Tarpon Springs middle School MODIFIED DRESS CODE PROPOSAL

Ground Rules for Discussion: TREAT EACH OTHER WITH RESPECT LISTEN AS AN ALLY AGREE TO DISAGREE In the end, we are still a Spartan Family who all want the same things for our children…the best education in the best educational environment.

Academic Success at TSMS Expectations for 100% success for all students Expectations for a productive learning environment Expectations for daily attendance Expectations for appropriate behavior for academic success

READING DATA Reading 2010-11 Results State Objective % Not Tested ALL STUDENTS 74 79 1 WHITE 78 BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN N HISPANIC / LATINO 64 ASIAN NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE TWO OR MORE RACES* DISABLED 38 3 ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED 58 ELL MIGRANT* FEMALE* MALE*

Math Data School % 3 and Above Math 2010-11 Results State Objective % Not Tested ALL STUDENTS 67 80 1 WHITE 72 BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN N HISPANIC / LATINO 53 ASIAN NATIVE HAWAIIAN OR OTHER PACIFIC ISLANDER AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKA NATIVE TWO OR MORE RACES* DISABLED 27 3 ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED 48 ELL MIGRANT* FEMALE* 64 MALE* 70

TSMS Initiatives for a Productive Learning Environment STAR expectations for behavior for classrooms and common areas Clubs to encourage student involvement Target Behaviors each six weeks Life Skills in 6th grade health Small groups designated to meet individual student needs Mentoring for individual students TSMS Bully Prevention Lessons (state mandate) A Success Academy built in the schedule for overage and disruptive students

How can we partner to improve the learning environment for 100% student success?

WE PROPOSE… A MODIFIED DRESS CODE. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT BEHAVIOR IS AFFECTED BY THE WAY WE DRESS. DRESS FOR SUCCESS = BETTER ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND A PRODUCTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Process…. Our SAC/PTA has discussed and approved our moving forward with a more structured dress code. Our faculty and staff have approved our moving forward with a more structured dress code.

Process A phone survey on School Messenger will go out over a two day period (5 times a day) to see if our parents are in favor of us pursuing a more structured dress code.

Inquiry Call Results Date of calls: April 25 & April 26 Number Participated: 253 Number of No Responses: 741 Results of Responses: Yes 164 No 89

Why Change Student Dress? Fosters school unity and improves the learning environment Reduces social pressures & levels SES status differentials Increases student self-esteem & motivation Saves parents money on their children’s clothing Improves attendance Improves academic achievement Increase in appropriate behavior National Association of Elementary School Principals

What we know… STUDENT DRESS IS A MAJOR PART OF OVERALL SUCCESS Dress alone cannot address all of the factors of school success, but it is one positive contributing factor for a productive learning environment.

Interesting Facts Long Beach, CA first large urban school district required uniforms K-8 (58,500) Crime decreased Sex offenses fell Fights Assault & Battery Suspensions Vandalism Psychology Today, September 1999

National Trends Schools in 21 states have some sort of uniform requirement. To name a few: 95% of New Orleans’ public schools 85% of Cleveland’s public schools 80% of Chicago’s public schools 65% of Boston’s public schools 60% of Miami/Dade public schools 50% of Cincinnati’s public schools

THE PROPOSAL Shirts will be “Polo” type shirts with collars. Color choices are maroon, navy and white. Only the maroon shirts may have the TSMS logo. No other logos may be on the shirts. Shirts must be properly fitting. They must fit neatly and not be oversized (cannot extend below the wrists when arms are held at side) or undersized (must extend below the waistline). Jackets or other coverings over shirts, must be removed in classrooms. Shorts will be walking shorts. Color choices are khaki, black, navy. Shorts must be worn at waist. The length is no shorter than two inches from the knee. Pants will be khaki, navy blue, black only. Pants must be worn at waist (as per state statute) ; neat in appearance (un-torn). Shoes will be closed shoes or sneakers. No sandals, slides or flip-flops.

How Will This Be Enforced? Dress code checks Parents called – change of clothes Repeat offenders – ISS, Suspension This is an easier dress code to monitor for parents and staff. Eliminates any interruption to the learning environment.

Frequently asked question… My child is a good student and follows the rules…why are you punishing him/her? We do not see this as a punishment. We see this as a positive action to help improve the overall educational environment on campus, eliminate distractions, increase student achievement , reduce inappropriate behavior, teach students how to dress for success, increase school spirit, and teach a life skill.

Individuality There is flexibility within the dress code. Students can still accessorize.

What if I do not want my child to attend TSMS due to this new policy? There is an open enrollment period during pre- school. All middle schools have unanimously agreed to pursue a more unified dress code. We hope this isn’t a choice that you will make. We want you to stay and help us make TSMS the most successful Middle School in the district.

Cost Considerations Parents spend Approximately $1,700 a year to clothe a child according to the USDA. $49 plus tax for a TSMS School outfit from Target. 15 shirts and pants ($735) and 5 pairs of shoes($100). an annual total of $835! 14.99-16.99 19.99 $13.00

Costs continued… Wal-Mart Men and women’s shorts & pants Black, navy or khaki shorts – knee length - $16 Black, navy or khaki pants- $17-$20 Shirts - $9 and up JCPenney Men and women’s Black, navy or khaki shorts-knee length-$15-$20 Black, navy or khaki pants-$20-$25 Shirts-$10-$12

Family Assistance This will be “more precise” back to school shopping. Working with Wal-Mart and Target Working with Clothes to Kids Working with our PTA Working with school sponsors

Dress Violations

Dress Violations

Dress Violations

Dress Violations

Dress Violations

TSMS Dress for Success!

Think About It! Let’s partner for 100% students success by providing an opportunity for students to “dress for success!”

Structured Dress Code Opportunity to share…. Opportunity to vote…. Thank you for coming out tonight. We appreciate your feedback as well as your support.