Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
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If approved at next month’s board meeting set for April 15, the policy would limit the colors and types of clothing styles worn. Thomasville Middle School Principal Georgia Marshall presented the board with a pamphlet outlining what the dress policy would entail.
As a representation of the school’s colors, students would only be allowed to wear black or khaki colored pants, skirts, shorts or capris, and shirts would have to be red, black or white. In addition, only collared polo-style shirts, turtlenecks or button downs would be considered acceptable. Students would also have to keep shirts tucked in at all times.
The policy would also include specifications for shoes, accessories, belts, hair and makeup. Students would be able to layer and mix-and-match colors to help maintain their individuality.
While many students are not eager to begin such a plan, Marshall feels the policy would help resolve discipline problems that are centered around dress code issues.
“Children won’t fuss and fight over what someone else has on,” Marshall said. “They will be able to be viewed as students in a classroom. [It] fosters school unity. All students should have increased self-esteem and reduced social pressures.”
Although most parents are in favor of the Standard Mode of Dress, others do have some concerns.
“Some are concerned about the cost,” Marshall said. “Others are not sure that their children will be happy. Some are reluctant to change, but others say they can’t wait [for their children] to be at a place where they won’t have to worry about what to wear everyday.”
School board members also expressed concern with how the changes might impact parents economically. Marshall assured the board the fashions were ones that could be purchases from discount retailers, such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart or Steve and Barry’s. In fact, she would call on the Thomasville Wal-Mart and other local stores to have a section with clothes specifically for TMS students to make adhering to the new policy more accommodating.
TCS Superintendent Dr. Daniel Cockman expressed the need to settle the issue as quickly as possible.
“We want to give the community an opportunity to prepare for any changes,” Cockman said. “We need to settle this because we’re using school resources that could be put towards academics.”
During the last year, Marshall, along with other school officials, have visited several schools in neighboring counties which have implemented a dress code policy. Much of the feedback they received from school representatives and students was positive.
If approved by the board next month, school officials would begin sending information home to parents to give them ample time to prepare for next year’s changes.
“Our plan is to give parents all of the information they need before school ends so they can have students ready for 2008-09,” Marshall said.
In other business:
• TCS Assistant Superintendent Keith Tobin updated the board on school construction progress. The expansion to the administrative wing at Thomasville High School has been completed, and demolition is set to begin for the Media Center expansion. Thomasville Primary Schools new classroom space should be finalized by the end of March.
Cockman and other board members offered their appreciation to County Commissioner Don Truell for his support in obtaining financing for school construction projects.
• Liberty Drive Elementary School teachers, along with two third-grade students, recapped their week working with the Starbase Program, which helps teach students lessons in math and science, as well as drug and substance abuse prevention. The program has visited the school annually for 12 years. It is the only school the program comes to every year.