Dress code pilot program passes first reading
Board to make final decision on middle school dress code July 19
BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE - The students of Fords Middle School may need to comply with a new standardized dress code in the 2007-08 school year.

"I'm excited, this is a good thing," said Schools Superintendent Vincent Smith.

Board members voted 7-0 for the first reading of the pilot program of a standardized dress code for Fords Middle School, which includes sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students, at the Board of Education meeting on June 14. The second reading will be held July 19. Board members Brian Dziedzic and Brian Small were not present for the vote.

"We will evaluate and discuss how things are going midway through the pilot program," he said.

Cynthia Lagunovich, principal of Fords Middle School, approached the school administration and Board of Education in December and introduced a standardized dress code idea.

"We definitely don't want the dress code to be like the uniforms in the Catholic schools," she said.

After six months, school officials along with administration, staff, parents and students of Fords Middle School determined that a standardized dress code policy would enhance the school-learning environment at the school and believe that the implementation of the policy would further support the school's goals.

The school's goals include creating an atmosphere that focuses on the seriousness of an education, keeping students more focused on learning and creating a sense of pride and belonging among students. The board believes a dress code would enhance student safety, and reduce violence and theft, alleviating social pressures and discourage competition based on clothing.

Lagunovich said there haven't been any incidents in the school, but the number one priority is safety.

"With a standardized dress code, we can work on the social and learning climate," she said. "Our number one priority is safety, and in light of the incidents throughout the country, the dress code will allow us to identify people who do not belong in the school."

Lagunovich said she has spoken to area public schools throughout New Jersey that have implemented a school dress code.

"School officials have told me that they have seen a decrease in discipline of 90 percent," she said. "It was absolutely amazing."

Lagunovich formed focus groups of the school's faculty and staff with parents and a group for the students.

"When we first took a poll, 83 percent of parents were for the dress code, 8 percent were against it, and 9 percent were undecided," she said. "About 60 percent of students were against the idea and 40 percent were in favor."

However, Lagunovich said after talking the idea over with the students, "it seemed they were more interested and thinking that this might not be so bad."

"The students will have choices," she said.

The students will have a choice of a long- or short-sleeved solid color polo style with collar shirt or an oxford style shirt that must be buttoned. The shirts, which have to be hip length and size appropriate, cannot have any writing or graphics on them. The students would not be allowed to layer their clothes.

"The students will be able to choose white, navy, blue, light blue or burgundy polo shirts or oxford shirts," she said.

The students will have a choice of solid color khaki style pants, which should be size appropriate and have no writing or graphics on them. The students can choose from tan, navy or black pants. The pants should not have rivets on the pockets.

"Students will not be allowed to wear jeans," said Lagunovich. "Cargo pants are acceptable."

Girls would be able to choose from Capri length pants, Bermuda length shorts, and knee-length skirts. Boys would be able to also choose knee-length shorts.

Lagunovich said the students suggested gym clothes to her.

"The students can choose between sweat pants, basketball-length shorts and mid-thigh length shorts," she said. "T-shirts and sweatshirts can be any color, but they can have no writing or graphics on them. Fords Middle School logo shirts are acceptable."

The students would be allowed to wear their own shoes. Sneakers are required to be worn with the gym clothes.

Lagunovich said she received concerns from parents about the hindering of the children's expression, creativity and individuality if the dress code were put into place.

"But I assured them that this wasn't the case," she said. "The students can express, create and individualize themselves through their school work. Clothes do not make the person."

Lagunovich also said she didn't want the students to feel like they didn't have a choice.

"I want them to have a choice and dress modestly," she said. "I want them to distinguish themselves not in a negative way. They have a range of colors to choose from and can buy their clothes at any store they would like whether it be Wal-Mart, Target or anywhere."

Lagunovich said the teachers and staff would have to abide by a dress code as well.

Most of the parents who came to the board meeting were in favor of the dress code, but some still had concerns.

"I am not totally against the dress code, but I feel we don't have to refer the township to the inner cities like Jersey City, Bayonne and Camden," said Paul Ikas, whose sixth-grade daughter would have to abide by the dress code if approved. "Since this is a pilot program, I think it's a better option for all the middle schools to try the dress code for a year and see how it goes."

Calvin and Kim Knight, whose two sons went to Fords Middle School, said they are in favor of the school dress code.

"This will definitely eliminate distraction about who has the best clothes and who has the best designer sneakers," said Calvin Knight.

Kim Knight said even though she and her husband consider themselves a middle class family, it is still a struggle.

"A few months ago, I took my son to Target and we spent over $200 on T-shirts and two pairs of pants," she said. "And now, recently, he asked me if I could take him shopping again. I said, 'My goodness, didn't we just go shopping?' "

Vanessa Kinsey, whose two sons were part of the focus group for the school, said the dress code would help the students for the future.

"We all follow a dress code at work," said Kinsey. "A man in a suit and tie is a uniform. It starts now; it's about education, not about socialization. That is for after school."

The dress code policy also includes four disciplinary steps if a student does not comply with the dress code once it is put in place.

The first disciplinary step is a student would be provided a written warning that would be transmitted to the parents; the second step is a student would be provided with a second written warning that would be transmitted to the parents and the student would serve administrative detention; the third step is a student would be provided with a third written warning that would be transmitted to the parents and the student would be placed in in-school suspension, and the fourth step is a student would be provided with a fourth written warning that would be transmitted to the parents and the student would be suspended for a day out of school and would be excluded from extracurricular activities.

All the students would have an opportunity to change clothes if possible after a warning is given.

Superintendent Smith said these were the four steps put in place, but if a situation arises, the principal and administration would look into other disciplinary measures.

The second reading of the dress code policy will be held at the next Board of Education meeting on July 19. If the board votes in favor of the policy, then the dress code would be implemented sometime in November for the 2007-08 school year.

For more information on the dress code policy visit the school district's Web site at www.woodbridge.k12.nj.us.