Pubdate: Thu, 15 Apr 2004
Source: Athens Review (TX)
Copyright: 2004 Athens Daily Review
Contact:  http://www.athensreview.com/news/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3011
Author: Jennifer Stone

ATHENS ISD BOARD TO DISCUSS SCHOOL UNIFORMS, DRUG TESTING

School uniforms and random drug testing will be the primary action items on 
the Athens ISD board's Thursday night agenda.

There will be two options for a new, districtwide dress code presented to 
the board. Trustees can approve either option, neither option or a modified 
version of either one, said Superintendent Curtis Rhodes.

Bringing a new dress code before the board has not been done lightly, said 
Rhodes. During the district's strategic planning process last year, parents 
and community members said they would like to see -- if not a complete 
uniform -- at least a uniform style of dress among students.

"The teachers and administrators of all grade levels have to constantly be 
aware of this and deal with it. It takes away from time spent on 
education," said Rhodes.

So principals and administrators got together and developed a dress code to 
present to the board. The last two years, administrators have tightened up 
the current dress code and worked to better enforce the rules already in 
place, said Rhodes. But he feels the community wants the district to go a 
step further.

The first of the two options to be presented to the board is more strict, 
said Rhodes, and includes specific guidelines not in the second option.

"The first (option) is pretty much like a uniform," said Rhodes. "Very much 
consistent. There's no interpretation problems. If you allow 
interpretation, people will have issues. When it's very scripted, you don't 
have that problem anymore. There's a lot of pros and cons with both options."

But even the second option takes care of some of the district's dress 
issues, such as girls' shirts that show the midriff, pants worn well below 
the waistline, and flip-flop sandals.

Both options limit closed-toe shoes completely, said Rhodes, and don't 
allow shorts for students over grade four.

"That's a recommendation that came from the campus and the principals," 
said Rhodes.

While students, especially at the older grades, will likely have a problem 
with the new dress code, Rhodes said he believes the advantages make it 
worth considering.

He said it's actually less expensive to buy clothing, if students are 
limited to neat pants and pullover shirts.

"It costs about $25 an outfit," said Rhodes. "A single pair of stylish 
jeans can cost $25 by itself."

The student dress code isn't the only issue being addressed Thursday night. 
The board will also discuss implementing random drug testing for students 
in extracurricular activities.

The policy is mainly for older students in band, athletics, drill team and 
cheerleading, said Rhodes. The proposal to be considered Thursday night 
would include testing of about 100 students at the beginning of the school 
year and then random testing of about 30 more students seven times during 
the year, said Rhodes.

"We're not trying to use it as a 'gotcha' program," Rhodes said. "We're 
trying to use it as counsel and to keep students to keep from taking drugs 
and alcohol. It's a problem in every community I've ever lived in, and here 
in Athens."

The testing will be done by urinalysis and will be conducted by a Tyler 
company that does drug testing for other area schools, said Rhodes.

"This is just a preventative measure. We're just doing to do it to deter 
them as much as possible," said Rhodes.

The board will be looking at the following dress-code options:

Option 1

Shirts and blouses must be maroon or white, three-button pullover style or 
any Athens Hornet spirit shirt. All shirts must have sleeves and collar and 
only the Athens Hornet logo will be allowed.

Slacks, pants, jeans, skirt, Capri pants and dresses must be denim, khaki, 
navy, blue or black. Dresses and skirts must not have slits above the knee 
and dresses must have sleeves.

Shorts are only allowed in grades pre-k through fourth and must not be 
shorter than three inches above the middle of the child's knee.

Shoes must have closed toe and closed heel. Military boots are not allowed 
and children in grade six or below must not have heels taller than 1.5 inches.

No athletic apparel of any kind except in physical education and athletics 
classes.

No hooded shirts.

Shirts must not show flesh around the waistline when arms are raised.

No overalls.

No wind pants, wind suits or jogging suits except in physical education and 
athletics classes.

All clothing must be hemmed.

Clothing cannot be worn in any way that reflects gang affiliation, conceals 
contraband or creates a distraction.

No spandex, nylon or stretch material in grades 4-12.

The flare of a pant leg must not extend beyond the end of the shoe.

Pants must be worn at the natural waistline and shirts must be tucked in, 
except for solid-color sweatshirts or sweaters with waistbands.

All clothing must fit appropriately. No oversized or baggy clothing.

All clothing must be clean and free from holes and tears.

Option 2

All shirts must have sleeves and be tucked in, except for solid-color 
sweatshirts or sweaters with waistbands.

Pants must be worn at the natural waistline.

Shorts are only allowed in grades pre-k through fourth and must not be 
shorter than three inches above the middle of the child's knee.

Shoes must have closed toe and closed heel. Military boots are not allowed 
and children in grade six or below must not have heels taller than 1.5 inches.

No hooded shirts.

No overalls.

No wind pants, wind suits or jogging suits except in physical education and 
athletics classes.

No spandex, nylon or stretch material in grades 4-12.

No school issued athletic apparel of any kind except in physical education 
and athletics classes.

Clothing cannot be worn in any way that reflects gang affiliation, conceals 
contraband or creates a distraction.

All clothing must fit appropriately. No oversized or baggy clothing.

All clothing must be clean and free from holes and tears and must be hemmed.
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