Pocono News Section

Students Prepare for Uniform Dress Code

Students Prepare for Uniform Dress Code - Thursday, August 20, 2009 at 5:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, Aug 20, 2009 @ 05:55pm EST
STROUD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Back to school shopping can be hard and parents in one area school district said this year it's even harder than usual.

The Pleasant Valley School District started a new Uniform Dress Code Policy. It begins this fall. Some parents say it's giving them back to school shopping headaches.

Black, gray, blue and white shirts are selling faster than usual at the Stroud Mall. They're the colors students are allowed to wear under the Pleasant Valley School District's new Uniform Dress Code Policy.

Ingrid McMahon of Effort complained, "You're looking for stores that carry the stuff, then they don't have your sizes. You're paying an arm and a leg and if you don't have any coupons you're screwed."

She said the new dress code is forcing her to buy new wardrobes for all three of her kids. She angrily asked, "Are we getting a break? Are we getting a kickback for all this school shopping?"

Joan Brong of Brodheadsville also had trouble finding clothes. Her daughter Ashley has special needs. Joan explained, "She can't use both hands so she can't do the buttons and the zippers so she needs ones with all elastic."

The School Superintendent told Eyewitness News Joan can ask for medical exceptions to the dress code so her daughter can wear clothes that suit her needs. There are also religious exceptions.

But there are not exceptions for students who say they want to "express themselves." Bobby Foster has a son going into ninth grade. He said, "I do not like it at all. I'm totally against it."

Foster believes his son should be allowed to wear whatever he wants. He complained, "I think it's taking his freedom of expression away."

Foster also told Eyewitness News he wants the school board to focus on education rather than fashion. He said, "This is the last thing they should worry about is clothes."

The School Superintendent said parents had several months to comment on the new policy at school board meetings. He also said there is a financial assistance program for students who can't afford to buy new clothes.