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Read comments (18)And for the record, the rumor was dispelled.
Several parents expressed their concern about the school uniform matter during the patron comment section of the meeting.
Stacee Glenn initiated the conversation by bringing up the rumor and saying she has an issue with the idea.
Another concerned parent, Nicky Carr, requested that parents be given the opportunity to form a committee that would enable them to give input on the matter.
After listening, Superintendent Ron Bush said, "I've heard rumors on uniforms...we're just starting to discuss it...there's not been a final decision on that made."
There are pros and cons when it comes to school uniforms, he added.
"The intention is not to do something that is going to hurt kids... We need input from the parents," he added.
But, school administrators have looked at other school policies on uniforms, Bush said.
School Board member Rodney Bredeweg joined the discussion by saying that the school board has not discussed school uniforms.
Bob Good, also a board member, agreed and added, "I understand the rumor is going around....the board's not even discussed it yet."
Concerned parent Beverly Foglesong asked if there was a problem with the current dress code.
Bush said that schools with uniform policies often report less conflict among students.
Another concerned parent then spoke up and said that there will always be conflicts with kids.
During discussion, Carr also pointed out that she is not in favor of school uniforms, but might change her mind if she understood the administrators reasons for wanting them.
Junior High Principal Jeff Sparks spoke up by explaining that no uniforms are being discussed, but a uniform dress code is.
A uniform dress code means that the dress code is the same for the elementary, junior high and senior high, he noted.
"Right now we're just looking at what's out there," he added, noting other school policies.
High School Principal Nick Karazsia also joined the conversation.
"The high school and junior high dress codes are really close," Karazsia said. "That's what we mean by uniform dress code. We're all using the same standard."
But, there are some issues like some parents can buy certain clothes that other parents can't, he later added.
"It's a lot of issues we're talking about," he said, noting there has been one administration meeting on the matter.
But, right now talk is not going in the direction of students wearing the same shirt and pants, he said.
In the end, Bush urged parents to talk to their student's building principal about forming committees and then again stressed, "Nothing has been decided."
Board member John Preble thanked the parents for the dialogue and added "The board has not been brought in about this..."
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I happen to be someone who does not think that wearing three colors of pants and two colors of polo shirts are going to fix the host of problems that have been listed as reasons for a "uniform policy". Most of the kids I see at the school, for the most part look appropriate. Sure, some of the kids are wearing name brands. We all
don't choose to wear the same brands and that's ok. I have never heard kids saying that some of their classmates are not in their "clique's" because they aren't wearing the same clothes. Maybe thats more of a problem in our perception. Can't these kids just be taught to dress appropriatly instead of making all their choices for them? If we don't let them make choices and let them deal with the consequences what have they really learned? Can't we just try our best to teach them to be considerate young people with empathy for those less fortunate than ourselves? Or teach them to not be jelous over belongings? Someone is always going to have bigger or better. I think they are capable of learning to be individuals and finding out who they are while at the same time knowing that there are always guidelines to help them along the way. Wew all love our kids and,of course, academics are still more important than what we are wearing, but with that being said, the argument stating that we are more than our name brand on our shirt goes both ways, just because someone likes to dress a certain way, doesn't mean that you should judge them as little princesses or princes, or as poor, their parents want the best for their kids , too.
This is rediculous!!!!!....and i love how once a certain someone's kids graduated...that certian someone is all about uniforms...but while that certian someone's kids where in school...those kids and their friends got away with EVERYTHING....crap...you know how people are paying tuiton to come to linton...do that and people will be paying tuiton to another school...just so you know....enforce where is needs to be enforces....its only certian kids....DUMB!!!!!!
First of all the students know they will be sent home if they show up dresssed unappropriatly, That is why they do it. Why not punish them instead of letting them out of class, that is not punishment! keep them in a room, make them do their studies in that room all day, Make sure their parents are notified! don't let the student go home to change their cloths! If the parent don't want them to be considered absent in the classes, they will bring them the cloths so they can attend the classes! After a few trips to the school the parents will be making sure that child is dressed appropriately!
I don't think there are very many parents who even look at their kids (they can't be) personally I think the root of the problem lies at home! enforce the dress code you have before adopting a new one!
Whats wrong at that school! we shouldnt even be wasting our time discussing this! they do have a dress code and it is a strict dress code, but its not enforced! why make up another dress code, We all know it won't be enforced either! lets finish out the year enforcing the current dress code, and I do mean all the time! Just because one student looks better in a mini doesn't mean they may get by with it! that means they have disobeyed! if there is a problem with how the students are interpeting it have a student body meeting and demo what is appropriate and what is not!
I agree with minerchic and horrorwriter.
Parents take responsibilty for your kids and teach them what is right and wrong. If we would all try a little harder at this....Linton would be a better place.
To the school board- stop trying to control the kids. They must learn from their mistakes. Trial and error has alot to do with growing up. Let kids be kids and stop trying to run them like robots.
Uniforms in school? How about little brown shirts and pants, then we can add armbands and teach our little ones to goosestep. C'mon folks! Take responsibility for your kids. It's the parents' job to teach their kids how to dress and it's their job to instill in their little Johnnies and Suzies the understanding that the most expensive clothes don't make them better or worse.
Ok, so if we go to uniforms, are the schools going to provide the uniforms to the families? Because whose to say that in this small town that we are going to be able to find polo shirts and tan pants for everyone. And not everyone can afford to go to Terre Haute, Bloomington, or elsewhere to buy the clothes. And then even if the person can afford it, they may not even want to drive the distance to get it.
To the administrators at Linton-Stockton High School, instead of worrying about a uniform policy at the schools, why don't you worry about other important things, like getting the kids to pass the ISTEP. Getting an Art program going on at the school again. If someone is dressed improperly, then take care of that person. Give the person warnings, make them go home and change their clothes. That includes teachers.
I attended the school board meeting last night and I have to disagree with the comment in the article that said the "rumor was dispelled". In my opinion, the "rumors" I had heard were actually confirmed. The administration has had discussions on the student's dress, the teachers have been involved in the discussion, and the option of moving towards a similar look in the students dress is being looked at as a possibility.
Now, the statements the administration made seemed a little fuzzy and somewhat contradicting. Mr Sparks stated that no uniforms are being discussed. Mr Karazsia explained that "uniform" meant getting the dress code the same in all buildings for all students. Yet, if uniforms are not being considered, then why did Mr. Bush bring up the fact that there are pros and cons to uniforms and that he has looked at other school's policies on uniforms? Sounds like research to me. Mr. Karazsia also added that some parents could buy certain clothes and others couldn't. While this may be true, how can this be handled without adopting a school uniform? Will there be strict limitations on brands one is allowed to wear?
At the meeting, parents were encouraged to sign up for a committee if they wanted to be a part of "the process". I am grateful to Mrs. Carr, who suggested the committee in an attempt for the parents to be involved in some of these discussions. My question is to the administration, if all that is planned is a dress code that is uniformly followed in all buildings, are they really needing parents to come in and discuss "how short is too short" and "is it appropriate to have facial piercings"? The administration needs to adopted a standard dress code, enforce it and have consequences for those that don't.
On the other hand, if a "uniform dress code" means that the students will dress in a similar style. with solid colored clothing limited to a hand full of choices set by the administration and/or a committee, then that is a UNIFORM.
Graduation rate? Illegal drug use? Illegal alcohol consumption? Sexually transmitted diseases? Teen pregnancy? Etc., etc. How many parents would flock to a school board meeting to address any of the above issues on behalf of our student community? But a dress code; how dare anyone bring up such cruel and unusual punishment.
The school and parents are alledgedly preparing our young citizens to assume responsible positions in society. Appropriate attire and personal appearance are part and parcel of that responsibility. Parents get your priorities in order. The way your little darlings conduct and present themselves is a learned behavior prerequisite to any level of success in life.
I agree with Per Moenia Urbis. Try enforcing the current dress code. Then if they dosen't work then take the next step.
Miner fan, If a kid's clothes are the only way they can express their "individuality", what does that say about the kid?
I think school uniforms are a great idea. It is ridiculous that clothing labels are what kids have to be focused on during school. Their lives have enough pressure as it is. Take away one pressure of everyone having to have the latest brand. School is for an education and not a fashion show!
A dress code is no big deal if you are going to school for the right reason. It is not a fashion show ladies, it is an institution of higher learning. That means they should be attending to learn. This will help with weeding out a lot of the cliques. This would go hand-in-hand with the bullying issue.
I am in favor of a uniform at the Linton schools. As a class of 2008 graduate, I have been there, done that and can see where it would come in handy. Whether you want to believe it or not, your little princes and princesses form clicks and it is a lot of times based on what they wear (wealth status).
I never would spend money on clothes from those rip-off stores (Abercrombie, Holister, etc.). This wasn't because I couldn't afford them, I just had better things to do with my money. It does affect though how other students treat you.
I also know some students that couldn't afford much more than yard-sale clothes and call some of these students my true friends but they were often times looked down on because they were "poor", even if they just liked saving money for the more important things in life.
I think the school should step in and enforce a "uniform" dress code so students are perceived as equals. Starting something in Jr High or High School isn't going to help a thing, clicks are formed by that point, it is going to have to start on the first day kindergarten and follow through graduation.
Of course, clicks will still be formed but at least on better grounds such as interest (football, volleyball, gaming, etc.) and produce an overall student body with less kids feeling as if they are not as good as everyone else.
Also, for the record, I have no clue what 99% of my classes parents drove or even where they live, that really isn't a factor...
OK now I LOVE Mr Sparks..He was my FAV! But that is really funny, migrated north
I can just see the Jeff Sparks dress code: Bib overalls, pioneer hat, and a dirty FFA jacket !!!
Let me point out the lamest excuse for dress code.
"But, there are some issues like some parents can buy certain clothes that other parents can't, he later added.
Wow-i wonder if anybody else noticed how stupid this sounds? If you want to go by that philosophy then you also need a "car code" since some parents can afford to buy nicer cars for their kids and how about a "house" code again, since some parents can afford nicer houses than others??
There are dress codes in place, they just need to be enforced!
It is not enough that kids can't be creative do to lack of art classes, that we have to strip them of their individuality as well?
C'mon school board members, let's get this shot down before it even gets started.
Remember, a "uniform dress code" can be deceiving. They can decide to make the elementary, junior high and high school all have a uniform code of dressing ie...short to mid-thigh, sleeves in shirts etc. Uniform dress code can also mean that your child gets to choose to wear khaki or navy pants, short or skorts with a red or white polo. To me, that is a uniform!
Meh, uniforms or no uniforms, nothing will change with the kids.
I say just stick with whatever dress code you have, and ENFORCE IT FOR EVERYONE.
This has been going on since I was in school..thats been years!