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    Parents Angry Over Dress Code Enforcement Save Email Print
    Posted: 11:43 AM Aug 6, 2008
    Last Updated: 8:26 AM Aug 7, 2008
    Reporter: Patrick Claybon
    Email Address: Patrick@wtvy.com

    A | A | A

    A look around the Dothan High campus on the first day of school shows many students going to class and teachers preparing them for the year ahead.

    But one thing we didn't see any of Wednesday morning, were dress code violators as the school prepared for them to go home.

    "Rules will be enforced, those rules have been in the handbook; we did not try to penalize people that were new, but if they went to a school here in the Dothan city school system, those are the same rules."

    According to some parents, several students were taken home by bus around 10 Wednesday morning, and their problem is with notification.

    "Pulled them out of class because he did not have a belt on, sent them to the gym, and then they sent them to the bus and took them home, and they did not notify me."

    "Sent them home on the first day of school; that don't accomplish nothing; you should focus more on education and not worry about their clothes right now."

    According to administration, students can come back to class on Thursday. And live on WTVY Principal Sewell said that students could come back, properly dressed, on Wednesday.

    "I will apologize to some students that got caught up that don't do it habitually, but guess what? Rules apply to everybody."

    Police arrested 28-year-old Josie Davis during the incident.

    Davis is charged with disorderly conduct for reportedly interfering with police when they tried confronting her child about violating the school's dress code.


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    Posted by: Travis Location: Clarksville on Sep 19, 2008 at 02:07 PM
    This is ridiculous. I go to a school and our dress code is hardly anything and there is hardly any trouble at all! we are allowed to wear jewlery, and have jeans, and skin tights, and mp3s in class. it helps us relax knowing we look good. so yea u guys are stoopid

    Posted by: leah Location: malvern on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:46 PM
    I have my children in a christian school for many of the reasons listed below. I do not want my son to think it is natural nor ok to wear earrings in his ears. I do not want him showing his underwear and wearing jeans to his knees or shoes untied. My daughters do not need to think make-up like Tammy Baker is appropriate NOR skirts above the knee or shirts showing all of their bodies and not being modest. I do not approve of what has become of society today in general. Our children are the means of our future. The examples and teachings mold them into our future and how they will create their own offspring. Offensive language is a class "C" misdemeanor and yet I hear the "F" word every visit to Walmart. On one occasion I called the law enforcement to file a report when management did not think it was necessary. The officer informed them and the citizen that I should not have been the one to call but the management should have and yes I was correct -- its illegal to swear in public!

    Posted by: TO TONY Location: Dothan Parent on Aug 19, 2008 at 10:05 PM
    YES you are right, students and teachers do not have the same rights, however--teachers ON THE JOB-supervising a crowded parking lot while kids are being dropped off, should actually DO THAT JOB instead of being slumped over a cell phone TEXTING and totally unaware if kids are getting from the car to the other side without being hit by the on coming car poolers. And teachers, school staff and admin should set the right example for students. I've even seen the Principal in the same parking lot also TEXTING, so it's no surprise why the teacher thought it was okay--at least in the case of the principal he was not directly overseeing a high traffic student drop off area. I agree with a dress code, however some of the behaviour exhibited by the so-called professionals is anything but that...if you're going to talk the talk...walk the walk too!

    Posted by: Tony on Aug 19, 2008 at 01:30 PM
    An educators perspective. First of all. Students who complain about no cell phones for students do not truly understand their rights. Teachers are not students and therefore they have different rights. Big suprise here folks but students do not have the same rights as teachers. Don't believe me then go look it up. Ive worked jobs in which the boss says, "no cell phones on the job" but he uses his all the time. Well guess what... he is the boss so I work under his rules! Second- Dress Code I personally could care less about the dress code. We have other things to worry about in school without this too. However, because Maurice wears his pants hanging to his knees and Susie wears a top that shows entirely too much cleavage the schools have been forced to do adopt a no tolerance poilcy. No tolerance means, no tolerance. NO exceptions can be made period. If your son is the greatest student in the school but forgets his belt well... next time don't forget the belt.

    Posted by: Desirree Location: Ft Rucker on Aug 13, 2008 at 10:26 AM
    I know that I'm no longer a student anywhere, nor am I a parent of anyone in school. I am, though, ashamed of what our school system has become. Yes, students need a dresscode. They should dress in a manner as to not distact others. They should dress in a manner that is approved of by their parents. They should have rules. No cell phones, no IPods, no cursing, no fighting. Everyday rules that apply in and out of school. I'm sickened after reading the comment left by a student in the student council. This is a fine example of what we should be worried about. We should be worried that *is* is spelt *iz*. That she typed the word *seat* for *sent*. If this is what our education system has become then I am very greatful to have graduated ten years ago. I think perhaps I'll be homeschooling my children.

    Posted by: How Ironic--DHS Parent Location: DHN on Aug 13, 2008 at 08:08 AM
    While at DHS yesterday, I saw a teacher that was on duty and supposedly watching over kids in a very specific area, slumped over her cell, TEXTING!! Students are adamantly warned not to have a cell phone out in sight or on during the school day but obviously setting the example is not the policy among some teachers. The area she was supervising was high traffic and she didn't look up once in the time I was there to make sure that students were okay. OBVIOUS dress code violations should definitely be dealt with, seeking out offenders and disrupting an entire school full of students in order to do so, is not appropriate or acceptable in my opinion. The discipline shouldn't be more distracting than the original offense. Parents need to start parenting at home, make sure their child is dressed appropriately and not wearing pants 4 sizes too large and let the teachers focus on teaching--that seems to be more than some of them can handle already!

    Posted by: danielle Location: dothan on Aug 11, 2008 at 09:12 AM
    i fully believe there should be a dress code, and it should be enforced but that has nothing to do with the written out statements on the forum, the guy who said the well written out statements are law abidding citizens and the less ones are criminals you should be ashamed you are a biggoted mind that should go back to school and get reeducated on the political correctness of your stupid comments not everybody can get to college education, and just because they didnt and may live poor and they still do the best for there families does not mean they are ruffians or criminals, i have a suggestion quit watching cops and forging bad opinions about people you obviously know nothing about

    Posted by: DHS Student Council Member on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:28 PM
    they should have at least gave some of us a warning..because sending somebody home without a belt iz too far! but i seen several students that should have been seat home ...& WERE NOT!!!...they should have did what they last year & sending them 2 ISS so they don't miss school....

    Posted by: vick Location: dc on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:33 PM
    Anonymous-It does matter how the kids dress. What 15 year old boy can focus on his Algebra when a 15 yr old girl is showing cleavage?

    Posted by: Vickie Location: DC on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:26 PM
    Dress codes do need to be enforced. Girls don't dress like ladies anymore and look more like street walkers. Boys wear clothes that look like they are wearing a diaper underneath or like slobs. The problem is the parents. They have no respect and don't teach their kids respect for simple rules. No one raises their kids right anymore nor do they take responsibility when they screw up their kids when they wont listen. Too many people are parenting from the couch or their cell phones and not paying attention to the things that matter.

    Posted by: Ron Location: Dothan on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:42 PM
    Look at the well written statements and look at the ones that aren't. Now I haven't looked but will challenge anyone that wants to do so... I'd be willing to wager that the ones that aren't written quite so well are supporting the anti-rules side, the side that says "teach at school and quit worrying about rules". That's the problem, they can't teach with all of the distractions, people trying to get attention and trying to find their individuality. You people are the very ones that wind up in those nice orange or red jump suits that look so professional while collecting trash on the side of the road. What do you think the penal system is trying to teach you then? Yes, uniformity and structure. I'm tired of paying for you twice. Get it the first time and become a productive member of society so we don't have to pay a judge, public defender and guards to try to force it on you along with meals that we have to buy again. It's not rocket science!

    Posted by: Anonymous Location: Slocomb on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:43 PM
    It all the schools in this area. When need to change the rules. TEACH AT SCHOOL! who cares how the kids are dress. Make sure the clothes fit and MOVE ON!

    Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:20 PM
    This is FOR DR. WHO? Follow up on ALABAMA Law...it is NOT ILLEGAL in Alabama to leave your child home alone at any age becasue there IS NO AGE limit. Just call DHR in Houston County. They say it is OK to leave a 9 year old home alone, scared with no contact numbers just as long as he could defend himself. Idiots!!! what 9 year old can truly defend himself in an emergency?? And Houston County Sheriff's Dept. confirmed...NO age limit!!! GREAT STATE OF AL!!! However, it is against school rules for a child to leave the school without being checked out, so my question is who checked the children out without parental consent!!! Sending children home without parental knowledge in JUST PLAIN NEGLEGENT and its what they want so whom ever did it should be reprimanded!! I hope no child is ever kidnapped, killed, assaulted or commits a crime in AL becasue of school neglegence and lack of the state making a mandatory age for children to be responsible! After all they're not adults until 19!

    Posted by: Ron Location: Dothan on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:43 AM
    Quit whining! Face it folks, Dothan High has been sinking because of the lack of rule enforcement by administration, faculty and parents. I believe that the principal needed to stake a claim in his school. One bad day, now everybody knows, and whether you like it or not nobody can claim ignorance anymore. There is a dress code, a code of conduct and a handbook to find them in. I'm sure that you can probably find it all on the City's website. And in my eyes, discipline and accountability are part of the education process. What makes any of you so special that we should turn our heads and let you slide on the rules that you don't think are important? It's exactly what's wrong with society today.

    Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:23 AM
    Go Dothan High! You parents that need a handbook to tell you how to dress are pathetic

    Posted by: Old Man Location: Cowarts on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:05 AM
    I belive schools should have a dress code. BUT!! DHS is taking it too far. Suspend a student for 3 days,because they didn't wear a BELT. 1st. give them a warning. They go to school to LEARN,Not to have a FASHION SHOW !! Schools are more like Prisons,and Don't give a darn if a student learns,or not.

    Posted by: Missing the Real Picture Location: Dothan on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:59 AM
    The real issue that should be discussed is why have BOTH Dothan Highschools failed State standards for the last FOUR years??? Why do these schools continue to do the same thing time and time again and hope for different results--that's the definition of insanity. CHANGE is needed from the top of the ladder all the way down to the bottom throughout our city schools and this is by far more of an issue than someone wearing a belt!? You have Seniors that can't read or graduate, you have 20 year olds sitting up in classrooms because they've failed and draw monthly checks for 'emotional' issues--so why are they sent to our schools..is that what our schools have become, a holding cell until these folks can move to the real ones? There were 9th graders showing up to orientation with babies in arm (their own children)...and not wearing a belt is considered a distraction to learning??? Do you think we're missing the bigger picture?? Private school is looking better and better.

    Posted by: RALT Location: ELBA AL on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:46 AM
    MAYBE THEY WILL TEACH SOME OF THESE PEOPLE YOU HAVE TOO LIVE BY RULES AND REGULATIONS BEFORE THEY FINISH SCHOOL.SENDING THEM HOME IS A GOOD IDEA

    Posted by: R Location: Ozark on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:57 AM
    If you are going to grant a interview on tv, your point is taken better is you use proper English. It is difficult to take someone seriously when they make the statement "don't worry about 'they' clothes right now."

    Posted by: Parent Location: Ozark on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:45 AM
    While I do not live in Dothan, we are facing the same situation in Ozark. Parents, READ YOUR HANDBOOK. This is exactly what is wrong with society today, noone is taking personal responsibility for ANYTHING. You should know the dress code, especially if you have already been in the school system. I applaude the administration at Dothan, as I do here in Ozark for enforcing the rules and sticking to them. The statement was made, the rules apply for EVERYONE, how true this is. Set an example for your children, parents, and take responsibility, and teach them to do the same.

    Posted by: Dr. Who Location: Ashford on Aug 7, 2008 at 06:32 AM
    Not wearing a belt is a Class 1 violation, the punishment for which is in the handbook. This is copied directly from the Schools website. First Offense: In-school conference and Parent/Guardian contact when warranted. Circumstances may warrant actions as outlined under subsequent offenses. Dress codes are great and enforcement is great, but not following your own rules is stupid. Sending kids to empty homes is asinine and asking for a lawsuit. This action put children in danger, after all, it's illegal to leave kids below a certain age at home alone anyway.

    Posted by: Gerald Location: Dothan on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:26 AM
    Be glad you don't have to buy extra uniforms YET. Parents need not be suprised to have their children sent home if they are half-dressed or falling out of their clothes. Let your children do as they please and run life in your house if you like, but let the teachers run the School House and teach them to respect themselves and others by not being sloppy or obscene in the way they dress and carry Themselves. The real world will one day require A LOT more from them than clean clothes worn DECENTLY!

    Posted by: Chris Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:11 PM
    It's about time... I got dressed up for a speech I had in class today. (I attend EOCC) I started tucking in my shirt just before class and I realized I didn't have on a belt. So I left my shirt untucked. So my question is: Who on earth tucks in there shirt with out a belt? and what kind of piece's of crap for parents are those who let their kids sag their pants?

    Posted by: Let's get creative! Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:03 PM
    Rules, rules, rules...There must be guidelines for order,but obviously all of these 'laws' are not keeping order as there was major chaos at DHS today. What about some creative problem solving and a 'positive' learning enviroment...getting kids interested and excited about learning. Even those that start out excited will be drained with all of this negativity and drama. I do agree that there must be guidelines and consequences, however this matter grew out of proportion today. The main focus should be on educating students not being a rule meiser. Dothan's school system needs a major overhaul and a new mindset in the way of educating young people. Some Teachers seem so focused on 'laying down the law' that the real mission gets lost in the mix. Let's not make our schools a 'day prison' for those students that have continual behavioural problems, get them out of the mainstream (and into a program) so school funds and resources aren't absorbed and those that want to learn can do so.

    Posted by: Jan Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:00 PM
    I support Mr. Sewell, but this was done wrong.My child who is a 9th grader had his pants up , shirt in and belt on, and they said something about not being able to see his belt. The dress code do not say the belt has to be seen. The situation was handle wrong on the first day of school.

    Posted by: Circle City Parent Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:35 PM
    WAY TO GO DOTHAN HIGH!!! now if all of these WHINNING and complaining parents would close their mouth and actually parent their children instead of letting the school do it for them we would all be better off....Rules are rules parents and it appears that some of you think that rules don't apply to your kids...GET OVER IT!! just because some of you dont make your kids mind at home doesnt mean that applies at school....how bout doing your jobs for once and actually parent your children and make them follow rules...maybe some of these parents should have to attand school...but then again they couldnt follow the rules either....GOOD JOB DOTHAN HIGH!!!

    Posted by: Kay Location: Slocomb on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:33 PM
    I think the school should TEACH! That All! If the kids have on clothes and their pants are up.... who cares if they have a belt on? Does the school want to buy clothes for all the kids? This was so out of line for the school. IT'S THE FRIST DAY! Teacher should teach and parents do the rest. Call the parents if there is a promble don't sent them home on the bus with no one at home. How dum was that?

    Posted by: Hill Location: Dothan/ Troy on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:35 PM
    I am a recent graduate of Dothan High Schhol and I know for a fact from personal experience that the teachers at Dothan High school do not follow the rules themselves, like not talking on your cell phone after school. I got in trouble for calling my parents after school to see if they could come get me and a librarian decided that I could not talk on my cell phone and that I needed to go inside and use the phone. well the code of conduct says that you can talk on your phone and 3:10 when the school bell rings. So... I do not think that is the students faults the teachers pick and choose the things/rules that they like and they add their own things to it. And to the middle school teacher who put her two cents in parents have a right to do those things if they feel their children are being treated unfairly they should speek up for the children whose parents cannot afford to do that. From what I understand is that some kids had on belts and all the other rules were being followed.

    Posted by: Freshman Mom Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:24 PM
    I apologize for being a little off topic but something that worries me--while attending the recent freshman orientation and going room to room to meet the teachers and watch my child introduce herself to her teachers, I was surprised (and disappointed) when a few of the teachers immediately broke into a long string of rules--it came off very negative and a bit strange. There were actually TWO teachers that stood out because they were positive and welcoming and actually knew how to handle an introduction as that's all my child was trying to do. One teacher went so far as to write on the board all of the 'consequences', and read them step by step. While I agree with rules--an introduction met with this seemed highly 'uneducated'. My child is a gifted, honor student and has not ever been in trouble at school (thank goodness) but the negative expectations and atmosphere was a huge turn off and I'm hoping that the first impression turns out to be wrong in this case.

    Posted by: Sandy Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:06 PM
    As a parent of three I take the time to know exactly what is going on at my childrens' school, whether it be dress code, parking issues, etc. As publicized as the dress code has been, any parent who didn't know this was going to be an issue probably has a lot more suprises ahead of them.

    Posted by: DHS Parent Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:06 PM
    While I applaud Principal Sewell's efforts to set the standard and enforce the rule to ALL, it is unfortunate that the chaos of the morning interferred with the learning process. My child spent an hour and a half in homeroom doing nothing while the security officer went room to room to seek out dress code violaters. I agree the dresscode should be followed but enforcing rules should not be a distraction to learning. I also believe that parents should be notified and made to come get their children as the school system should not bear the burden or cost of transporting students back home in order to change clothes. I do not think uniforms are the answer, students should follow the dresscode. The negativitiy illustrated by the middle school teacher is alarming, if there really is an issue with children abusing teachers then that teacher must not be following the handbook as thats clearly a violation, so to the middle school teacher, why are you not enforcing the handbook rules?

    Posted by: kimberly Location: Ozark on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:30 PM
    It is about time they do something.i lived down the street from the school for three years and It was hareble how the kids dressed. my kids went to school in Dothan the dress code wasnever infoursed. Thats why I like Dale Countey. Keep up the good job DHS.

    Posted by: middle school teacher Location: dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:55 PM
    You go Dothan High. It is about time that the school faculty takes back the school!!!! I teach middle school and am soooooo tired of the students running our schools and telling us, the faculty, what we are and are not going to do. It is time for our schools to be run by the faculty and not the students and their parents and their threats of lawsuits just because we are trying to do our job. Parents think that their "innocent" child has the right to treat all faculty with disrespect, physical threat, verbal abuse, and physical abuse and when we (the faculty) complain, the response is "I'll sue you" or "there is nothing we (the school) can do, you will just have to deal with it". If you don't believe me, then come sit in a classroom for a week and observe the abuse your children are dishing out to their teachers.

    Posted by: Betsy Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:33 PM
    No tolerance is great!!! BUT...legally the DHS folks had better make sure a Student Handbook is in every hand and the student/parent have signed that they read it or they will be in court. I think this was a bit ridiculous on the first day. Give out handbooks and begin announcing the rest of the week that beginning Monday the code will be enforced. They'd better check on cell phones too. I guarantee you that's how "Mama" knew about the arrest warrant on her son. I'm for a NO CELL PHONE policy. Period. There are too many distractions in school already. I applaud DHS, but do it right! That school has been in a decline since Mr. Woodham left. My son graduated from there and we loved it but ever since it has been going downhill. I say bring on the uniforms! Nothing looks as nice as the kids at the private schools with their khakis and polo shirts...nothing there to worry about enforcing!!!! Let the daddy put his kid in private school...then see some real rules enforced!

    Posted by: john Location: dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:31 PM
    Wow, from reading most of these comments it seems that most parents would like to see our school system take a stand and enforce a policy.....as long as it does not include their child.

    Posted by: Gail Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:18 PM
    The school should follow their own rules.I think the procedure is to give a warning before sending home.Sounds like they did not do this. So should Mr.Principal be suspended, for breaking the code?

    Posted by: Agree Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:17 PM
    We all need to learn that rules need to be obeyed. That's what keeps order in life. The earlier our young people learn this the better for them. I support this and my children graduated from DHS. and we love it.

    Posted by: Michelle on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:08 PM
    This school is ridiculous!! As a parent with children who attend Dothan High, I can honestly say that they put all their focus on the dress code. There is no focus placed on academics at all. As you can see by the AYP scores.They will call you if your child does not have a belt on but I am still waiting for one of my children's math teacher to call me back from October of 2007. One of my children had a teacher last year who when reading out loud had trouble pronouncing most of the words. I agree that dress code should be a concern but it seems to me that Dothan High has way bigger problems than dress code violations. What about the drop out rate and children who are graduating from here that cannot even read. I think someone needs to get their priorities straight!!

    Posted by: L Location: dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:08 PM
    Okay public let's back up on blaming "the troublemaker" and "bad kids". I think it's great the school enforces the rules, my son broke a rule and shoud have been punished however, this was handled inappropriately. My son is a good student and has never been in trouble at school. He went to school this morning with his shirt tucked in, his id badge on, pants pulled up to his waist and ready to learn. He forgot to wear a belt---the school put him on a BUS and SENT him home WITHOUT notifying me. My son called me to let me know he was at home and what happened. When I called the school to verify they told me that Mr. Sewell would not be taking phone calls today and he would have to call me back tomorrow. Can you imagine??? My child has been sent home with no notification and he will have to call me back tomorrow????? A phone call to have me bring a belt or pick him up would have been sufficent.

    Posted by: Bradford Location: Dothan on Aug 6, 2008 at 01:49 PM
    BRAVO Dothan High for having standards and enforcing them...and for all of those whining students and parents...the students KNEW in advance about the dress code..the students have known for a LONG time...and most of the offenders were upper classmen who knew better.....maybe the parents should stop whining and start parenting and actually back the school's rules. Good job Dothan High!

    Posted by: Jack on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:53 PM
    The kids would conform to the dress code BUT they have not be given the Handbook to have the dress code nor did adminstation send out a letter giving them notice before the first day of school!!!

    Posted by: Keith on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:10 PM
    If the kids can't conform to simple rules, what chance do they have to make it in the real world. School Officials - good on ya!

    Posted by: john Location: Hartford on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:08 PM
    Expulsion....simple....abide by the rules. I applaude the school for their no tolerance rules. Expel these trouble makers and focus on teaching the ones who want to learn. The mother should be banned from school property, she really shows why some of these kids do not have no respect for rules and authority.

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