If anyone is interested, at www.visd.com there is a survey regarding the "dress code". I doubt that any parent or student will otherwise get a chance to have a voice on the matter other than the survey.

Also, I didn't say that I agreed with the proposed dress code. There is already a dress code, but it needs to be consistently enforced at all campuses.

I agree that it is the parent's responsiblility to see that their child is appropriately dressed. But if the school isn't going to enforce the rules, then the parents aren't going to bother either.

and True, I didn't say that wearing uniforms would solve the drug/gang issue at school - I said that those issues were more important than the dress code issue.

Ringlitz, yes, there's always been pot at school and yes, when I was in high school people were allowed to smoke cigarettes and dip tobacco on campus. But the type of drugs that are rampant on the campuses these days are 100 times more dangerous than back then. Kids are rolling joints in the class room, snorting coke, passing out blotters of acid, lortabs, vicodin, hydrocodone, xanax, XTC tablets.

Yes, parents who have prescription drugs at home should keep them locked up! Because the kids will take anything for a high! And it's not like it was when we were growing up --- you can't tell by the way a person dresses or the friends they have, or their grades, or their social status who is using and who isn't because you'd be surprised!

True, Parents need to be more accountable for their kids actions. But how many parents even take the time to talk with their kids,,or spend time with their kids? I asked a few students what ISS is like,,and this is what they said. You sit in a cubical,,,walls all black,,,,if a teacher doesnt bring you any work,,you just sit there. Most students fall asleep: No they are not suppose to ,but the the teacher in ISS really doesnt care if you sleep or not,,depending on whether she likes you or not. You get to use the restroom twice a day. For lunch you get a soy burger with just meat and buns. OK. Alternative school: I talked to a few students who have been sent there, and here is what they had to say. You dont do as much school work there. The teachers from MHS are suppose to send work, but usually dont send all the work that the class is doing at MHS. So less school work?,.OK..Also you get a free collared shirt with Mitchell on it.:: The more that I'm learning about MHS the more I'm baffled at there disciplinary actions. Looks like the best sollution to this problem is to turn MHS and all public schools into Military acadamies. I'm seeing that in the near future that the dropout rate is Really going to increase. Is This what we Really want? This Is No laughing matter! This is a Very serious matter, and the students veiws on All these changes really need to be addressed. You will see many more letters to the editor from these students who have had just about enough. But no Bethany, I am not saying, turn these schools into Military acadamies. I'm merely trying to get these people to see, that they're not far from it as it is.

I can't believe some of you are making an issue out of a "dress code"-
Do you honestly think, changing a kids attire will solve his problems???

 Changing a kids attire won't solve a schools problems either, nor will it, CHANGE THE KID!

School isn't a place to enforce the way a student dresses. Home is where this issue should be resolved. I support all High schools having "rules" and enforcing THOSE rules. Here's a tip: "Send their butts home when they don't follow the rules.
If I brake the law there's consequences I must suffer and pay for.

I say let the parents deal with the issue and IF THEY DON'T DEAL with it- leave the student at HOME! Again, It's not the job of a school district to save the world and it sure isn't their job to change the world we live in!

P.S. They sold drugs when I was in school- a long time ago- some things never change- as a matter of fact we had a smoking and dipp'n section to the left of the lunch room. If the wind was blowing nice towards the building, you'd get a "wif" of pot pass your nose, and - WE ALL SURVIVED!!! 

DRUGS at school aren't the new rave- "SEXTING IS!"  Catch up on your current events people...

parent's need to take more accountability for their kid's actions

first offense of dress code, warning

second offense ISS on the spot

third offense parent conference to find out what is the problem and to discuss the kid being sent to alternative school for the rest of the semester

fourth offense alternative school until next year

VISD cannot enforce the dress code that is in place right now!!! How are they going to enforce the new dress code?
You see boys being interviewed on the news that haven't shaven in days, student wearing piercing on their nose or other parts of the face. How is a uniform going to cover all that up?

Judge me on my typing,,LOL,,,I type as I please,but Proud to say that I'm Very well educated,,thank ya. Oh smartee,ya know I don't believe we're suppose to call anyone a fool. Read that in a GOOD book. By the way, I just picked up my (young adult) from school,,,reconized em right away, by what my kid was wearing. Saw many many cops, 5 total,,,lovely right? I like that ol saying,' try looking thru the eyes of a child'. So many just can't seem to do that in todays society. Oh,,and by the way,,I saw a few women teachers,,who looked like they were ready to walk down the Model runway. Many teachers should abide by the dress code. But make fun of my typing if you will,,doesnt bother me at all. Writting perfect was never needed in my career,,whos perfect anyhow? Like a bunch of kids making fun of each other. Boy are'nt we setting Great examples?
And hey ,,I think we should build a nuclear plant close by,,why not?. I have a nephew that went to school untill the age of 28,,has phd,,,and we stay in touch alot. Yep ,,,thats right,doesnt live here,he will not live in south Texas. For as he said,,,its just a bomb waiting to explode. Oh,,and another thing,,,schools are not the military. Just had that told to me by a student friend of my student child. I share all these comments with all my Childs friends,,and they cannot believe what some of you have posted....Make fun of my typing if you like,,,after that,,if ya want we can all go play hide and seek. These young people make more sense than over half of the Commenters. Have fun,,making fun. "Dress the way you want kids,,,as long as you look nice". Bethany,,,again I say, Thanks for writting your letter. Job Well Done.

Provesnothing--
Communicating with you is like trying to talk to a stump. YOU invited my comment! Why am I the bad guy because YOU make poor choices?
And give me all the ratings of one star that you wish, it is no effort to delete them. How juvenile!Keep posting away, you only make yourself look foolish.Good day!

Theres the ticket,,,teach your kids to go have a beer. What The __!. Mr John, may I ask,, Did you wear Uniforms in school? Or did you have a good time learning, as I did. No one is talking about a Fashion statement,its a statement of one being who they are. We had Less problems back when I was in school, when you could wear what you wanted, and the only concern was getting an education and grabbing some good memories along the way. Yes sir, I'm from the 70's, what I consider the good ol days, and proud of it. And The Truth! We are doing Nothing good by Telling the students to wear Polo shirts ect. We Are Pushing Them Away. Just talk to some of these students,,get their veiws,,and Yes their veiws count. Alright there buddy,,good idea, Make the students pay taxes,make them wear uniforms,make them,,make them. Maybe I'm seeing this issue a bit different,since I am a parent of 5. And Sure John, Lets fight against Drugs, very good idea. Lets start at home,,maybe a good starting point. So many of the students have quick access to drugs right at home, due to many many parents Addicted to Pain medication, Anxiety medication. Ok,,how about teaching These parents about Lock Boxes, so the Kids can't just reach in moms purse or dads pocket and take a few Pills. How about the Frig?, Got Beer?. Don't make it easy access for our youth. And Yes Beer is a drug,,a drug that kills. It All starts at home. This is so unreal,,but I see the reality of this situation. There are times in our lifes, when we need to stop and think,,and think hard about, How this generation of young people were created?,,,,Why our youth is the way they are today? Man Up, as you put it. Its not Just a Clothing issue, its an issue of youth that We created, and its up to Us to Help them as much as we can. I have to end this comment,,for I can tell that all is going to cause is retaliation,,,something that the Adults of today,,seem to be Very good at. I say we listen to these young people,,teach them that there are Rules,,but some rules Can be pushed a bit too far. Take time to Teach them that drinking and the use of street or pharnacutical drugs is Not the way. Show them Love at home,,so they wont go out looking for So called love in gangs.The youth of today are good people,,but products of a corrupt society. You got it John,,lets get Our priorities straight. As we cut loose from our Moral anchor,Where will we drift?. You can see plainly the erosion of family life and sexual morals,,,Resulting in Great damage!. Widespread drug abuse,,,High crime rate,,and can't forget about all the single parent students,,Many living in Poverty, Looking for Love,,Looking for someone who has Time for them. And thats what has led to so many young girls becoming pregnant,,and So many joining Gangs...Man Up/ Woman Up, We All like attention,,we all like to be heard. Pull back on the reins PROV.,,here comes the shots!.....Fire away!!!!! But Wait,,Wheres My beer?,,,Oh I forgot,,I gave that all up years ago. Thank God

You know something smart________? I do not know you personally and thank God I do not. But what is it with your chip that you seem to carry around on your shoulders. Why is it that you have to Search and pick someone to make fun of or to belittle. I know who I am,,and I Do Not appreciate how you are making me look in this comment section. I see This as a personal attack for you are attacking my character. So I talk with young adults about the stress that their under,,and try my hardest to get them to understand that there Is help. I let them know that the first step they need to take, is to talk to their parents about seeking counseling. I direct them to websites with online doctors who can assist them,,I let them know that they are Not alone in dealing with High School Stress, No more No Less. I care about our future, and out future Is our youth of today. You have attacked me many many times and I will make sure that this is stopped. And by the way this comment section is about a letter written by a student,,and your comment had Nothing to do with the topic. Now I hope that I can speak this without being put down by smart__. Students are students,,,and yes they are different in many ways,,We Should respect them, and take them for who they are. We have No right taking away their indivduality. And this does stand correct as Ringlitz stated,,,,The dress code is not the Real Issue here,,it is just a way to redirect our attention from the Real issue. Students Continue to speak up,,,We will Listen,,You Will be heard.

Ringlitz, You are fortunate that your children made good choices in school and put their education as top priority.

But there is a very serious drug problem, not only at the high school level, but on the Jr. Hi campuses as well. I know that there are drugs on high school campuses all throughout this country, but I am only concerned with Victoria. The drug problem is a serious issue because it's a serious issue in our community.

There is also the problem of gangs in the area which is connected to the drug problem....

Having had 2 of my 4 children go to MHS, I have to disagree that there are no problems there. Don't get me wrong, the problems are NOT insurmountable -- with tougher enforcement, and REAL consequences for testing positive for drug use, along with REAL education about the dangers of drug use, the situation can be combated. There are some wonderful teachers at both campuses of MHS, and there are, finally, some excellent administrators - Crockett, Rigamontti, Amsler, etc.... who are trying to take action, and improvement is already being seen...

But, if the problems are not addressed NOW, then in 2010 when the new campuses open, the same problems will infect them.

Parents need to be more involved at the school. Just because your kid is in high school doesn't mean you can stop being a parent volunteer or visiting the campus. Be proactive in your child's education.

Ringlitz, I can tell that you are very proactive in your children's lives and their education. That is part of the reason that you did not have "problems" with MHS.

You know what I find interesting about VISD's dress code ---Girls can have both ear's pierced and wear no more than 2 earrings in each ear, and they can have other body piercings as long as they are not visible.... Tattoo's are also allowed (although since it is illegal for anyone under 18 to obtain one), but boys are not allowed to wear one earring in their ear.... Hmmm --- interesting.

Also, crabby --- while mostly I agree with you, I have to say that it is NOT how a person dresses that leads to teenage pregnancy. That's like saying that the female rape victim was "asking" for it because she was dressed "provacatively"....

Bethany, way to go on writing the Advocate and stating your views and opinions on the proposed dress codes, hopefully as you move on in your life you will continue to be interested, involved, and speak your mind on issues that are close to your heart. America needs more people who take an active interest instead of sit in apathy...bravo to you.

I disagree with you however. The way a person dresses does go hand in hand with the way they think and act. The world beyond school also has dress codes. For instance, how many politicians running for the office of president this year did you see wearing sagging jeans with their boxers sported several inches in the back, topped off with a t-shirt sporting a pot leaf, and set off the look with a couple of tatoos and body piercings? Ever seen this look sported by a banker, on the floor of the stock market, on a television journalist? There is a reason that you haven't...it is not the attire that anyone will take seriously because it is not professional.
When a school has uniforms or a strict dress code it eliminates a ton of problems by eliminating all those little arguements about what is and is not acceptable in keeping with the dress code, in other words it is harder for students and parents to skirt around the issue.
As far as self expression goes...that is what afterschool, summer, and weekends are for...school if for learning. As far as the financial hardships it will put on some families...that is not true and has been proved over and over to be quite the contrary. Uniforms cost less, as do dockers and polo type shirts, then the designer labels and high priced gym shoes that are so status quo.
Teen pregnancy has been a hot topic over the past several days...when teens are not allowed to "express themselves" in clothing that is intended to send out messages to the opposite sex...and even better if students wear uniforms instead of short skirts, tight pants, and shirts that show middrifts and boobies...the body language and messages that these types of clothing sends out would be all but gone. Perhaps instead of the focus being on boys and girls and sex....it would allow for more focus on what school is for to begin with....education and learning...not a place for socializing.

Well, if you insist!
I don't care if you agree with the high school kids, or not. You are still a very, very scary guy. Thankfully, there are programs in the schools to educate and warn kids about chatting with adults online.

Ringlitz,
I just want to say,,,Great comment,,,and nothing but True....And I see that no one has added a comment since yours. You said it all,,but I'm really suprized that some smarteepantz hasnt commented yet........High Five on the Truth....

I'm neither in a position to support a dress code or two or three new high schools. I DO NOT take those postions because they imply: "Victoria has problems with it's current high school."

However, a position I will take is:  I have NEVER in ALL the years, nine, and two children later...EVER, had a problem with Memorial High School. Not one time did I have a problem at Vickers, Howell, or Chandler Elementary.   I've never had a problem while at a football game! I have attended every open house, even those at Memorial High School, the past nine years and NEVER-ONCE had a problem. When my son was in "regular" classes never a problem. AP and CP classes- never a problem.

The truth is: Victoria is growing. Our kids need larger, cleaner, "NEWER" schools to house and be taught in. With a growing town like Victoria- I wouldn't expect any less. The city's job is to make "our" town beautiful and give us the BEST resources offered. "That's what I expect them to do and they can afford it!" I'll talk about THIS issue all day long but I will NOT waste my breath defending Memorial High because of a dress code.

 "Students are students, each in their own way and we should respect who they are as individuals. Expect nothing less from M.H.S. and it's diversity- It's apart of who they are!"

While I respectfully disagree with the previous posters in so far as this: The way the students dress from Jr. High up to 12th grade is a problem... I do agree that "uniforms" are not the immediate answer for the reasons that Bethany, The student writing this letter, and Ringlitz have stated.

What I see, that needs to change is this: Keep the dress code that is in place already and ENFORCE IT! But when you enforce it, the enforcement has to be consistent and apply to every student, teacher and employee of the school.

My son attends Patti Welder. The kids there wear clothes that violate the existing dress code on a daily basis. I have pointed this out to the principal several times this year but I don't see anyone trying to enforce it.

Another suggestion would be to follow the example of A.C. Jones High School in Beeville: Their dress code is this: Jeans/shorts with no more than 5 pockets that sit at the waist, belts must be worn; no baggy clothes; Shirts can be of any color, any style, but cannot have a logo more than 2" big and must be tucked in. No shower shoes, no skate shoes. The students were able to have their own choice of clothes as long as it met the listed criteria, so their desire to "express" themselves wasn't completely stiffled. My oldest son, and two nephews attended this school. The principal and teachers enforced this dress code. I never heard my son or my nephews complain about it. I can't say that the dress code was responsible for the immprovement of his grades -- he left VISD barely passing his classes to being an A/B student at A.C. Jones -- But that is another story ---

Ringlitz, I was against consolidation. I hated it for many reasons, not the least of which was that I knew the students would suffer --- And many have, but the proposed de-consolidation, as it currently stands, isn't going to help matters at all. We will be in the same position we were in back in 1999 and 2000. What was needed then is still needed now: 3 high schools! And to re-draw the districts. My youngest son will be in the incoming freshmans at the new high schools... I don't know as yet which campus he will attend, but I can promise you this, the same problems will infliltrate these new high schools that exist in the current campuses. Unless the School Board, Superintendent, parents, teachers, and administrators are willing to get tough on the problems NOW!
The dress code isn't broke -- just enforce it!!! Parents need to cooperate and make sure their kids abide by the rules. For a start anyway.

 I'm so sick of Victoria making Memorial High School look like trash. I don't know if local media's "ham'n it up" for a "good story" or if the school board is making this an issue, with hopes, of gaining support for ANOTHER of their SCREW UPS!

 I have two children in VISD and I have NEVER had a problem with Memorial High School. NEVER! They're NOT going to change to a dress code- "they (whom ever that may be) are trying to make it look like Memorial's GOT "problems" to better explain their reasoning for de-consolidation!Give me a break!

 Every parent, student, and faculty member at Memorial High School know their diverting your attention from the "REAL ISSUE."

 Bet ya, they don't change the dress code- watch and see! WHY? ... THE DRESS CODE IS NOT A PROBLEM AT M.H.S. They're only releasing this story and making an issue out of it to mis-lead you.

Come on people- DON"T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ- Visit Memorial or ask someone and they'll tell you..."THE WAY KIDS DRESS AT M.H.S. is NOT THE PROBLEM."

Good job Bethany and job well done!

High Five to you Bethany....You said it all,,and I Do hope that more students write in their views on this freakin dress code issue.....I'm with you...