Dress code prompts suit against Anderson schools

[Indy Dad]

J Thomas...thank you for moving out of state.

[exactly]

History Teacher wrote:

This is one of the most ridiculous, whiny, and illogical arguements I have every heard. Since when does the right of a free education say ANYTHING about the clothes that may or may not be worn? And the complaint about the cost...give me a break...what a non-issue. Every single retail store is having a sale on these type clothes for kids. Shirts for as low as $4.50 and pants from $7-10. How in the world is THAT going to affect any single household? These same parents would have spent MUCH more than that on the types of clothing that their beloved little angels would have DEMANDED them to buy anyway.
That's right, I said "demanded." These parents are obviously the kind who cannot say "no" to their children. I see it every single day. Shoes costing $100-150; sweaters up to $200; and other popular name-brand styles of jeans each one over $50 apiece--and that's from the students who receive FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES (and breakfast)--allegedly the ones too poor to buy their kids a lunch costing a couple of bucks!
No, this is really a case of spoiled parents, who have raised another generation of spoiled children. Me, me, me. It isn't going to harm these children one iota to have to dress up for 8 hours a day. And please don't give me the arguement that "research studies" prove this or don't prove that. Just use common sense and get off your high horse!
Most people have to wear certain types of clothing when they go to work. I certainly cannot wear shorts and a t-shirt when I teach! It doesn't destroy our personality to wear nice clothes for 8 hours a day, and it won't do so to the children either. Believe me, they will find ways of showing their "individuality" whether it be in dying their hair green or having 14 piercings on their face! But don't get me started on the parents who allow their children to look like an escapee from a freak show!?!
Parents need to quit being their child's "best friend" and become a parent who sets reasonable and sensible guidelines!

Thank you!

[exactly]

J Thomas wrote:

I was born in Indy and lived there until I had children. I could see the rising murder rate and knew that the schools were a lot rougher than when I was a kid. I wanted my children to grow up in a place where they could play outside safely and whee they would be well educated. I could see the hyprocisy of simply moving to Carmel or Greenwood... so I moved to another state. I won't say where, because I don't want any of you trying to follow me.
The schools here are excellent and there is no dress code. In fact, the schools encourage diversity and creative thought. Standardized test scores are also quite good and the majority of kids graduate high school. Parents are involved in the schools and the murder rate across the state in a year is less than what Indy has in a week. I am not lying.
So folks, realize that the school uniform issue is like cake icing spread over garbage. It doesn't change what is underneath. A dress code is not necessary for good schools and it is not likely to change the real problems. That is, it doesn't change parental involvement or the community's investment in childrens' education. If I were still in Indy, I would fight against school uniforms, not because I spoil my kids (I don't), but because it is superficial and wrong for the State to tell MY children what to wear. Plus, it won't do a darned thing. The real solutions are less easy and less tangible. The folks responding here who sound so strident probably don't have kids in school and appear to just be looking on some authoritarian issue to play "pile on." And I would add, that the history teacher who wrote in earlier sounds angry and burned out. It might be time to consider a career move.

well you didn't have to tell us::you're in WI :)

[Brad]

If I had a say on dress code, it would be simple. Clothing must be modest, not obscene or affiliated with gang. None of this pants half way down or below your buttocks, no gang colors. I would allow for blue jeans. No need for uniforms, expensive slacks or polo shirts.

[Hmmmmmm]

Free education???
Book fees my my 3 kids are around $800!! That would be in addition to my property tax increase.
Free education?? WHERE?? out-of-control...

[Fmr teacher-current Dad]

I hope the Star reports on the overwhelming support for the Anderson Schools. The ACLU can't be against this. This is an effort to make a difference. Radical? Maybe. Socially necessary? Wouldn't have to be but it appears.

[Truth hurts]

I believe the legal fees these parents are going to fork over would buy their kids clothes for a couple of years to come. Don't you think?

[Tina]

The way children dress will not have an affect on their behavior. the "bad" kids will still behave that way and those students that want to learn will. As a parent I personally feel that there should not be a "dress code" but the school officals need to enforce the "proper" way to dress... no sagging pants, short skirts, etc. Some parents can not afford to buy clothes for school and clothes for everyplace else. I know that the officals are trying to gain some control over the kids, but do not let a few ruin it for so many.

[JCS]

It is time for a change in schools and the dress code is the start-----I hope the judge throws this out the window !

[BBB]

J Thomas wrote:

I was born in Indy and lived there until I had children. I could see the rising murder rate and knew that the schools were a lot rougher than when I was a kid. I wanted my children to grow up in a place where they could play outside safely and whee they would be well educated. I could see the hyprocisy of simply moving to Carmel or Greenwood... so I moved to another state. I won't say where, because I don't want any of you trying to follow me.
The schools here are excellent and there is no dress code. In fact, the schools encourage diversity and creative thought. Standardized test scores are also quite good and the majority of kids graduate high school. Parents are involved in the schools and the murder rate across the state in a year is less than what Indy has in a week. I am not lying.
So folks, realize that the school uniform issue is like cake icing spread over garbage. It doesn't change what is underneath. A dress code is not necessary for good schools and it is not likely to change the real problems. That is, it doesn't change parental involvement or the community's investment in childrens' education. If I were still in Indy, I would fight against school uniforms, not because I spoil my kids (I don't), but because it is superficial and wrong for the State to tell MY children what to wear. Plus, it won't do a darned thing. The real solutions are less easy and less tangible. The folks responding here who sound so strident probably don't have kids in school and appear to just be looking on some authoritarian issue to play "pile on." And I would add, that the history teacher who wrote in earlier sounds angry and burned out. It might be time to consider a career move.

Right on!!

[Seriously now]

J Thomas wrote:

I was born in Indy and lived there until I had children. I could see the rising murder rate and knew that the schools were a lot rougher than when I was a kid. I wanted my children to grow up in a place where they could play outside safely and whee they would be well educated. I could see the hyprocisy of simply moving to Carmel or Greenwood... so I moved to another state. I won't say where, because I don't want any of you trying to follow me.
The schools here are excellent and there is no dress code. In fact, the schools encourage diversity and creative thought. Standardized test scores are also quite good and the majority of kids graduate high school. Parents are involved in the schools and the murder rate across the state in a year is less than what Indy has in a week. I am not lying.
So folks, realize that the school uniform issue is like cake icing spread over garbage. It doesn't change what is underneath. A dress code is not necessary for good schools and it is not likely to change the real problems. That is, it doesn't change parental involvement or the community's investment in childrens' education. If I were still in Indy, I would fight against school uniforms, not because I spoil my kids (I don't), but because it is superficial and wrong for the State to tell MY children what to wear. Plus, it won't do a darned thing. The real solutions are less easy and less tangible. The folks responding here who sound so strident probably don't have kids in school and appear to just be looking on some authoritarian issue to play "pile on." And I would add, that the history teacher who wrote in earlier sounds angry and burned out. It might be time to consider a career move.

I suggest you go to school and spend the day with all these kids and observe their behavior there. Not the same as when they are at home. And you brought up a very good point...the parents where you live are involved with their kids. That in turn most likely means the parents take seriously what they wear in public. Here, on the other hand, parents only seem to want to get involved when they want to complain about something they should be taking care of at home to begin with. HOORAY FOR THE HISTORY TEACHER!!! How many parents go to work in similar clothing as their kids and maintain their job? I am not sure there are too many employers willing to allow unprofessionally dressed employees to remain in their jobs for long. Again, if parents aren't willing to take responsibility for the way their kids dress, then the schools should. IT IS ABOUT EDUCATION, not who can dress to the lowest standard!!!

[retired teacher]

While I agree with the dress codes being implemented for the public schools, I must add that in 38 years of teaching (both public and private) I never had an administrator that was willing to enforce the dress code. I think all of the panic is for naught as I don't forsee anyone forcing a student to follow it "or else."

[My 2 Cents]

Mediocrity wrote:

Dress codes help everyone have a "mediocrity" mindset. That's exactly what we need. More mediocrity minded people in this world. Let the kids strive to be better than others. Stop telling successful parents how to dress their children.

How can you state that dress codes or uniforms instill a mindset of mediocrity? How many of the leaders of nations, top researchers & scientists and others who were and are highly successful can be called mediocre (after all, many wore uniforms in their schools, or for their clubs and organizations). Having a uniform dress code pulls the mind away from such trivial (mediocre) things such as how one looks and places the mind back onto standing out in other ways (like being at the top of the class, or participation in after-school activities or clubs).

[mom]

Anderson parents need educated. In this case it may be the kids who have more sense. There are certain dress code parameters that even I must follow to be part of my work environment. It would not be acceptable for me to show up in pj pants, halter tops and flip flops. Seems to me school is the work environment for these kids. How many have part time jobs that require them to have some semblance of a uniform. Most times this is an out of pocket expense to the employee. Lots of restaurants require black pants and black shoes. They don't pay for these items for the employee. Just remember people....we are talking about Anderson.

[Indy Gal]

J Thomas wrote:

...I could see the hyprocisy of simply moving to Carmel or Greenwood... so I moved to another state. I won't say where, because I don't want any of you trying to follow me...

According to your address you are in Madison, WI. But don't worry, I don't think anyone here wants to live next to you. And btw, if it is so wonderful there why are you reading the Indy Star????

[Clear View]

Lord Garth of Izar wrote:

That's pretty funny, suing because they have to buy clothes for their kids. I mean, really, it's a hardship to buy pants? Did these people's kids go to school naked before this?
I'm sure whatever the cost of the clothes are, they will be a reduction from the chic crap the kids were wearing before, which the same parents paid for without a gripe.
It's not like the school is requiring Elvis-esque solid gold jumpsuits or anything. Just dark pants and a solid-colored shirt. They could easily get 20 pairs of such clothes from Walmart for what they paid to retain the lawyer to file this idiotic lawsuit.

They can hire an attorney to file suit but can't afford decent, respectable clothes for their children to wear.

[cheaper]

Brad wrote:

If I had a say on dress code, it would be simple. Clothing must be modest, not obscene or affiliated with gang. None of this pants half way down or below your buttocks, no gang colors. I would allow for blue jeans. No need for uniforms, expensive slacks or polo shirts.

This does what you want, gives a guide for modest clothing. Uniform style of dress is cheaper in the long run. We're not talking about ordering from any particular place. Kohls has polo shirts for $6.50. And they are nice, I just stocked up on a bunch. Kids grow and need new clothes every year anyway, so there is no additional money spent. And this really levels the playing field between the haves and have-nots.

[Drugs kill]

Well said!...not to mention the generation of "I'm entitled to everything" we have coming through.

History Teacher wrote:

This is one of the most ridiculous, whiny, and illogical arguements I have every heard. Since when does the right of a free education say ANYTHING about the clothes that may or may not be worn? And the complaint about the cost...give me a break...what a non-issue. Every single retail store is having a sale on these type clothes for kids. Shirts for as low as $4.50 and pants from $7-10. How in the world is THAT going to affect any single household? These same parents would have spent MUCH more than that on the types of clothing that their beloved little angels would have DEMANDED them to buy anyway.
That's right, I said "demanded." These parents are obviously the kind who cannot say "no" to their children. I see it every single day. Shoes costing $100-150; sweaters up to $200; and other popular name-brand styles of jeans each one over $50 apiece--and that's from the students who receive FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHES (and breakfast)--allegedly the ones too poor to buy their kids a lunch costing a couple of bucks!
No, this is really a case of spoiled parents, who have raised another generation of spoiled children. Me, me, me. It isn't going to harm these children one iota to have to dress up for 8 hours a day. And please don't give me the arguement that "research studies" prove this or don't prove that. Just use common sense and get off your high horse!
Most people have to wear certain types of clothing when they go to work. I certainly cannot wear shorts and a t-shirt when I teach! It doesn't destroy our personality to wear nice clothes for 8 hours a day, and it won't do so to the children either. Believe me, they will find ways of showing their "individuality" whether it be in dying their hair green or having 14 piercings on their face! But don't get me started on the parents who allow their children to look like an escapee from a freak show!?!
Parents need to quit being their child's "best friend" and become a parent who sets reasonable and sensible guidelines!

[Drugs kill]

I bet he moved to Wisconsin!

J Thomas wrote:

I was born in Indy and lived there until I had children. I could see the rising murder rate and knew that the schools were a lot rougher than when I was a kid. I wanted my children to grow up in a place where they could play outside safely and whee they would be well educated. I could see the hyprocisy of simply moving to Carmel or Greenwood... so I moved to another state. I won't say where, because I don't want any of you trying to follow me.
The schools here are excellent and there is no dress code. In fact, the schools encourage diversity and creative thought. Standardized test scores are also quite good and the majority of kids graduate high school. Parents are involved in the schools and the murder rate across the state in a year is less than what Indy has in a week. I am not lying.
So folks, realize that the school uniform issue is like cake icing spread over garbage. It doesn't change what is underneath. A dress code is not necessary for good schools and it is not likely to change the real problems. That is, it doesn't change parental involvement or the community's investment in childrens' education. If I were still in Indy, I would fight against school uniforms, not because I spoil my kids (I don't), but because it is superficial and wrong for the State to tell MY children what to wear. Plus, it won't do a darned thing. The real solutions are less easy and less tangible. The folks responding here who sound so strident probably don't have kids in school and appear to just be looking on some authoritarian issue to play "pile on." And I would add, that the history teacher who wrote in earlier sounds angry and burned out. It might be time to consider a career move.

[what page]

What page in the state constit. does it say you get a free public education? this lawsuit should be about 1 second long.