teens in middle school or high school, let keep them aware of the names they might earn from wearing clothing that is to tight, skirts above knees, splits on side to long and showing to much of bare skin. This won’t work in a school environment nor public either. It brings attention upon them in a way that might cause them to be release for the day or expelled for a week. As parents, what we purchase for our children must remain at the forefront and in compliance with the school’s policies and guidelines. By doing this, it will keep a lot of unnecessary problems within the school down; and teachers and administrators can be about the business of teaching instead of making correction on students dress-codes. Let’s keep our children in school by obeying the school dress codes and be involved 100% with your student in school and support the school by ensuring you follow its rules.

By jennifer

July 29, 2005 10:00 AM | Link to this

It really doesn’t matter if kids wear spagetti strapped tank tops or sweatshirts. Either way their hormones are raging and they will find each other attractive.

But, I think some of the ‘fashions’ parents purchase for their young daughters are a little extreme. When I can see the crack of your daughter’s butt why would you purchase that for her? When I can see your 14 year old’s breasts shoved up with a push-up bra why would you purchase a shirt like that?

I know teens are feeling out who they are and they are becoming adults and feel ‘sexy’ but as parents I think we need to teach them the difference between looking fashionable and looking like they belong on Ponce. Once they are adults if they want to look like they belong on Ponce or North Ave. then it’s on them.

I used to dress ‘normally’ for school dances and then change into something tighter and shorter once I arrived at the school. Then, before leaving I would change back because I knew my parents would flip out. Do you not think your kids are doing the same thing?

I do not purchase anything I deem inappropriate for my daughters but I am lucky because neither of them like to wear things that expose their cracks or breasts (yet, and hopefully never). But, the reality is perhaps they, too, will be taking a change of clothing to school dances just like I did.

By Brian Curtis

July 29, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this

Yes, yes… uniforms are the best solution to bad parenting. All boys must wear regulation long sleeves and pants every day, complete with hats and ties; and for the girls, burquas.

By Lafawn Davis

July 29, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this

Sometimes the clothing I see at schools are unacceptable and should not be allowed. Parents should know better and should have better control over their children. I don’t think any child’s underwear should be visible. Many a day as a teacher, I have seen boys bend over and expose their underwear and almost their entire behind. Girls tend to show too much cleavage. One very innocent elementary school girl I saw at a chorus program one night, supposedly dressed by a parent, had on a white see-through, camisole top … I think some of these mothers are reliving their childhoods and trying to claim the ‘hotness’ they didn’t have by living vicariously through their daughters. The daughters will suffer for this poor judgment.

By Joan

July 29, 2005 11:49 AM | Link to this

You can set all the dress codes you want but if they aren’t enforced by every faculty and staff member employed at the school they are not worth the paper they are written on.

By Renee

July 29, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this

I think uniforms are the best thing in the world. Children don’t have to focus on what the cool people are wearing and instead build true friendships and concentrate on school more. Plus it cuts down on getting ready in the morning. Just put on the uniform and fix your hair and all done. There is no need to spend an hour in the closest looking at what to wear. It also saves parents money by not having to buy so many clothes. Uniforms rock!!

By Ashley M.

July 29, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this

Coming from a teenager, I think dress codes are ok. They prevent alot of girls from dressing slutty. However, I’m against the shoe dress code in Clayton County. They don’t allow flip-flops which is utterly ridiculous. They are not harmful in any manner nor do they infringe on other people’s rights.

By Toni

July 29, 2005 12:32 PM | Link to this

Frankly, as far as I’m concerned, the schools don’t have to worry about setting a dress code. As a parent, I dictate what is appropriate and it is far stricter than any guideline set by the schools my children attend. I teach my children to respect themselves and take pride in their appearance and to disassociate themselves from those that don’t.

By Kieran Pavlick

July 29, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

Obviously, young people want to be popular, they are just to easily led by advertisers. The various clothing restictions look fine to me. Two things, children are not wise enough to understand, what is being done is for their future welfare (Children out of Wedlock … . etc”) Also, parents need to look to their way of dressing. “Do as I say,not as I do.” Does insult a child’s intelligence.

By leslie

July 29, 2005 01:38 PM | Link to this

When I went to school in DeKalb County in the 70s we had no dress codes. We wore halter tops, ripped jeans, mini skirts and marijuana tee shirts. And guess what … society didn’t break down into chaos. Teachers and administrators (had they used their heads) should have known who was selling pot (that guy in the “smoke columbian” tee shirt) and that the preppy-looking kids talking to him after school were buying. If you allow them to, kids will label themselves in very obvious ways. If you restrict them, they will find obtuse ways to the same end (at my daughters high school the gang members now wear hair nets instead of bandanas.) Besides, the dress codes are intentionally written to be open to interpretation, so it can be difficult to determine whether an outfit is a violation. In Cobb, anything which could be distracting is prohibited. That could be a bright color or a tight blouse. I regularly see girls in skin-tight spandex at school, but my daughter was sent home for wearing a tailored dress that was deemed too tight. And why are hats considered distracting except on special “school spirit days?” School districts should either do away with dress codes or adopt school uniforms. Personally, I think we should let kids be kids. They will be forced to comply with corporate dress codes soon enough.

By STEPHEN

July 29, 2005 02:24 PM | Link to this

When I go to my son’s school, I am amazed that parents actually let their kids leave home (or return home, in the case where the parents are gone before the kids leave for school) dressed in sleazy and/or sexually explicit clothing. There is a time and place for everything, and school should not be the place for any underwear to be visable.

By John

July 29, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this

When I was a kid, there was one teacher who had her own dress code: any boy with hair long enough to get in his eyes, had it taped to his forehead; any girl with a skirt too short (in the teacher’s estimation): mural paper was pinned around the girl’s waist; chewing gum in class - it was put in your hair. These were her rules. She was the toughest teacher in my elementary school. And you know what? We learned. We learned what was appropriate and what wasn’t. Parents didn’t balk because they knew that’s just the way it was. Education came first. That was right here in Atlanta at High Point Elementary. I’m sure that teacher has since passed away, but I sure wish we had cloned her, because I learned more from her that I can directly point to today as things she taught me - I never forgot the information I learned from her.

By John

July 29, 2005 02:31 PM | Link to this

Uniforms would get rid of these problems. If the parents say they can afford it then let the government subsidize it (and I’m a conservative. The reason it would be great is that it would take away the clothing envy and posturing that goes on in school. All the kids would be equal when it comes to clothes. Then they could start to actually learn the work that they’re given.

By Alan

July 29, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this

UNIFORMS

By Aubrey

July 29, 2005 02:57 PM | Link to this

I agree with several other commenters that uniforms are in order. About 10 years ago, McEachern added a uniform structure to their dress code with options for free days. It was an optional uniform but to be quite honest it made things a lot easier. We had khakis, polos, and other shirts that you would probabyl wear anyways but they were emblazoned with the Mceachern M. It was our only option if we wanted to wear shorts. I only attended their for a year before switching to Pebblebrook where the dress code is far more relaxed. It is a distraction and not enough is done about it. I’m amazed to see people 10 years younger than me wearing something that I wouldn’t wear to a club in Buckhead on a saturday night.

And seriously Decatur…8 inches above the knee. That’s a bit ridiculous.

By The One Next Door

July 29, 2005 03:09 PM | Link to this

In New York the dress code was simpler the ones in Georgia. No hats, doo rags, visors, or bandanas. No spaghetti straps, halter tops, or tube tops. No spandex unless you’re in PE. No see-through clothing. For the girls, they couldn’t wear shirts showing cleavage or their stomachs. The boys couldn’t wear tight muscle shirts or those net tanks. And here’s a rule that was the most simple: no pants or skirts above knee length. None of this four inches or eight inches above the knee nonsense. Besides, who is going to waste time measuring how far above the knee a skirt is anyway? I read the dress code rules in a Gwinnett County student planner that could fill up about nine to twelve pages in my diary. If the dress code is almost a story book, obviously something’s wrong. Just cut the nonsense and make the kids wear uniforms! It seems like people love to make things comlplicated. What happened to going by KISS (keep it simple stupid)?

By Montrell

July 29, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this

I agree with the dress code. You can be an individual in college. It will be easier on the parents wallets and bring the attention of the children what people are wearing to books.

By Barbara

July 29, 2005 05:49 PM | Link to this

I had to laugh when I read about the dress codes. I went to Decatur High many years ago, back when girls were not even allowed to wear pants to school. We could only wear skirts, and believe me, we froze all winter, except on the rare occasions when the principal relented and let us wear jeans under our skirts. As for today’s dress codes, I agree that codes should prohibit kids from coming to class dressed like performers in rock videos, or worse. Although it’s an uphill battle, school officials should keep trying to remind kids that school is a learning environment, not a fashion show. The use of school uniforms helps keep kids from putting all their energy into competing with each other in fashions, and can redirect some of the energy into studying.

By shari

July 29, 2005 06:16 PM | Link to this

can’t afford uniforms, but they buy the lastest fashions for bigger bucks. maybe just dockers, white shirts, ties and jumpers. bring back the 50’s.

By Barbara

July 30, 2005 07:56 AM | Link to this

First, the Gwinnett dress code on length is 8 inches from the bottom of the knee— not the top— which is a big difference.

Secondly, in our cluster (Brookwood) the codes are enforced. Teachers will send students home not dressed properly and that’s the same in other clusters.

Finally, we have friends in Panama City, FL, whose children attend a magnet school which chooses to adhere to uniforms. A GREAT idea. The kids have choices of dresses, shorts, pants, and jumpers and many colored shirts. The school runs K-8 and eliminates middle school drama. My understanding is the clothing is sold at Target and is no more expensive (probably less) than today’s trendy styles. I say Gwinnett should consider this, at least for the early years.

By Teri

July 30, 2005 08:26 AM | Link to this

Uniforms would be great! In Henry County, some schools could care less if the students are even dressed. Many girls skirts are WAY too short. The other clothes are WAY too tight or tops are WAY too low on top & way too high over their (sometimes fat) bellies. The boys pants are halfway down their butt. We really don’t need to know boxers or briefs, but everyone does. New classes for the year should be “prison dress for guys” and “street walker 101”. Parents should be forced to spend at least 1/2 a day at their childs school each year. *Parents, if you don’t do that anyway, you are a bad parent!!!!!

By C. Carter

July 30, 2005 09:46 AM | Link to this

I think kids should have a dress code for school. You go to school to learn, not look like you are going out for the night. I’m in favor of uniforms, but I also know that in some metro areas, kids cannot afford them and they have to rely upon donations to cover the expense. I feel that if you require uniforms, the schools should have some on hand for the underpriviledged children to use and return.

By Todd Lambert

July 30, 2005 03:00 PM | Link to this

School Uniforms are just another way for the government to wage war on the individual.

Optional uniforms, sure.

Mandatory in a public school? No thanks.

By Judy

July 30, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this

I disagree with the comments of who cares what they wear. We should be teaching our children what is appropriate. There should be a difference in what children where to school vs. the beach. It is distracting to have middle school boys with their underwear showing (to the bottom of the butt) because the pants are so large. I am sure it is distracting to the boys to have the girls wearing pants so extremely low. I blame the parents too. As a parent, I know what my child wears and I monitor what is purchased. Yes, as they get older it becomes a more difficult issue but as one mom told me, when she is doing the wash - if she finds something she deems inapproriate - it is immediately throw away. Problem solved. Have parents forgotten they are in charge? As for teachers, I agree - they need to be dressed appropriately too. I don’t like seeing teachers in flip flops or even inappropriate sandals. It isn’t play time it is work time for both teachers and students.

By Carter

July 31, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this

I just want to point out that everyone is so concerned with the fact that students go to school solely for an education and the dress code is ok because it emphasizes education. I think your all wrong on both points. A) Students will be distracted by one another regardless of how they dress. We all took health. We all know what is underneath the clothes, we dont have to see it to know its there. B) Have you people seen how students dress for spirit week? If you are concerned with distraction, then that needs to stop right now. C) School is not just about education, no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves that it is. Many students do not see friends at any time other than school because of distance and a lack of public places to spend time outside of school. More importantly high school is all too often about sports. Five minutes of every day is devoted to morning announcements that are mostly made up of recent sports scores and sports accomplishments. Dont forget pep rallies and principals who pull entire teams out of class to congratulate them. This is an enormous and wasteful distraction.

The fact is, we live in a society that promotes sex, especially in clothing. Any mother who takes her 14 year old daughter shopping for school clothes knows how difficult it is to find clothes that fit, cover and dont cost insane amounts of money. Uniforms may help, but clothes are about individuality and expression. Students need that at an age when they are doing everything to find out who they are. I dont think its fair to take that away.

Besides, if a child is dedicated and determined, sitting in a hot classroom with blue jeans and a sweatshirt is going to prove a bigger distraction than the comfortable girl in the front row with a sphaghetti strap shirt. I think that clothes have become a scapegoat for parents who dont want to teach their children how to concentrate and seperate work from play.

By Carter

July 31, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this

Hey, OLD MOM, I think your statement said something serious about you. Uhm….even McDonalds and Wendy’s have uniforms, as do plumbers, pest control companies, UPS, FED EX, Six Flags, Chick Fil A, etc. Is this all your trying to prepare your children for? CEO’s and other office positions do not wear uniforms. They follow a dress code, yes, but even these are sometimes less strict than those enforced by the schools. And yes, when you leave school and prepare for the real world, you DO buy new clothes, depending. Thats what I had to do for my summer paid internship. And I spent most of the summer PAYING for the clothes I had to wear to work.

By Carter

July 31, 2005 10:34 AM | Link to this

Even if students wear uniforms, they can all see body shape underneath them. They can also see body language. The fact is, short of burkhas, there is no way to stop kids from looking at one another.

Also, a note to John with the teacher who “had her own dress code”: How much class time was wasted on the teacher stopping to tape banks and paper to skirts? And I know if we had tape stuck to our foreheads in school everyone would be looking at us. Paper rustling around is loud. THese sound like distractions to me, which is what we CLAIM to be fighting. It seems to me that people want to impose morals and ideals on people who may disagree with these morals and ideals. It is MY mother’s job to raise me. If you disagree with the morals shes raised me to adhere to, thats your own problem.

BTW, How did the parents react to their child coming home with gum in her hair? My mother would have had a fit.

By PMG

July 31, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

I believe uniforms should be the norm for all schools. Students coming to schools with too tight, short and too large clothes are not ready for learning. Children are being prepared for the work force. Employers will not tolerate workers wearning pants that are too large or females wearing too small clothes which show body parts. Besides, students carrying their pants because they keep falling down (what’s the sense in that?) cannot carry books which they need!

By Shanae

July 31, 2005 05:16 PM | Link to this

I feel that dress code is imporant, but at the same time they sometimes go over bored with what we can where and what we can’t! Being a highschool student myself, I feel that at my school everything we where they feel that its gang related!

By Tynetta

August 1, 2005 12:57 AM | Link to this

I live in Gwinnett and I am also a parent of a 5’8” teen. The rule in Gwinnett is that the skirts cannot be more than 8 inches above the bottom of the knee. The problem is that when you are as tall as my daughter even the skirts that look like they would fit aren’t suitable. I have been told by administrators that its not the skirt but the fact that my daughter has long legs. He stated, “It’s not the length but the impression of being too short that is the problem.” That I feel is wrong!

By jd

August 1, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this

Short skirts or short memories ?

Mini-skirts, hip huggers, bell bottoms, tube tops, leather jackets, muscle shirts and tank tops.

My, oh my. How in the world did we ever survive?

By frankie

August 1, 2005 01:19 PM | Link to this

I think a dress code is very important to have and will reduce the incidents that occur over the type and style of clothes. It seems as though our parents feed into the trendy style a child needs to have. And that in itself creates issues with students who may not be as fortunate to have as deep pockets as other children. Dress code promotes better focus on what is important - school work. Dress codes also promote unity and it keeps the ignorant culture from taking over the reputation of the school and students. Wearing your pants down by your ankles is not great etiquette. It seems as though our parents condone the style by not forcing kids to wear their clothes in a more correct manor and our school administration does not enforce the rules and regulations to keep kids focused on what they are there for - Education…

By Ms. Mac

August 1, 2005 02:06 PM | Link to this

I think that uniforms put less focus on the outfit and more focus on the reason they are in school. It is time out for Georgia kids fashion statements and time to get down to the business of learning. We are falling further down the list.

Thumbs up to uniforms K-12.

By B. Jones

August 1, 2005 11:49 PM | Link to this

**Uniforms, shirts tucked in, or skirts to a certain length I feel will not make a difference if a student is to learn or not learn. By me being a high school student I feel that some of the things we wear express who we really are inside and sometimes out. I’m not in a gang nor will I ever want to be in one, but that is my choice. I choose to have freedom, fun, and a happy life without the guns and drugs. I also choose what I wear if I have a short skirt and want to wear it I do. In wearing it I also make sure I sit the right way and don’t make certain moves. I would say that is because my mother taught me that my body is a temple and no one is to violate it under any circumstances. Most of us only wear what our parents allow us to wear or what we see our parents wear. I understand parents say “Do as I say and not as I do.” How many children you know actually never do what they’ ve seen their parents do? I disagree with the fact of uniforms simply because it would take away the identity that most teens have in themselves.

By Heather

August 2, 2005 10:58 AM | Link to this

Okay students. If you can’t adhere to the dress code in school, what are you going to do when it comes to interviews? I work in a VERY conservative office environment…no casual days…ALL business to business casual (no capri) attire! If you can’t do it in school, good luck getting into the corporate world where money can be made.

Gwinnett…8 inches! You’ve got to be kidding me! That’s shorter than business suits!

I’m all for a uniform dress code, heck even just uniforms. I can’t even find age appropreiate clothes for my 2 year old in the designer department stores. I have to shop Target or Walmart just to find clothes for both my children. Besides, kids grow too fast anyway. Why are parents wasting their hard earned money on $100 jeans when you can go to Target or Walmart and get jeans for less than $25??

I guess I just want to say…when my kids start school, I hope uniforms are the norm. Less stress on me, more focus on education for them.

By Penny

August 2, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this

I agree with a majority of you on this issue. I do think kids have gotten out of hand with some of the outfits they wear. I suppose we now sound like our parents before us. I agree that the skirts are too short and the tops a little too revealing at times. As far as the boys go, I never have really cared to see others boxers. I do have a comment to another poster though. If you honestly believe that we have a teenage pregnancy problem because of the length of skirts then I can only hope that you are not teaching sex ed and that your children, if you have any, know differently than you. Revealing clothes bother me too, but you can only blame teen pregnancy on the teens themselves and, in some cases, the parents that did not talk with them or teach them properly. Not clothes.

By Laura

August 2, 2005 01:01 PM | Link to this

As the parent of 2 Gwinnett County students (both boys), I am surprised there is a dress code in existence. If you don’t believe me, drive by a school in the AM and take a look at the kids strolling into the building. Skirts 8” above the knee would be an improvement over what the high school girls are currently getting away with. The skirts are so short, I would swear they are wearing “tube tops” around their hips, not skirts.

I’ll also agree that the baggy jeans & boxers fashion for boys is NO better and mine are certainly guilty of trying that out at times.

All joking aside, as a grown woman it’s very disturbing to see these young girls so caught up in flaunting their sexuality. No “Doctor’s and Lawyer’s” in the crowed, their aspirations are strictly limited to Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan.

By hadassah

August 2, 2005 05:29 PM | Link to this

I too am appalled by the way our young people are dressing these days. There seems to be either low self-esteem, or just blatant disrespect for themselves.

As we know, the advertisers are targeting the young generation, and they know that SEX sales! These young impressionable individuals are being targeted by top designers, and of couser what they see on television. When they see celebrities dress like this, of course, they themselves want to keep up with the latest fashion craze.Each year, I see the clothes getting smaller and smaller for the young ladies, and the pants getting bigger and bigger for the young men. Sad but true.

By Lynette

August 3, 2005 10:16 AM | Link to this

8” above the knee?! When I was in school in Gwinnett county skirts had to be longer than that, and you could hardly find them in the stores! All that the stores had in 1968-1970 were mini-skirts!!

By KATHLEEN

August 3, 2005 12:41 PM | Link to this

Having attended DeKalb County Public Schools from 1977-1989, I can tell you that the dress code was DEFINITELY more strict then than it is today, so all you kids quit your complaining! We could not wear shorts at all except for gym class and one brief time period in the spring of 1987 when we had “Wonderful Wednesdays” and could wear WALKING shorts that extended past your fingertips when your hands were down by your sides. Yes, children, we had to acually wear JEANS or SLACKS in 90 degree weather, indoors and OUTDOORS and with a not-so-good air conditioning system. My mother teaches in DeKalb County and I am appalled at what these children are allowed go out of the house in. In case you’re wondering, DeKalb County has a strict dress code for staff and my mother dresses very conservatively and in good taste. My mom was a single mom too and I remember wearing LOTS of hand-me-downs because she couldn’t afford $50 for a pair of designer jeans in 1981, which a 10 year old has no business wearing anyway since they will grow out of them in less than a year. Considering how much clothing costs, how cruelly children treat other people who cannot afford designer clothing, and how many pregnant teens I saw working as a WIC dietitian in central Alabama, I am all for school uniforms! I do think that the girls should be allowed to wear uniform pants and not just the skirts because let’s face it, it gets cold here in the winter! Yes, I am in the service (US Navy and now US Public Health Service Corps and darn proud of it!) and yes I am all for self-expression, but these children need to remember that they are MINORS and subject to the rules and regulations coming from the ADULTS who are responsible for them (PARENTS and teachers alike!) and that it only takes 15 minutes to change clothes when you get home from school. By the way, before anybody asks, I believe that school uniforms would also need to be worn by cheerleaders too, who somehow got away with wearing their uniform skirts that were hiked WAY above the knees while others had to dress according to the dress code. Thank you.

PS. To the person who said it was okay to go barefoot to school, obviously you have never set foot in a biology or chemistry lab or in a metal or wood shop class!

By Peach

August 8, 2005 11:23 AM | Link to this

In Gwinnett County there are a few schools that do adhere to the dress code. Peachtree Ridge High school does. They try to adhere to it as close as they can. I watch the parade of kids they send home daily. There wasn’t a time I didn’t go in there and they were not sending a child home for a dress code violation. Don’t get me wrong when I say this either it wasn’t like they were picking on the kids either it was a major violation. They called the parents made them leave their jobs, come and pick up the child, the child receives zeros for the day (as I understand it) and they come back the next day. They are told the first day of school what the dress code is. They are given warnings during the first week to correct dress code violations. After that it is sent home and receive zeros for the day.

By Kenya

August 9, 2005 12:26 PM | Link to this

I would love to see uniforms for public schools. my child is starting school this year and it is really hard to find decent clothes for a five year old. I don’t care and at this point in her life she doesn’t care. I just get really tired of seeing the boys with the pants hanging off of their butts and T-shirts that are way to big. For that reason alone we should have a dress code or uniforms. I tired of seeing it. They need to dress like they respect themsevles.

By Lindsey

August 10, 2005 09:44 AM | Link to this

First of all, the idea of having a dress code is great - but until it can be uniformly enforced, it will be more of a distraction than any clothes the students might wear. I graduated from high school in DeKalb 5 years ago, and I know from experience that some teachers and administrators enforce the dress code more strictly than others, and that some only enforce certain aspects of the dress code, etc. Also, certain students (“better students”) were essentially allowed to wear whatever they wanted - poorer students were most often singled out for violating the dress code.

But on to the real point: education. After reading all of the comments posted so far - assenting or dissenting, student, teachers, parents - one major theme is clear to me in almost all of them: atrocious grammar and spelling. And this from someone who has always been much better in math than in English - it’s appalling. The dress code itself has obviously become exactly the distraction it was created to prevent. This, to me, is ample evidence that we need to stop worrying about what are students are wearing and focus much more on what they are - or are not, as the case may be - learning.

By Bryan

August 10, 2005 10:35 PM | Link to this

I teach in a small county that has only one school at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. I taught at the elementary level for several years where the biggest problem with the students’ clothes was whether they were clean or not. Now that I teach at the middle level, there are other problems. Girls that have blossomed like to show what they have whether it be with low cut shirts or low rise jeans that show everything when they sit down. We don’t have a gang problem. If anything we have little wangsters walking around - want to be gangsters. We have to stay on some of the boys to keep their pants up and not show their underware of the day. The boys hate wearing their shirts tucked in.
I don’t notice what kids wear unless they seem to be flashing me with their cleavage or showing me their cracks! I’m there to teach.
What does bother me, though, is how other teachers and the administration seem to have a double standard when it comes to males and females. We are told to make the boys tuck their shirts in, but a girl could be wearing the same shirt and many teachers won’t say anything about it being untucked. Boys are told to pull their pants up to their natural waistlines but girls can wear the hiphuggers with shirts that rise up. That’s discrimination.