Once again, our community has overwhelmingly approved our school district budget. The faith and trust that our community has shown our schools and our mission is truly inspiring. This district could not succeed in our work to inspire educate and challenge every student, every day without them.
I would like to personally thank this community for its unwavering support. Since I came to this district 4 years ago, our voters have approved each of our annual
budgets, two capital projects totaling more than 30 million dollars and a transportation proposition that allowed us to acquire three brand new school buses.
We're 7 and 0, and that's a nice place to be!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Great Flip Flop Debate
Every year as the weather gets warmer our district’s dress code becomes a matter of debate with students and some parents.
The Board of Education has adopted a dress code for the Watervliet City School District that requires students to dress in attire that meets our health and safety standards and does not interfere with the learning process. There are a few very specific items that are cited in this policy (tube tops, bandanas, hats, clothing that promotes violence, drugs or alcohol) but there are items that are not mentioned that the policy leaves up to the discretion of building-level administrators (principals and assistant principals).
It is the job of our building administrators to determine if student dress violates the policy in terms of health, safety and appropriateness. While they dutifully perform this function, I can tell you with certainty that they do not enjoy it. Our District's Mission is to inspire, educate and challenge every student, every day - not to be the fashion police.
The number one issue that comes up throughout the spring is the wearing of flip flops to school. No one will debate the fact that flip flops are a staple in most people's summer wardrobe (I have a pair myself), but this footwear is neither safe nor appropriate for school. Flip flops do not provide appropriate support for every day activities such as playground recess, physical education class or even just navigating our stairs and hallways. How many of us have thrown a flip flop just walking normally? I know I have. The foam sole provides little protection should a student step on something sharp accidentally and in the case of an emergency situation such as a fire drill they do not promote the ability to move quickly.
Lastly, flip flops are not appropriate for school in general. We must prepare our students for the expectations of the real world, and I know of no employer who would look kindly on their employee showing up to work in flip flops(unless your career choice is lifeguard or salesperson at Hollister).
I ask that parents understand the reasoning behind our stand on flip flops and discourage your children from wearing them to school. As a rule of thumb, we ask that you send your student with safe, multi–purpose shoes to school every day. Shoes with the proper support (heel and sole support) that are consistent with what is appropriate for the atmosphere that is our school building.
I thank you for your help with this matter. We would much rather spend our time in productive discussions surrounding the best way to inspire, challenge and educate our students rather than debating the merits of the ever-popular flip flop.
The Board of Education has adopted a dress code for the Watervliet City School District that requires students to dress in attire that meets our health and safety standards and does not interfere with the learning process. There are a few very specific items that are cited in this policy (tube tops, bandanas, hats, clothing that promotes violence, drugs or alcohol) but there are items that are not mentioned that the policy leaves up to the discretion of building-level administrators (principals and assistant principals).
It is the job of our building administrators to determine if student dress violates the policy in terms of health, safety and appropriateness. While they dutifully perform this function, I can tell you with certainty that they do not enjoy it. Our District's Mission is to inspire, educate and challenge every student, every day - not to be the fashion police.
The number one issue that comes up throughout the spring is the wearing of flip flops to school. No one will debate the fact that flip flops are a staple in most people's summer wardrobe (I have a pair myself), but this footwear is neither safe nor appropriate for school. Flip flops do not provide appropriate support for every day activities such as playground recess, physical education class or even just navigating our stairs and hallways. How many of us have thrown a flip flop just walking normally? I know I have. The foam sole provides little protection should a student step on something sharp accidentally and in the case of an emergency situation such as a fire drill they do not promote the ability to move quickly.
Lastly, flip flops are not appropriate for school in general. We must prepare our students for the expectations of the real world, and I know of no employer who would look kindly on their employee showing up to work in flip flops(unless your career choice is lifeguard or salesperson at Hollister).
I ask that parents understand the reasoning behind our stand on flip flops and discourage your children from wearing them to school. As a rule of thumb, we ask that you send your student with safe, multi–purpose shoes to school every day. Shoes with the proper support (heel and sole support) that are consistent with what is appropriate for the atmosphere that is our school building.
I thank you for your help with this matter. We would much rather spend our time in productive discussions surrounding the best way to inspire, challenge and educate our students rather than debating the merits of the ever-popular flip flop.
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