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.