Rule There To Prevent Possible Conflict Among Kids, Groups
A few eyebrows were raised recently at Post Falls High School when a student wore a T-shirt with a swastika to school.
Although this would seem to clearly violate the school’s dress code, the infraction apparently went unnoticed by administrators.
The student refused a request for an interview.
Vice Principal Mark Jones explained how the dress code typically is enforced: “It’s not so much the who as the what. The rule says anything disrupting the education process can be removed from school. It (Nazi shirts, etc.) would fall under that category. I’d ask them to turn it inside out or wear something else,” said Jones.
Shirts portraying certain rock stars such as Marilyn Manson, Korn and others also are considered disruptive because of what they represent.
The code forbids any clothing that advertises or promotes drugs, alcohol or sex. It is very specific in forbidding clothing that might be revealing, such as tank tops, spaghetti straps or short shorts.
“What the dress code does is it reduces conflicts and possible conflicts between different groups,” said Jones. “Secondly, it gives you room to express your individuality and also lets you know society has certain boundaries and you have to live within those boundaries.”
Breaking the dress code may not seem like a big deal, but the consequences could become quite severe.
“Normally, first we ask them to turn the shirt inside out,” Jones explained. “Second time, I ask you for the item of clothing and provide you with a cover-up and call your parents. The third time we call your parents and they have to bring you something right now, and you stay in the office until it’s taken care of. We’ve never had a fourth.”
Despite the occasional confrontation, the students are pretty compliant with the dress code.
“The kids we have here are generally good,” Jones said. “When something is inappropriate, the kids are willing to go along with what I ask and I appreciate their cooperation.”
That doesn’t mean they like the dress code.
Some students say it’s not the responsibility of the school to regulate what students wear. Some argue that if parents let students wear it out of the house, they should be allowed to wear it to school.
“If parents stopped kids going out the door, there would be no dress code,” junior Ty Campbell said.
Despite the straightforward rules some students try to slide past it - from girls wearing tank tops and short shorts, to guys wearing alcohol-related T-shirts and sexually oriented shirts.
“I don’t think you should be able to show everything off, but I don’t think they should care,” said Campbell. “I believe wearing alcohol, drug and sex-related T-shirts should be allowed in high school. Kids have made up their minds and they’re not going to say: `Let’s go do drugs’ or, `Let’s go have sex’ because of a shirt someone wears.”
Jones said the most outrageous piece of clothing he has ever seen was a “young lady with a fish net top on big fish net with nothing underneath. I had to convince her why it was not appropriate.”
Even though the students know what is acceptable and what is not, they take their chances anyway.
Students may or may not get away with violating the dress code depending on the teachers they have for classes and whether or not they get caught.
Some students say the male teachers tend to be more lenient with allowing students to get away with “illegal” clothing.
“I think the teachers have an influence on what you get away with or not,” Campbell said.
In other Post Falls High School news
Seniors John Nichols and Cindy Holland were named the Senior Prom King and Queen.
The senior class took a trip to the junior high football field to witness a mock-car crash on May 16.
During the weekend of May 10-11, the varsity girls track team took second in regionals and the boys took third.
On Monday, the senior class will be hosting its first annual awards ceremonies at 7 p.m. in the big gym of the high school.
On Tuesday, the physics class will visit Silverwood for a Physics Day.
On Wednesday, Post Falls will host its second annual Mr. PFHS contest.
On Friday, the seniors leave during second hour for the senior cruise and activity day.
On May 31, the music department will take a trip to Silverwood.
June 1 is the senior baccalaureate with Russ Wright speaking.
June 5 the senior class receives caps and gowns.
June 6 is the senior breakfast and graduation night.
These sidebars appeared with the story: TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS
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DRESS CODE
“Students should adhere to personal cleanliness and neatness. Dresses, skirts of appropriate length, blouses, Levis and jeans are considered suitable attire for girls. Strapless dresses, spaghetti straps and braless tops are not appropriate for school.
Sleeveless tops for girls must have 2-inch straps and not be low-cut. Boys should wear Levis or slacks that are neat and clean. Tank tops are not acceptable wear for school. The wearing of mid-thigh shorts is permissible. Shirts will be worn at all times. Wallet chains cannot be longer than six inches. Spike collars or bracelets are prohibited.
Decals, slogans, signs or writings that are obscene, profane, offensive, indecent, libelous, harassing or referring to illegal acts, sexually oriented acts or otherwise detrimental to the good order and instructional effectiveness of the school are not appropriate.
Baggy clothing is discouraged and in some cases students may be asked to change or not wear it at all.”