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School Dress Code Woes Save Email Print
Posted: 10:37 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:55 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Reporter: Christine Kennedy
78 comments
A | A | A

Over 20 students were sent home from school Tuesday after officials say they weren't dressed appropriately.

Greene County School District Superintendent Patrick Miller says the kids were sent home for not complying with the new dress code. He says on day two of the new uniform dress code --- there was a significantly less number of students who weren't within the rules. Miller says most of the students were in the high school and dealt mostly with pockets that went half way down the pants. Regardless, some parents are upset.

Superintendent, Patrick Miller, says the intention of the new policy is to keep the students safe... And if parents need assistance buying proper clothes to call their local school administrator.

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Posted by: Wendy Location: Greene County Middle on Oct 14, 2008 at 07:48 AM
I love the dress code with the exception of the coat rule. The dress code helps to keep children of all ages from being picked on if the parents cannot afford to buy the $5o to $75 clothes. We all know that children can be very cruel. I have seen children this week walk in and my son has told me that they wore them all day and they were not within the dress code, but when my son wore a coat that was not within the dress code he was told to take it off. It should be the same for everyone. If they cannot wear coats in the building then the temperature should be comfortable so they don't need one. When my son and I went to open house his home room teacher had a dress on that her breast were basically hanging out of. That should not be allowed for any time that students are going to be present and when there is an after school activity like a ball game the students should not be allowed to be there with there uniform pants hanging half way there cheeks either. Since
Posted by: a teacher and mom on Sep 1, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I for one am so glad to have a dress code. our staff also abides to a code of Kakhi pants and polo shirts. Our students look nice, and their self esteem has increased. Talking to other teachers at middle school and high schools, they said the biggest impact that see is an improvement with discipline. We used to spend so much instructional time asking kids to tuck shirts in, or pull up pants, etc...now every teacher can spend time teaching. Those of you that complained that administrators didn't enforce the dress code, they should have had zero tolerance, but parents let their kids walk out of the house looking like hookers or with clothes 30 sizes too big. Teenagers are hard enough to get to follow rules, but everyone needs to get behind the students. I AM HAPPY TO HAVE UNIFORMS AND WEAR THEM TOO!
Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Aug 31, 2008 at 03:58 PM
What color belt did the dress code information tell you the child needed to be wearing?
Posted by: Okay Location: Greenville on Aug 31, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I am okay with the uniforms the only problem I had was on the first day of school my fourth grader was wrote up for having a blue belt on. To me this was a little over board but over all The children did look very nice in their attire.
Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Aug 31, 2008 at 10:33 AM
The teachers do not make the decisions about uniforms, the school boards do. Primarily, the principals monitor the compliance with the codes by the students. Learn how the system works before speaking.
Posted by: TJ Location: GREENE COUNTY on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:57 AM
MAKE THE TEACHERS AND OTHER STAFF MEMBER WEAR THE UNIFORMS TOO. NOT FAIR IF THE KIDS HAVE TO WEAR THEM THE TEACHERS SHOULD TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Editor's Note: Please use your shift key. It makes it easier for all to read.

Posted by: lks Location: greene county on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Uniforms are just a band-aid to cover up the true issue. I have to agree with Kyle on something things. Maybe the kill everyone part was a little harsh but he does have a point and I think that if teachers spend so much time making sure everyone has on the right type of clothes then its taking away from time that they could be using to teach. And "Hello" I respect your views but if people never ask why then they schools or anywhere else for that matter could get away with anything. I think its good for students to share their ideas on the uniform. After all they are the ones who have to wear them. It's easy to sit there and say uniforms are good but we're not the ones being forced to wear them. You may say that in the job force they may have to wear a uniform but remember its up to them what type of job they want and if they find one with uniforms then they can decide if the sacrifice is worth the job.
Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Aug 30, 2008 at 11:02 AM
I have sat in the classrooms and the doors are not locked. Do not fight the system...do as they require and move on with life.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: snow hill on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:21 PM
yeah maybe uniforms aren't the best but why don't they teach these kids that are 12 and 13 years old about sex education having babies at that age. no too busy worry about what colors of shirts, pants having pockets to far down. get a life glad I didn't grow up in the south. I'll take the north any day soon leaving and then you all can enjoy your prision clothes and locking kids in there school so no one gets in. Stop and think there are gang kids who do go to school there.Watch out for them.If there was a fire look out that they get the doors unlocked in a hurry or kids lifes will be gone. I never was locked in my school like the kids here are now.I wouldn't want my kids locked in school glad I'm with the other person who homeschools.At least we can get out and don't look like prisioners in school. and don't pick on kyle I don't blame him at least he's one that trys to do as he suppose too.Go sit in your kids classrooms and just see what goes on if you can get in from doors being lock.
Posted by: DDG40 Location: Greene County on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Okay, enough already. "Hello" I don't think Kyle attacked you personally, so why not take a deep breath and let it go. Maybe you both need a "time out." He stated his opinion and you stated yours. Its great that WITN provides this type of forum, but let's move on shall we.
Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Kyle, this is why you have a nasty attitude and I quote you: "And all this stuff about oh uniforms make the kids so much safer. Please any student could walk in with three or four guns in their book bag and the base ball players that carry around bat bags could easily fit a rifle in one and kill who ever they wanted." No one decided that school uniforms would "make kids so much safer", it is simply the rule of the school system to wear a uniform in the 1st place...it's not important as to why. You will find in your life that the question "Why?" may not be answered when you seek the answer. Simply abide by the rules in every aspect of your life. I take it you are not a baseball player, either.
Posted by: Kyle on Aug 29, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Please explain to me why I have a "nasty attitude" because I don't agree with the uniforms. I make A's and B's I've never been written up in high school and I'm a senior now and even though I don't like it I still abide by the new uniform policy
Posted by: Concerned Parent Location: Snow Hill on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:00 PM
YOU GO JAN!!!!! I agree w/ you...I'm a Greene County parent & if the last super in Greene had enforced the 'old' dress code, stood up to the parents like Mr. Miller is there probably wouldn't be uniforms now. If parents did a little more supporting the school administration and making their kids behave and follow RULES, we wouldn't worry about our kids safety. As a supporter of Mr. Miller, I think he's doing an outstanding job & for the one who seems to dislike Greene Co. schools so much that they are home schooling now...did they ever try and contribute anything to help out our schools or just complain when things didn't go their way? The majority of the problem w/ these complainers are they think their kids are perfect and everything is the administrations fault. When i came along..if you got in trouble @ school, heaven help you @ home! I don't remember to much school violence back in the 70's & early 80's! Parents made their kids behave then..what's happened?!
Posted by: mbt Location: pitt co on Aug 29, 2008 at 10:14 AM
This is in reply to "experienced location"...who for some reason believes that uniforms affect ones intelligence. If this be the case, obviously he or she is not dressed in "proper attire". Case and point...why does NCSU specificaly come into the topic of uniforms? Not to mention, if a child is misbehaved that is an internal disorder...tucking his or her shirt in is hardly going to begin to affect the behavior. Yes, they look neat...However, let us be realistic as one's IQ is not going to jump 30 pts because one dresses in a uniform. I suggest of you out there who think this the case go buy yourself a uniform to gain clarity...(that is if you can find one in the "proper" size and color...and remember to tuck the shirt tail in and wear a belt). :)
Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: Greenville on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:10 AM
I dont see what all the complaints are. If you cannot find the different color shirts then buy all white shirts or all of whatever color that your school allows that you can find. Where is it stated that they must wear a different color every day ? My wife commented that several of her friends commented that they had problems finding cloths. The problem was they waited until 1 week before school started to go shopping for uniforms.These children are going to school to learn not for a fashion show. This is the problem people dont do enough to teach there children about following the rules.Believe it or not one day the majority of these kids are going to work a job that requires a uniform or requires that they maintain a certain style of dress. Why not prepare them now for it. They will have there entire lives to wear what they want to after they graduate from high school.
Posted by: Nursemom Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I agree with parts of these comments. As a mom of a second grader I am grateful for uniforms, however they were hard to find at any store in town. The idea behind it is good, however I do agree that it all starts at home. So many children are checks in the mail for the parent(s) that the children lack values and a sense of respect. I also agree that if a child is "dressed up" that it does tend to change their attitude and outlook on things, the uniforms also change the appearance of kids from hoodlum to respectable young people. The people crying about expense should be grateful, you can get a couple of uniforms for what you pay for one pair of jeans or shoes. Get over it! Let this be a positive change instead of a negative one. We have to start somewhere and why not start by 'dressing up' the kids and then work on the attitudes.
Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:59 PM
See, Kyle, you are a student in Greene Co. with a nasty attitude.
Posted by: Kyle Location: Snow Hill on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Why does everyone seem to think Oh well if we stick these kids in some different clothes then suddenly everything will magically change? Um HELLO!!! wake up people it just clothes they can't magically change a person. And as for the whole poor and rich kids thing uniforms aren't going to help with that. Kids and parents can still go out and buy designer clothes or buy $100 pair of pants if they want. Not that I really think it matters. As a student in Greene county I never see people picking on other people about the clothes they wear I mean come on think about it. Kids are going to hang out with their friends and most of the time their friends are going to wear something similar to them so why would their own friends pick on them? And all this stuff about oh uniforms make the kids so much safer. Please any student could walk in with three or four guns in their book bag and the base ball players that carry around bat bags could easily fit a rifle in one and kill who ever they wanted.
Posted by: alex Location: vanceboro on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:21 PM
if parents didnt allow their kids to dress like thugs, bums & tramps this would be a non-issue
Posted by: clifton Location: washington on Aug 28, 2008 at 07:56 PM
Here's a thought. To all you parents who give your kids everything they want, whine about, or demand. Teach your kids to wear WalMart clothes and shoes. Then they will not pick on the kids that can not have these these high dollar clothes.
Posted by: Lee Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 06:38 PM
School uniforms should have been around a long time ago. If kids do not have to worry how they "dress" to fit in, maybe they will put their energies into actually learning something. It may take a while, but I believe that school uniforms will be considered a good thing. However, I do think that kids should be able to wear whatever color suits them on whatever day. Having school colors and being forced to wear them, may be taking the school uniform idea too far. Good luck students & parents as you adjust to the new and safer rules. Hopefully, next year this won't seem like an issue!
Posted by: Hello Location: NC on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Comments posted here from some of the parents who are complaining about uniforms should show everyone why many children have nasty attitudes in all different aspects of their lives. Be thankful you do not have to buy your children expensive designer clothing just to "fit in" with peers. Uniforms should make for very little decision making when dressing children for school. What's wrong with buying 5 sets (& maybe an extra 1 or 2 sets for emergencies) of the same outfit? It should be a no-brainer.
Posted by: Tom Location: ENC on Aug 28, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Why Now ! Uniforms what are they going to do .Are they gonna make any kids any smarter.With are problems in America it's simple , It's starts at Home!Schools are here to teach ,learn and possible give them some hope.I don't care what race or school.Problems still going exist.Now with all this attention focused on uniforms.As the school year progress let's see how much grades increase.The attendence goes up , what are the school system do then.You see there are much more serious problems .America's School system are short of teachers , teachers that do from heart!With all the attention focused Dress code or Uniforms .IS this the only solution the schools can come up with .What about these , Dropout rate, sex ,drugs ,crime,gangs,unage drink ,teen abortion ,self esteem .These are only few problems in America's School . Children or kids are what they see at home.So when uniforms come off what do we have?
Posted by: Tonya Location: LaGrange on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:36 PM
1Mom....now your funny! but I do feel for your daughter.
Posted by: 1Mom on Aug 28, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Uniforms may change the appearance but not the person. My 3rd grade daughter had a new (dozen) pack of pencils stolen from her today at school. I'm sure the thief had on a uniform. More teaching & less concentration on uniforms!!!!
Posted by: Experienced Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:57 PM
My daughter has worn a uniform for the past 6 years . We had our little adjustments to make and did. I drove by many schools this week to get to her school was struck by how sharp the kids looked all over town. Teaching our kids discipline, following directions, respect for one another and teachers does nothing but benefit them in every way. It will start to trickle down in the school work. The average SAT of the freshman class at NCState this year was in the 1700s, not barely passing. It's time classwork became the focus. If you give it a chance, the uniforms really will improve self esteem, level the playing field and return schools to what they were meant for.
Posted by: mes Location: Snow Hill on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
I do understand the frustration with the color thing - the royal blue color which I think is the school color in Greene County is kinda hard to find in the first place. But navy blue is pretty different then royal blue. And keep in mind the people that they are going to have to enforce this dress code with the most are just itchin' to be able to accuse the school of not treating everyone the same. We saw one of the teachers out Tuesday nite and her child had been pulled in front of the class because her black belt had two small siver studs on each side that were underneath the belt loops. So, if they would do that to a teachers child...everyone is fair game. Greene County does have so many more colors to choose from then Pitt County - at least more colors that are "girl" friendly -
Posted by: A Happy Parent Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:52 PM
My son is a senior and a football player. He is very happy with the uniform.
Posted by: t Location: greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:46 PM
I think it sucks kids have to wear uniforms it is not cheaper because I still have to but more clothes uniforms for school and clothes after school or weekends my son is in the 2nd grade and he ask mommy do I have to still wear uniforms and I said yes for the rest of the year. Why should it matter what they wear, if you wanna start uniforms so it in high school. The kids that follow the rules its like a punishment to them to wear uniforms.
Posted by: LS Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:03 PM
This young mans pants were plainly way too big for him ! ! ! Do you see them bunched under the belt? My guess is this is one set of the students and parents who caused the uniforms to start with. If the parents insited their kids wore clothes that fit to start with the uniforms would never have happened. I put the blame on society. It's tough to raise your kids with respect when a 10 year old can call 911 because mom/dad locked them in their room till it was clean. Just having a police car in your driveway and your name on a police report can be damaging. If parents could and would raise their children right uniforms never would have happened. Buy clothes that fit and make your kids wear them ! ! !
Posted by: This is crazy! Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:46 AM
I just watched the video, and I'm ashamed that this even made the news. CLEARLY the pants are way too big for this "child" and the parents should know that. I'm sure the belt was not that tight and the pants were way too low, most likely showing his rear because that makes him "cool." Buy the proper size and you wouldn't have a "problem"! Good for the school, it's about time they enforce the rules!! As for unknown that homeschools her kids, I'm scared about thier education just from reading your comment. Please tell me the last time anyone saw a prisoner wearing khaki pants and a polo shirt? I've never seen one!
Posted by: A friend Location: Greenville on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I was a little ticked off when I found out a friend of mines daughter was going to be suspended for wearing a NAVY BLUE shirt instead of a ROYAL BLUE shirt.. what the he** is the difference only a very slight difference if that... this child as always had perfect attendance and it really upset her and the parent..!!!! What is the world coming to??
Posted by: mes Location: Snow Hill on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:41 AM
The bottom line is that the same kids that broke the dress code last year are going to try and break the dress code this year. The same kids that get in trouble for mouthing off at a teacher, being rude in class and picking on the other kids is STILL gonna do it - it is up to Mr. Miller and faculty of all our schools to enforce the dress code and ALL THE OTHER junk that goes on in our school system. Just because the kids are all dressed the same does not mean they all walk and talk the same!
Posted by: Help Location: Greenville, NC on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Uniforms are hard to find right now...but I found Globe Kids in Arlington Village had every size and color for every school in the area. Everyone should support these guys for having what we need!!! And the prices are not much different than anywhere else I found. So thanks Globe Kids!!
Posted by: Tonya Location: LaGrange on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Did everyone forget that the parents got to vote on the dress code and it did not pass the parents vote, yet the school board goes and enforces it regardless. Half of them on the board are too old to even have their children in the schools.
Posted by: Melissa Location: Plymouth on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Oh, give me a break. I was once opposed to uniforms myself, until I found the joy of no arguments about what to wear. Not only is it easier its also cheaper. To these parents who say its not cheaper what in the world were you sending your kids to school in? All of the kids look nice and neat and its really not that hard to "get the uniform right". My school district has one of the toughest policies in the state and its still "not that hard". I think the parents should just shut up and do what the school tells you. Or if you prefer send your kids to private school then you wouldn't have to worry about uniforms. Oh yeah and that should save you alot of money LOL.
Posted by: Tonya Location: LaGrange on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Well said, Mes and Uncle Same!
Posted by: greenecountymom Location: Snow Hill on Aug 28, 2008 at 12:28 AM
I think most of us agree that the dress code should have been enforced & we wouldn't have uniforms. I also think we should applaud Mr. Miller for coming in behind someone who did NOT enforce it & sticking to his guns. He is not the one who made this rule, he's just the one who has to enforce it. He would be no different than what we had if he bowed down & gave in. Come on give him some credit for trying to better our school system! Maybe the news media should seek out parents that are pleased & have positve things to say about this whole situation!!
Posted by: JANIE Location: MC on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Did the parent not got with the child to buy uniforms?? anyone could have seen that the pants were 40 or 42 when the kids correct size should have been 30/32. Also the shirt must ahve been too big also, it hung way off the shoulders....Parents..step up and dress your kids correctly and stop making excuses!
Posted by: TJ Location: NORTH CAROLINA on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I am so sick of parents complaining about uniforms! You have to buy the clothes anyway, why wait for the "tax free" weekend? JC Penney has them on sale all the time. Having worked in a local High School, I can tell you that enforcing the current dress code DID NOT WORK! These kids don't care what you do to them, they are still gonna wear what they want too. I spoke with many parents about this and they always defended their kids' appearance. People don't realize that there is a safety issue here, just imagine what types of weapons can be smuggled in under those baggy clothes. No one has mentioned that. Boys walk around having to hold up their pants with one hand and their books with the other. Girls wear shirts that are WAY to revealing and shorts or skirts that leave little to the imagination. Calling parents did absolutely no good. So, sorry some people feel like their "rights" are being violated, what about the rest of us who are sick of seeing "underwear" as "outerwear"!!
Posted by: unknown Location: snow hill on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Now they want to tell the students how to wear there hair, I can see no purple... hair but if a girl has hair down her back they can't make her cut it. And as for the shoes they wear leave them alone about them too.Maybe if they start about that the kids should go to school in there barefeet and shave there heads then they will send them home for that too.I'm so glad that my children are HOMESCHOOLED BECAUSE THEY DO THERE SCHOOL WORK IN THERE PJ'S.I don't agree on all that MR.MILLER DOES.Maybe they do what the kids to look like PRISIONER NOW that they are locked into school building.When the kids in the High School quit maybe they will say OH NOW WHAT.THE KIDS IN THE SOUTH DON'T EVEN HAVE A CHANCE NOW FOR A GOOD EDUCATION WITH THIS AT LEAST THEY DON'T HAVE THERE BUTT'S SHOWING AND THAT'S WANT YOU ALL WANTED TO STOP.IT SHOULDN'T MATTER IF THERE PANTS HAVE POCKET HALF WAY DONE.THAT'S ONE REASON I TOOK MY KIDS OUT OF GREENE COUNTY SCHOOLS TEACHER'S YELL TOO MUCH IN THERE CLASSES.
Posted by: jailhousejunkie Location: Greene County on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:51 PM
TO: MS. Leatherwood You are correct! Inmates do wear uniforms...saggy pants and long white t-shirts with no belts (so they won't hang each other, I think). Oh, isn't that what some children were wearing before school uniforms? You are absolutely correct, it is not cool to dress like a criminal. Isn't it a shame that all children aren't able to follow a rule and screw it up for the rest of us?
Posted by: Kyle Location: Walstonburg on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:38 PM
Being a student at the Greene County High School I think the uniforms are pointless. I've never been picked on because of the clothes I wear and neither have my friends. I've been picked on for many other things but clothes was never one them. And as for the uniform being for safety come on! thats crap. I could easily hide a gun in my book bag or a knife in my pocket if I really wanted and walk right into school. Plus I have to say walking into school on the first day I had to laugh because everyone looked the same but as the day went on it got more depressing that I have to look just like everyone else. Why should I have to look like everyone else when in the "real world" its nothing like that. And as for the cost my parents spent more money than they would have without the uniform. Normally I would just get two pairs of jeans and maybe three new shirts and I would get them from places like Target and spend maybe $100 or less. This year my parents spent over $500 on uniforms.
Posted by: motherof2 Location: MartinCounty on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I agree with the other parents who said the dress code should have been enforced long before uniforms. If they would have done the job then, we would not be spending extra money on it now. I am tired of having to by 2 sets of clothes. But it is, as it is and we need to comply with the rules so our children will learn that sometimes we still have to follow rules in life even if we don't agree with them.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Kids wearing what they wear in prison .... they dont wear 3 button collar shirts in prison, but they do wear sagging pants. I bet no one complaining about the dress code complained when there kids wore pants sagged down under there butt. My daughter grows like a vine and we will do like we would have to do with her other clothes, buy new ones as she outgrows the uniforms. Pants are the only issues most should have as its typically what they outgrow. Wondering what your children will wear on the weekends ? Buy them 3-4 pair of jeans and in the course of a month they wear them 2 times 2 weeks apart, its a no brainer. Not able to find pants well how about taking a trip. I have family in other places so during the summer months when visiting we would stop and check out the 1 or 2 local stores in the area looking for items my daughter would need. It does not take much to stop in a store while out and about on the weekends.
Posted by: Bet Location: Pitt County on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:22 PM
TO FAIRNESS: My daughter has always dressed nice and is an honor student!!! Do not judge my daughter by my complaining.
Posted by: D Location: New Bern on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:18 PM
I have had my kids in school uniforms going on the fourth year, and I hate them. It might be easier to dress them in the morning, but I have to buy two sets of clothes. There fore it costs me twice as much. It is what it is though, and children need to learn now a day that rules are rules. That is the problem with kids nothing is enforced, and they think their will is all that matters.
Posted by: Bet Location: Pitt County on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:02 PM
First of all the kids do look great. Yes, I did know about uniforms in advance. Do you all have growing kids?? I waited until tax free weekend and couldn't find anything but 1 jumper and a skort that someone just happened to return when I was in Kohl's. It has been hectic running from one place to another trying to scrap up a few uniforms. No one had (or has) the colors and sizes you HAVE to get.And, for me, it is doubling up..what kids want to wear uniforms on weekend and to church? I can already forsee having to pick up uniforms on a regular basis along with weekend clothes. However, as my daughter outgrows her uniforms, I will donate them to her school because I am sure they will be in great shape. She will outgrow them before she wears them out. Meanwhile, I am glad you all are loaded with money and nothing better to do but waste your time shopping and running from store to store. I think the baggy pants and short skirts shoud have been banned & kept the dress code as was.
Posted by: fairness Location: goldsboro on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:54 PM
I think the ones complaining are the ones that send their kids to school wearing the baggy pants,hanging off theie butts,and are constantly in trouble.You either abide by the rules or keep your kids at home.You were not given a few days to get the uniforms,you were given ample time to purchase the uniforms.Please spend the money on your kids and not yourself.Dress code is now in effect.THANKYOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Who has a problem
Posted by: shamayia leatherwood Location: greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:47 PM
i thought that the uniform idea was cool until i realized that the prison's inmates are wearing the exact thing. i do not like the idea of my children being dressed like they're incorcerated. it's bad enough that there free education is not free ,they now look like prisnors. NOT COOL!!!!!!
Posted by: Concerned Citizen Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:27 PM
The problem is not with the dress code is that parents waited until the last minute to buy the clothing. The plans for school uniforms was made public 2 years ago and in the last 12 months information was available to everyone even the children. So the only people who would have known are those who dont involve themselves in talking to there children about school. Buying the clothes saved us money and it also takes the fashion show out of the school system.
Posted by: Jan Location: Greene County on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM
If we could have had a leader with backbone to enforce the old dresscode we would not be here at this point, but since we are, here I go. Everyone had enough time to get out, look, shop around like 95% of the families did. Go by the guidelines of the RULES and you will pretty much be OK. I think therein lies the problem. RULES. Alot of times the staff give in to parents/students because "we dont want to be the land of the offended". Give me a break! Go by the rules like everyone else for a change, quit your complaining, go to Printworks for the $8 shirts (that look great) and go to Steve & Berrys for the $8 or $9 pants. Belts are at Walmart/Target and the entire school, for a change looks decent and presentable, instead of scantily clad girls and slouchy hoodlums. Why don't you show yourself and your kids how to be respectful of rules. These uniform rules are not endangering your child or mine. However, some of the children in the school system are. Its about safety, right?
Posted by: Sarah Location: Fayetteville/Creswell, NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I am for SCHOOL UNIFORMS! Here in Fayetteville, lots of kids come to school dressed like little dang slobs and gangsters, which, the schools are getting more strict and sending them home but if all schools did uniforms we would never have a clothes issue anymore.
Posted by: Uncle Sam Location: USA on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:10 PM
I wonder what those men who settled our country would think of being told what clothes to buy their school-children? Just keep on accepting these "reasonable" restrictions on personal liberty, and see where it leads us. It always begins this way ... and it always ends up with total domination of "sheeple" who couldn't resist the dominance of systems that desired to rob them of their freedom. What a shame. The fathers of this nation, and the writers of our constitution, must have spun their way to China already! Wake up, America, while liberty remains ... what little is left of it.
Posted by: mes Location: snow hill on Aug 27, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Give me a break. WE ALL KNEW WHAT THE DRESS CODE WAS!!! It couldn't possibly be any more specific! It addresses cargo pants in great detail. I dont think the school should pay for anyones uniform and I dont think social services should either. We all knew and had ample time to prepare for this expense. Do I like the new uniform policy? NO Would the old dress code have worked if it had been enforced? YES! Do I think teachers should have to comply with the new uniform policies themselves? YES! The kids look fine but it takes away from them trying to figure out who they are. The same kids that get in trouble every day are going to still get in trouble no matter what they have on. Is it really about safety - I dont think so. We have a gang problem in Greene County but we ignore it. Having our kids in khaki pants and collared shirts isn't going to fix that.
Posted by: Annie Nonamous Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 04:01 PM
They are claiming the child got sent home because the pockets were too far down the pants. After looking at the video I do not believe that the be the problem. The video show a size 44 or 40 and the kid must have been about a 32. He had his pants bunched all up in front for the video but I bet he had them hanging half way down to his knees when he got to school. You knew the rules, you should have bought was was allowed, not let your boy go to school like some little ganster wantabe. Good job Mr. Miller.
Posted by: k Location: eastern nc on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:58 PM
Thank you Wanda. I am all for the schools having uniforms. However, the one thing I would like to have seen is the same rule on the teachers and administrators. If this is to help cut down on problems, then everyone involved should wear the uniforms according to code. I have a friend at her school where everyone has to wear uniforms, students and administrative staff. Also, if there was help available for families to buy the proper clothes, then the school system should have said something about it over the summer when families were buying clothes. I can tell you first hand that NOTHING was said about available help.
Posted by: Momof3 Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:41 PM
Where's my comment from this morning WITN?
Posted by: Red State Location: Washington Co. on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I like the uniforms also, but my understanding from the 6 pm report yesterday was that the "non-compliance" was due to the length of inside front pockets? Is that correct? If so, I think that is taking it too far. I understand not allowing the big, low back pockets, but as long as the uniform clothes are the right color and style, do we really need to worry about measuring the length of the interior front pockets? Also, the earring and headband ban is over the top. Kids do need a little individuality.
Posted by: Stacy Location: Gvill on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Way to go Miller- be a leader!! Yes,they are upset. It requires some discipline on their part.
Posted by: Ordnanceman Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:38 PM
I love the school uniforms! Wonder if the kids would be upset if they were sent to military school? Much more strict. Plus when I dropped my daughter off at school the other morning, all of the other kids seemed to have a sense of pride on their faces!
Posted by: Wanda Location: Snow Hill on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:45 PM
I am all for the uniform policy and am glad to see an enforcment of the policy. However, I do not think the color of the shirt should matter. Who cares if it is a solid shirt or a striped shirt as long as it is the right type shirt and fitted appropriate for the students. Not the baggy crapy that they have been wearing. I think the students look very nice. I ALSO THINK THE TEACHERS AND FACULTY SHOULD HAVE TO WEAR THE SAME THING THE STUDENTS WEAR. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO WEAR WHAT EVER THEY WANT AND THEN REPRIMAND THE STUDENTS FOR NOT BEING IN COMPLIANCE. THEY SHOULD SET AN EXAMPLE. If the the old dress cold had been enforced like this uniform policy is being enforced it would not have come to this. Good job Mr. Miller.
Posted by: momof3 Location: Snow Hill on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I say KUDOS to Mr. Miller!!I was so glad to see him standing in the high school Monday morning. This uniform was not a shock to us as parents, we knew last year b4 the end of school what the requirements were! All the confusion is only because the fact parents & kids are not being able to break the rules! And what more do you want? They have offered assistance to those who need it, you wouldn't have recieved that for buying normal school clothes. I totally agree with the "no labels" policy,I am fortunate enough to buy my children name brand clothes but for those who cant it's a great thing because kids can be very cruel, when others dont dress the way they think they should. I welcome the change of Mr.Miller in GC, I hope he continues the way he has started & shows these kids rules are meant to be followed! I think he should send them home right on up to the last day of school if they come in not dressed appropiatley!
Posted by: GreeneCountyGal Location: Snow Hill on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Congrats on the dress code enforcement! I am from Greene County & have 2 kids in GC schools- Mr. Miller is doing an great job enforcing the dress code- its amazing to me that the MAJORITY of the parents were able to go out & find the appropiate uniforms for their children, others were not able to find the correct stuff- Pleeeze- it sounds to me like some people just bought what they wanted and not what they were told had to be worn! This policy ensures us as parents that we wont see 1/2 dressed kids anymore and as for the price- it was much cheaper & easier to buy uniforms than it would've been to purchase namebrands clothes- All the children are dressed the same with no labels showing which puts everyone on the same level! For those who "can't afford" the uniforms- get the assistance that is being offered or you can take back that 1 pr. of 40.00 pants and go to Wal-Mart and buy 3 pr. for that price~Stop whining and follow the rules...it's a good thing~Keep up the good work Mr. Miller!
Posted by: Kathy Location: Washington on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Dress for success! I agree that some of the shading of colors is out of the norm. Blue is blue and green is green. At least there is no discrimination of the poor and rich kids - they all dress alike. At first I did not like the uniform idea - seemed too restrictive and did not allow for children to have their own identity. Now I am for it. Walmart, Goodies, Kmart and others need to keep more clothes in stock. Right before school started, most of the popular sizes were gone. These stores need to realize that children going to schools that have a uniform policy should not advertise jeans and other clothes that the children cannot wear except at home or on the weekends. Now that Pitt County has a uniform policy too it is harder to locate clothes.
Posted by: wilson Location: unknown on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I wish Wilson County will go to uniforms.that way you dont have to worry about kids picking,about who got brand names and who dont. It is a problem
Posted by: Tim Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I for the uniforms, but the punishment should be the samething system wide and not left up to the principal. There should be so give in the policy(ex. as in green color). The other thing that gets me is most everyone is abiding by the dress code now but they wouldn't abide or enforce the old one.
Posted by: School Uniform Convict Location: Wintergreen Intermediate on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I love the new "uniform" thing. So glad not as many "cracks" will be showing in the classroom. I have to admit I was quite upset when my 4th grader came home with what I call a "ticket" from the "fashion police". His shirt was not the "right shade of green". It was too dark. Give me a break..our good tax money is being wasted on paper with all these "tickets" over a shirt being a hair too light or too dark. Come on Principal Singleton, lets use some Common Sense!! If I donate my "wrong colored" shirts to some of the poor children who CAN'T afford uniforms, would you let them wear them? I would sure hope someone would have some compassion. Shoppers, don't forget to take your "color swatches" to the stores when you go shopping. If not, you're sure to receive a "ticket" from the Pitt County Schools Fashion Police.
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane, NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:38 AM
"Dress code woe", dosen't seem like a "woe" to me, just some kids and parents that find something to complain about. Way to Green.
Posted by: betty Location: cortland on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Bravo Mr. Miller. I'd think its great the uniforms. No more showing off their underwear or worse with their pants down to their knees. Maybe now the kids will know what it feels like to wear pants properly, who knows they may like it. If the parents don’t like it, to bad. It’s time for those parents to grow up and get a back bone. Parents, tell those misfits of yours that YOU’RE THE PARENTS not the kid. Again, BRAVO Mr. Miller.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Plymouth on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:56 AM
I am all for uniforms! We have had them 2 years now and it is nice to not worry about buying expensive clothes and shoes! Only problem I have is being WAY TO STRICT. Now in Wahington Co I find out my daughter cannot wear any ear rings but studs and no more head bands/hair pieces. That is taking it alittle too far!
Posted by: Momof3 Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:30 AM
I was totally against uniforms when I started having to buy them, but the last couple days have been such a breeze getting the kids ready in the morning so I am changing my opinion; however, pockets down the legs should mean ALL pockets down the legs, and the Dickies that are being sold at the uniform shops and elsewhere have "cell phone" pockets down the legs. These are being accepted as in compliance so if that is the case so should all other pockets down the legs. Just for thought. If you are going to put restrictions on parents and students make sure that they apply evently across the board. I do support this school system for taking a stand and enforcing the rules. It is a great start.
Posted by: Maria Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:17 AM
It was an absolute pleasure to drop my children off at school and see every child appropriately dressed. Kudos to the school systems for taking a stand and requiring uniforms. I spent less than half the money I normally spend on clothes to send my 2 boys back to school. Shirts were $9 and pants were $15 at a uniform shop. The prices even lower at Walmart. Compare that to the typical price of $30 or MORE for jeans (not even name brand).
Posted by: DK Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Its kinda bad that the kid has to be sent home and cant learn because of their parents ignorance.
Posted by: Cat Location: Goldsboro on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:38 AM
If you can afford the name brand clothes that kids are wanting these days then you can afford a uniform. Well, put Steve. You are absolutely right. Good work Mr Miller!
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Kudos to Greene County and Patrick Miller! It is rare to see leadership supported by a strong backbone these days. Keep it up.
Posted by: barbara Location: Beulaville NC on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Way to go Mr. Miller. This is the way it should be. We need a leader with backbone. If the parents can buy the clothes that these kids wear, they could just as easy bought uniforms. Not much price difference.
Posted by: Chris Location: Greenville on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:50 AM
School is not a fashion show. It is about learning.
Posted by: Steve Location: Kinston on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Of course they are upset. It requires some discipline on their part.
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