Photos
Blog
NewslettersA public apology
I'm really glad I went to last night's Board of Education meeting where the subject of school uniforms were discussed. See, if I hadn't gone, I would have never known what a drain I am on society.
I'm one of those kids who dresses a little weird. Until last night I didn't realize that was a problem because I've always made decent grades and my bosses over the years have said I do good work. But last night, I learned that dressing a little funky has major implications.
It turns out, that when people catch a glimpse of underwear, oddly colored hair or baggy pants they are unable to function. Learning and work stops.
I guess I owe both my coworkers and society in general a few apologies:
I'm sorry to anyone who might have seen my bra strap when it slipped out of place, I had no idea you'd be incapable of continuing on with your day after such a scintillating site. I'm also sorry to anyone who has had to endure my spiky red hair. I had no idea that a funky haircut could send people into a full-blown tizzy. And to address perhaps my worst offense, I deeply apologize to anyone who has seen me wearing baggy pants. I know it's only natural for you to assume I was packing heat but I assure you, I was not.
All sarcasm aside, here's what folks had to say about the issue at last night's meeting:
- Meghann Ackerman's blog
- Login to post comments
- 880 reads
As a twenty year veteran teacher, I am disgusted when I am FORCED to see the underwear of the boys I teach or come in contact with on a daily basis. If you don't see something wrong with boys showing their underwear on purpose in school, I am sorry for your tunnel vision. Likewise, I am tired of telling overly endowed girls not to bend over in front of the boys. Obviously, Meghann, you've never been a pubescent boy. I had one tell me a few weeks ago (an incoming 6th grader) that he should be in single gender classes because if the "ladies" look too good, they'll distract him. Yes, I called his mom, and yes, she signed him up for single gender. The spikey, colored hair I could care less about. The baggy pants, yes, wake-up, weapons can easily be concealed there. It all boils down to those of you NOT in the public school can not even begin to realize how it is (for teachers or kids)
Meghann,
There is a vast difference between dressing "weirdly" and indecent exposure. Baggy pants or a Gothic dress is a fashion statement and those are fine. Wearing pants that are barely fastened on the thighs below the glutes with boxers hanging out above is indecent exposure or worse. Freedom of expression is OK, pornography is not!
I have got to laugh at some of the comments I've read and convo's I've over heard regarding school uniforms in Beaufort.
Meghan, nice post. Let me tell you..... all the way back in 1971 I cut my hair for the first time in 3 years, I needed a job and the guy at the corner gas station said he'd hire me if I'd get a hair cut. So I rode my bike to the barber shop around the corner, plunked down five bucks and he cut it all off.
Keep in mind this was sooooo long ago that the guy smoked while he cut my hair and the shop even had one of those signs that said it's "Kool Inside", a way to advertise that the barbershop had a/c and sold kool cigarettes.
I got my job as Hubert Blanton the owner of the Gulf station kept his word. I worked for $1.00 and hour which was 1/2 of what min wage back then and I worked 60 hours a week that summer.
From that point on I was "acceptable" though I smoked weed, and tried every drug that was put in front of me, had more "partners" than I can count, and while I wasn't really a stoner no one would have ever suspected because I didn't fit the profile.
3 years later in Annapolis Maryland I got a nice uniform to go along with my "high and tight" haircut and my acceptable image.
My point is .... in life everyone whats to cubby hole you. Where are you from? What do you do? What does your father do? The clothes you wear, the color or length of your hair and color of your skin. All make it easy for small minds to think they know who you are.
I'm all for school uniforms, within reason, I'm all for dress codes. I don't like looking a some old plumbers butt anymore than getting and eyefull of some long past prime mother of eight in a thong.
But you know what I don't have to look, the plumbers union local 0420 would not take lightly to me suggesting a "plumber dresscode" that required suspenders, and soccer mom's over 40 would have me locked up for suggesting their post child birth bodies were not hot enough to be seen on the beach.
There are alot of good reasons to go to uniforms, none of which have anything to do with baggy pants, boxers, butts, boobs or small minds.
Just my 2 cents
Class of 78'
Aesthetics aside (and, let's face it, your average school uniform looks dorky) the main reason I'm no fan of uniforms is that they're, at best, a Band-Aid over larger problems.
South Carolina is not ranked too well nationally when it comes it its schools. Are uniforms going to up graduations rate or make kids want to learn? I've found that when a girl dresses trashy all the time it's because she has low self esteem and is seeking attention. While uniforms would make everyone cover up, are they going to take care of the deeper reasons someone might be dressing inappropriately? And, yes, kids pick on each other for a variety of reasons, including clothing. But do uniforms stop people from being jerks?
I think simply enforcing a dress code would take care of the things people are really upset about, like bad fashion choices. Also, knowing that a dress code will be enforced encourages students to plan appropriate outfits, like they would have to to go to work in the real world.
Teenagers just discovering sexuality are going to get momentarily distracted when they see an attractive member of their preferred gender. I know those Marines' uniforms don't stop me from doing a double take.
I guess what it really comes down to for me is this: There are a lot of problems in school systems across the country that are more important that seeing someone's crack or a bra strap. And, Motoryachtsoco, I agree with your point that most adults would not be happy if some sort of dress code was imposed on them.
Up until this point the District has refused to make a standard dress code that is more than vague. It has been left up to the individual schools, that is why some have uniforms, some have no dress code and some try to enforce a dress code.
A few years back if a child was told they were dressed inappropriately all it took was a call dowtown and the principal would give up the fight. The parents complained a lot about their baby being told they were inapropriately dressed and the district backed them.
I figure that instead of creating a whole new dress code for the district it was decided to be easier to go for uniforms. Right or wrong at least it would be a district wide rule and not each school being different.
I agree...develop a county-wide dress code and ENFORCE IT! Administrators need to support the teachers, the district needs to support the school and parents need to make sure their child (no matter what age) dresses appropriately. This would address the problem of "skanky" girls and "saggy" boys without punishing those who do adhere to the rules and guidelines. We have much, much bigger problems in our education system and this is like trying to paint the barn while it's on fire. Let's quit wasting time and energy on this topic and move on to something that might help boost achievement.
A 'dress code?' Why? Because PARENTS are not doing their job. That's Why. They let their 14 yr old daughters come to school with their nipples showing, directly or indirectly, cleavage busting out of tops, their legs on parade, and leaving little imagination as to their naughty bits. Boys allowed to dress like ganstas which in turn lets their underdeveloped prefontal cortex make them believe that they are gangstas which encourges poor and violent behavior while they are acting out.
In 1974 I wore a T-shirt to high school that said "BULLSHIRT" - those of us of a certain age recall the Spencer Gifts t-shirt collection. Suffice to say I did not leave the house wearing it openly, but snuck it into school and was immediately accosted by school staff - our dress code was simple:
"Tasteful Attire appropriate to the sex of the wearer, suitable for a school environment. Clothing designed or which as the effect of causing an unusual amount of attention or which is detrimential to the education environment is prohibited."
I find it hard to believe that the BC Board of Education had a problem with a dress code which states that. Perhaps it is too old school for this group of modern educators, but our local school district has the same one up north. But I guess y'all have a better solution - and it appears to be anarchy.
The problem lies with the parents, as you said, as well as an administration that won't back the schools...Period
Joe, you are absolutely right. It is the parents' responsibilty. What do you do when parents' as a whole are not doing their jobs ? Then it becomes a problem for the educators. Our world has become so politically correct and "rights" obsessed that the tactics used when you and I were in school are no longer applicable. You can't send little Johnny or Mary home day after day for inappropriate attire. Surely you are aware that "appropriateness" is subjective. Mary's mother thinks she is dressed just fine. Johnny's parents say it's a "cultural" issue. Honestly, teachers and staff could spend 75% of their day policing students' attire.
It is unfortunate that all may be require to wear uniforms because many won't respect the dress codes. However, I am pro uniforms for that very reason. We know where the problem lies, the BCSD is just limited as to how they can remedy it.
I'll bet you anything that when you got in trouble for wearing that shirt to school you answered to your parents when you got home !!! Little Johnny's mother will stand up for him and will continue to let him dress as he pleases. It is a different world.
Here is the solution to the Uniform problem.
BOYS:
Khaki, Navy Blue or Olive Dockers or similar long pant - no shorts except on select days with special permission
White, Blue or Ecru Long sleeve or short sleeve Oxford Cloth shirt or similar
SOCKS - any color or style
SHOE: Any athletic shoe or dress shoe - athletic shoes required for PE
GIRLS:
Similar as boys if desired.
Any skirt or dress for which the hem comes below the knee, lacking a neckline below the top of the sternum [look it up].
PROHIBITED:
Any item of clothing deemed sexually or otherwise provocative or intended to display a portion of the body which may be deemed inappropriate in an educational setting. A child is NOT PERMITTED to attend school in violation of these regulations. Being sent home for violating the dress code shall be an unexcused absence.
[Edit: This way you can go to Walmart or Target or where ever and get essentially the same pants - off brand - for $10-20 and they might even last a little longer than an official uniform. My problem with specified uniforms is that the company knows it has a captive audience and has ZERO incentive to make a quality product at a good price. Moreover, as a district you get families on free or reduced lunch who expect you to pay for the uniform - but if it is a generic item that can be purchased at multiple brand and qualify levels - then you do not have to pay.]
Now, on to the parents. The BOE needs to send home some fairly serious letters to parents, and to PUBLICLY state that education without cooperating and encouragement at home simply does not happen.
If you want to look at all the highest performing primarily white and Asian districts in the country, what do you see? You see involved parents making an effort to ensure their child become educated.
What is the consequence of that? Well, for one, you do not WASTE scare educational resources on making sure the kids are ready for school in the morning, on remedial classes because there is no climate of learning at home, and even more resources on breakfast programs, and after school programs and unwed teen mother programs and childcare for their babies and the list goes on and on and on.
Poverty does NOT explain parents not making an effort to ensure their kids sleep at night, are supervised and ready for school. In fact, poverty sometimes means unemployed parents who are at home - does that not seem to imply that these parents should have more time and not less for their kids? I know that poverty also includes woefully underemployed people.
Look, the issues are complex, but a BOE that EXPECTS parents and students to do their jobs has a lot more success than one which only reacts to every problem that comes down the pike.
As for teachers - unless a staff member is incompetent, discriminatory or wholly unable to control their classroom, they are entitled to 100% support on issues of discipline, appropriate clothing in their classroom and every other social issue which arises. A good administrator knows when a staff member is not doing a good job teaching. And administrators and OTHER TEACHERS need to be proactive in this area - it is YOUR profession - KEEP it that way.
One last point re: Meaghann - the 'reasons' that a child might want to wear inappropriate clothing are NOT RELEVANT. I was a teenager in the 1970's - I completely understand the entire political and other rebellion issues - a teenager is under the control - in locoparentis - of the school district during the school day. If the parent chooses to not allow certain items or types of clothing - tough. Thems the breaks. Rules are rules everywhere - Id like to be able to drive faster everywhere I go without consequence, but - I can't. Boo hoo.
Joe, I never will forget one of my first days as a teacher, 1975...I'm walking down the hall - meet an about a 1st grade kid coming up the hall with a bright orange shirt, on the front are 3 letters - I'll let you figure it out but the letters and a blank space *_** (don't want to get to graphic here.)and then "the only thing missing is "U".... directly under it (wwwwhere the blank space was...now NO WAY this kid bought this shirt for himself and dressed himself...? Took him directly to the principal who took him home and met with the parents. I swear to you, a month later met the same kid wearing the same shirt.
Come talk to us again in 15-20 years when you have a daughter in middle school.
Come talk to us when you get to see those little so and so's walking up to your child with complete disregard to your being there, smacking her on the rump and saying "What it is, Boo!"
Come talk to us after you've spent a day at a middle school or a high school around here and see the revealing shirts girls wear or the (what I swear are) painted on pants and shorts these girls run around in.
Parents are NOT teaching their children respect these days. They are not teaching their children modesty. They aren't teaching their children at all. They are letting them run around and do what ever they want.
Sadly, those of us who do take pride in our children, how they look and present themselves and how they succeed in school will have to deal with the repercussions of parents who could give two toots about their kids. Those repercussions are uniforms.
It's only been five years since I left high school and I remember how people dressed. I can't really say that I'm shocked by how people dress or act.
Uniforms aren't going to stop sexual harassment or change the reasons kids dress inappropriately.
...that you aren't shocked is sad. Very sad.
uniforms for four years. Hated it. Cliques didn't change. When that happened, the 'rents got all riled up, formed an angry mob and segregated us by gender. That was fun. I think that these parents were more worried about their kids not being popular. No amount of fixing up their clothes is gonna change it if your kid's the shy type, and it won't make things equal. The kids who liked to show stuff still did it anyway and whatever. Glad I am in college now and this isn't an issue with me but liked your funny post Megan.
Kids will end up being more "creative" than the adults in spite of any efforts to control them.
Most kids dress appropriately for school, however some will find a way to attract attention regardless of the rules. It reminds me a little of penalizing law abiding citizens who want to own guns, because of the criminal element that will not change regardless of what is done.
Attire is a means of expression for most kids, and if it is overly restrictive they will seek another outlet for that expression.
If people honestly believe that they can mask the failures of the area schools and/or society, by mandating uniforms for schools, they are in for a rude awakening. Once again this is an attempt to avoid dealing with the real issues.
Motivate and keep the kids busy doing things that are constructive, or they will be "busy" in ways that are not necessarily desired. Good parent(s) do this, but the challenge of society is to step-in and provide the same opportunities and motivation for those without the "good" parent(s). There is little benefit gained from the continuation of the condemnation of those poor parents.
Remember that kids didn't have much say in who would be their biological parents, but those parents are still "family" to them. How would you feel if your parents were always criticized by other, or if you were continually made to feel inferior because of what you wear or "where you came from?" I suspect that it might provide even more "reason" for rebellion against society and its institutions.
That’s simply an excuse. Where you come from and how you handle it is no excuse. There have been MANY people who have come from the gutters of this country and climbed the ladder to something better. The problem is people around here are taught that they can use where they come from to their advantage.
"I was raised poor" "I was abused" "I’ve never had anything"
BS! I grew up wearing off brand everything because my family couldn’t afford it. I was the nerd that even the nerds wouldn’t hang out with for most of my school years. I was picked on every single day I went to school because my family was poor and couldn’t afford the big name clothes that were in style then.
Oddly enough, now when I see most of those people around town they are wearing tattered off brand clothing, most of their teeth are missing, they have five kids following in a train behind them with a child on the hip screaming and no wedding band. Imagine that.
When I was in school the big thing was the name brands and that is what you got picked on for. Picking on is not the issue here with uniforms. Self expression isn’t the issue with uniforms.
The ISUUE is parents allowing their children to go to school looking like street walkers. It isn’t the "goth" kids with their spiked hair wearing everything black with chains clanking. It's about the pants belted around their knees on purpose thinking its cute.
Plain and simple: People are stupid. And unless someone is SPECIFIALLY told that something is wrong they will keep doing it because no one told them any different. It is the way our world is. We have all kinds of stupid laws because of the brain children who have no moral code out there.
The uniform isn’t a slight against the parents that actually parent. The uniforms will be a standard for everyone, that everyone will have to follow. It's an enforced "rule" that tells those stupid parents exactly what is presentable and acceptable attire for CHILDREN in our schools. And that is what they are. Children.
Stephanie, you are correct in saying "where you come from and handle it is no excuse." Many of us came from poor backgrounds and have had reasonable success in life.
However, some haven't, and even if you don't want to view it as an excuse, it is a fact that becomes a burden for the rest of society. You can "blame" social programs, single parents, or whatever you want. But the outcome/result is still the same and society has to contend with it in a humane and often expensive way.
Most kids that go on to experience success in life will tell you that they had experiences and role models that they learned from and that were largely responsible for their success later in life. It could have been a teacher, a neighbor, the barber or some other individual that didn't even realize that they were being carefully observed by a child. Likewise, criminals, alcoholics, and other people often tell stories about how their drinking, etc. started early in their youth, and they too were influenced by role models and experiences.
It has pretty much been established and accepted that we are an unpredictable combination of our experiences and genetic make-up. It's kind of a tug of war between the two and the balance can be affected by many things including the quality of those experiences.
Another thing to keep in mind is that kids are constantly going through physiological changes as well and often have a tremendous amount of energy. That energy must be channeled into positive experiences by adults, or else what they engage in will become a crap shoot and will largely depend on their peers and role models. This helps illustrate the value of such things as athletics programs, music programs, theater, dance, after school functions, recreation programs, church groups, etc. Sure not all of the kids involved in these types of programs turn out to be model citizens, but a large percentage of them seem to have a head start on the general population.
I'm not against uniforms. However, the reasons for them that I have read here seem to be including expectations that are not realistic.