New Pasco Schools Dress Code Rules Have Parents And Students Fired Up
Parents around Pasco County Schools are voicing their displeasure with the implementation of a new Pasco schools dress code.
Why are parents upset?
Only a few days into the new school year, many of parents have already expressed their worries on social media. According to the new regulation, shirts are required to have straps and to reach all the way down to the waist.
In response to the questions and concerns about new Pasco schools dress code, Melanie Waxler, who is in charge of strategic communications for Pasco County Schools, sent out an email with this statement:
“This policy was voted on and approved by our board before the 2023/2024 school year. This means it was effective from the first day of school. Parents were sent communications regarding the change through various channels prior to the school year beginning. This is a new policy, and we are working with each school on how to enforce the policy properly. We are addressing this to ensure all schools are in line with correct procedures and that includes a discussion about the dress code with students who do not follow it. We also ask for support from our parents, so their children arrive at school following the updated dress code policy.”
Discipline for not following the dress code includes:
• first offense, the student will be given a verbal warning and school staff will call the student’s parent or guardian.
• second offense, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period of time not to exceed five (5) days and school staff will meet with the student’s parent or guardian.
• third or subsequent offense, the student will receive an in-school suspension for a period not to exceed three (3) days, the student is ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days, and school staff will call the student’s parent or guardian and send the parent or guardian a written letter regarding the student’s in-school suspension and ineligibility to participate in extracurricular activities.
At the upcoming meeting of the school board on August 22nd, parents will have the opportunity to voice their concerns.
There is now a petition to end the new dress code, here.
Principals Shuffle At 19 Pinellas County Schools
Pinellas Park Middle:
Pinellas Park Middle: Addressing Leadership Concerns Pinellas Park Middle is gearing up for change as well, aiming to address concerns about its leadership and teacher retention. Principal Jason Shedrick, following a complaint from the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association, has been assigned to a new role in the school district’s transportation department. While Shedrick’s move has sparked some controversy, Deputy Superintendent Stephanie Woodford assures that it was a strategic decision to utilize his planning skills in an area facing challenges due to driver shortages and changing routes.
Leadership Shifts Across the District Pinellas County’s public schools are experiencing a wave of leadership shifts, with several principals retiring, resigning, or taking new assignments within the district. These changes provide an opportunity for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to education.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Meet the New Principals:
Meet the New Principals: A Cohort of Visionary Leaders The school board has approved an impressive cohort of new principals who are ready to make their mark. Lisa Austin at Maximo Elementary, Tijuana Baker at Eisenhower Elementary, Kimberly Cook at Tarpon Springs Elementary, Nikishia Dixon at Mount Vernon Elementary, Vickie Graham at Woodlawn Elementary, Casey Maker at Northwest Elementary, Tekoa Moses at Lakeview Fundamental Elementary, Holly Oakes at Westgate Elementary, Phyteria Proctor at Bay Point Elementary, Antoinette Wilson at Cross Bayou Elementary, Carmela Harvey at Pinellas Gulf Coast Academy, Robert Ovalle at Seminole Middle, and Kevin Schottler at Thurgood Marshall Fundamental Middle are all poised to bring fresh ideas, leadership, and dedication to their respective schools.
An Ongoing Process:
An Ongoing Process: Unnamed Principals While many new principals have been appointed, three schools are still awaiting the announcement of their new leaders: Pinellas Park Elementary, Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary, and Ridgecrest Elementary. The selection process continues as the district strives to find the perfect fit for these schools.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement Pinellas County’s public schools are no strangers to leadership changes, as contracts come up for reconsideration regularly. These changes signify the district’s commitment to continuous improvement and creating an educational environment that fosters success for both students and teachers.
Collaboration and Community Involvement With the implementation of new leadership, it’s crucial for the community, parents, and students to support these changes. By working together, Pinellas County can create a collaborative and inclusive environment that empowers students and inspires them to reach their full potential.
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
