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Back to School 2005

Bellies, shoulders, thighs go undercover

From now on, midriffs, bra straps, suggestive sayings and short skirts are out. And that cell phone? Still off.

By DONNA WINCHESTER
Published July 20, 2005

The biggest change in the district's Code of Student Conduct for the new school year concerns the dress code.

On May 24, the Pinellas School Board unanimously adopted a stricter code that bans bare midriffs and shoulders and requires shorts and skirts to be a specified length.

The new guidelines originated in a series of meetings attended by district and school-level officials, parents and students, who discussed ways in which elementary, middle and high school students could "present a more positive focus."

The new plan was the least restrictive of three proposals, one of which called for mandatory uniforms for all students.

These are the most significant changes to the dress code:

All shirts and blouses must cover the midriff, back, sides and all undergarments, including bra straps, at all times.

All shirts, tops and dresses shall have sleeves and cover the shoulders.

Shorts, skirts, divided skirts, dresses and culottes are allowed. They must be hemmed and be midthigh length or longer.

Clothing must be appropriate size with the waist of the garment worn at the student's waist.

Additionally, clothes must be properly buttoned, zipped or fastened, and free of holes or tears. Clothes, jewelry and tattoos must be free of profanity, violent images, sexually suggestive phrases or images, gang-related symbols, and references to alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

"The board is interested in making sure that our classrooms have an environment that fosters learning," said School Board Chairwoman Nancy Bostock. "We think that by adopting the restrictive dress code standards, students will have a more serious attitude about coming to school and learning."

Bostock said that more changes to the code may be in students' future.

"We're going to look at what kinds of results these changes bring about and decide if we need to increase the standards even further," she said.

The 38-page Code of Student Conduct is updated annually, with a major review undertaken every three years. That major review occurred this past year.

Other changes to the code concern attendance and the use of electronic items.

A student has been required to present the signature of a minister, priest or rabbi to attend a religious institute, conference or workshop. Now, only a parent's signature is required.

Added to the list of electronic items that must be turned off on school grounds, unless a school official grants special permission, are cameras, camcorders and cell phones that take pictures.

Unlike changes to the dress code, those changes were not dramatic, Bostock said.

"I think it was going back to the original intent regarding cell phones," she said. "You can have them on your person, but they may not be out during class because, of course, students have to focus on learning, and they could be a distraction."

A section of the Code of Student Conduct titled "Highlights" contains information that is not necessarily new. Among the highlights for 2005-06:

A first-time drug or alcohol incident will lead to a 10-day suspension and disciplinary reassignment to an alternative school.

If an elementary student accumulates five unexcused absences, school officials will contact parents, and if unexcused absences continue, the State Attorney's Office will get involved.

Teachers shall record a zero for an incident of cheating.

To view the complete Code of Student Conduct, go to www.pinellas.k12.fl.us/

[Last modified August 2, 2005, 15:02:22]