News-Record.com

The problem is that the regular posters aren't from these schools or their neighborhoods, as far as I can tell. We certainly don't discuss these areas often. I would love to know if it makes a difference in actions of the students, behavior modification might be positive if it leads to better learning environments. It is a little late to make the decision, and I wonder how much input they got from the neighborhood. Dudley only went that direction because the parents supported the efforts- without that support it will be interesting to see the transition.

All the khaki pants and solid color shirts in the world--AKA SMOD-- will not teach Guilford County kids to read.

What a joke.

Anybody watch Oprah today? Tomorrow is a must if you didn't catch it today. She and Bill Gates discuss the crappy American education. I'm surprised that Guilford county was not mentioned today. The BEST part of today's show was when Oprah yelled at viewers for electing idiots for their school boards. Man I swear she must be talking about Guilford county.

Incidentally, just ran into BJ Barnes at dinner. He said tasers are staying.

We need more BJ's in our schools. I remember hearing kids get a "swat" in the school office when I was in school. It took about one or two spankings a year to keep everyone in line.

Where did those good ol' days go?

Aren't uniforms a good idea simply because they relieve the incredible pressure on those students who can't afford the latest $98 jeans or $50 shirts with a pony on them. I didn't grow up poor, but I do have empathy for those students who have difficulty attaining the latest fashions and, as a result, feel that they don't fit in. I don't think uniforms fix that, but I do think they lessen it, especially among younger kids.

At my kid's school, they have uniforms. We make contributions every year to provide suitable apparel for those students whose parents are not able to provide it.

Oh Emery,

How nice! Does the sun shine brighter too over there in Emerywood??? I hear it's a picture perfect world--well, just as soon as Dot, Walter and Susan get finished with their bussing agenda. Then it will be the utopia that they dream of.

Initially, I didn't like the idea of uniforms, but the longer I teach the more I see how they could be beneficial. I haven't worked at a school before with uniforms, but it would make my life easier. Has anyone noticed what students have been wearing to school the past few years? Gang wear, inappropriate messages on shirts, girls showing chest and butt cleavage are all problems. Schools have dress codes, but it is up to the administraton how they are enforced and many teachers try not to push the issue because they don't want to deal with the parents (esp. male teachers). Uniforms certainly won't solve every academic problem, but they could improve the learning environment.

Why is Dot so interested in mixing the social classes of students if she is just going to make them all look alike.

Dot, if you choose to bus kids in the name of diversity, the poor kids will see what the rich kids wear to school.

Andi,

Of course uniforms make life easier. It's just laughable to me that this school system thinks SMOD can fix their education woes.

I cannot embrace any idea right now that does not deal with the root of the problem. Grier and Goonies can put makeup on their fat pig all day and it will still be a PIG!

They know what they need to do to make changes in this county and they are ALL too cowardly to initiate the steps to do it. It's so simple but yet they prefer to bus kids around, change their clothes, and force them into "academies".

Every headline this past year has been how Grier has side-stepped another sanction OR another of his "innovative" ideas. I would just like to see some real learning going on and those that are not ready to learn to be tossed to the curb like the trash that they are.

The first trash to be taken out is Dot Kearns, Susan Mendenhall, Deena Hayes, Marti Sykes and the like....

Then the sun will truly be shining brighter for the kids in Guilford County--ALL of the kids!

EmoryBoard,

I understand where you're coming from. There's a reason why I'm not teaching in Guilford next year (and it was funny how many Guilford teachers were at my Rockinghan County orientation meeting).

I KNOW THIS IS OFF THE SUBJECT BUT NEWS 2 JUST REPORTED STATS ON HOME SCHOOLING.

AND GUESS WHICH COUNTY HAS THE MOST HOME SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA?

THAT'S RIGHT THE PRIZE GOES TO: GUILFORD COUNTY!!

I WONDER HOW MANY ARE LOCATED IN HIGH POINT!!!!

Homeschools,

Actually, Wake has the highest number of schools (3,098) and estimated enrollment (6,361), based on the report by the department of non-public education. You can check out the report at www.ncdnpe.org/hhh231.htm (Sorry, I can never remember how to make an active link when in the comment section!)

Guilford was at 1,283 schools and 2,318 estimated enrollment.

Forsyth: 1,065/1,898
Charlotte: 2,590/5,132
Buncombe: 1,463/2,699
Cumberland (Fayettville): 1,000/1,984
Union: 1,056/2,202

Those were the counties with 1,000 or more home schools.

Locally, Davidson had 723 schools with 1,256 students
Rockingham: 337/683
Randolph: 706/1,084

Thanks Jennifer!

I caught the very end of the broadcast and only heard Guilford County not Wake.

To Homeschools and Jennifer,

I think Guilford County, on a per capita basis, does have the GREATEST number of homeschools of any county in the state.

Emery Would

There will always be those that have more; those that have less. That IS a life lesson. Wouldn't it be better for parents to teach their children to do the best with what they have, that it is what's on the inside that matters, that if you want material things you have to "work" for them, not sell drugs to get them, first receive an education so you will be able to "work" for them, that life is not a government handout.

The only reason for uniforms should be so teachers don't have to deal with the pants hanging low, underwear hanging out, low cut clothes, or scary Satan looks.

Real World,

I'm sure you aren't really as uncaring as you purport to be in your post. Because that would make you possibly the most bitter and lonely person I've ever met.

I'm talking about 5 year olds and students up through high school. These kids are going to understand their own financial poverty every minute of every day. But, to a small degree, uniforms take some of the emphasis off of the ever-escalating label wars that have even middle-class students trying to attain clothing that's way out of their parents' reach.

I'll ignore your obviously racist jibes, and just urge you to have some empathy for children who did nothing to choose their home situation and can do nothing to change it--at least until they're out of school.

Even with SMOD, students can choose their own shoes. Shoes tell as much about family income as clothes.

If diversity is the number one goal for GCS why do they want everyone to look the same?

I would like to know if the teachers are also abiding by a dress code, many of the teachers in my school dress very unprofessionally and would not pass the schools dress code if it were applied to them.

If the students must wear polos and khakis to learn The teachers should be expected to dress even more professionally to demonstrate their position in the classroom.

Bus driver should wear Guilford County uniforms.

Male teachers should all be required to wear shirts and ties and female teachers should be required to wear below the knee length skirts.

Principals should be required to wear suits.

PE teachers must wear school color active wear and
knee length shorts when outside.

And what does Grier wear?

Top hat & tails?

EMERY WOULD

That is your interpretation of racist jibes. No mention of race was made. I could possibly see your point about elementary school. Uniforms might even save middle class families money.

However, whoever commented on shoes is correct. There are students that wear white tees with holes but have VERY expensive shoes. Oftentimes it is a matter of priorities.

Anyone can dress neatly. This does not take a lot of money. Parents should teach their children real values of what matters. It's not in the bling bling. That goes for parents of all races.

What happens to all the students when they get out of school and everyone is not wearing the same "uniform"? Some will always have more. Others will have less.

The key is to stress education to a obtain a successful life whether it be material goods one seeks or just for the benefits of education in itself.

Real,

I think most rational people will agree to me that there are racist overtones in two statements totaling 100 or so words with revealing code phrases like: "work for them, not sell drugs," "government handout," "pants hanging low," and "bling bling."

Maybe it's not deliberate on your part, but I've no doubt that there's some deep-seated issues going on there.

There is a difference between a racist statement and a "true, honest" revelation of what is reality.

Everyone in Guilford County schools knows that if anyone other than a black student wears South Pole or PACO baggy (show your underwear) pants and timberland boots that they are trying to "act black" and are often subject to severe harrassment for doing so.

There is nothing racist about this statement.
It is just fact...and everyone is tired of seeing underwear every other step.

However, selling drugs can apply to any race and walk in life as evidenced by the students in our school that are caught doing so. Rich, poor, black, white, mixed..............................

You completely missed the end of the statement which included a variety of people who wear "low cut shirts". ALso, usually only whites are seen wearing "Satan like" looks.

The point is if 'ALL" parents would see to it that their children dressed appropriately for school and would teach them the value of money and morals.

There would be no need for a dress code!!

Well put Dreesit Up. I believe EmoryWould is the one with the deep seated issues. This is her perception. I understood the previous statements as you have explained so well.

If diversity is the number one goal for Guilford schools is that only for shoes?

As a teacher at a school that requires SMOD I can tell you that it does help. Do I think it is going to solve our "educational woes?"
Absolutely not! My school looks at it as one of the things that we are doing to better the education of our students. It does help to make our students look more equal in terms of income. When everyone wears basically the same thing, it is very difficult to tell the difference between the high and low income families. I also think it sets the tone for a more organized and structured learning environment.

And by the way, I would love to have a new wardrobe of nice knee length skirts and blouses. Who's buying?

would love to dress it up,

Well if the parents have to buy SMOD approved wardrobes for the students just to wear to school....................

I guess you are responsible for purchasing yours.

Also, if you cannot afford to buy your own SMOD appropriate outfit maybe the ones that voted it into your school would be glad to go to the local Goodwill and buy you an outfit that meets the schools SMOD rules.

Teachers in your school may also be willing to donate their SMOD approved clothing to the teachers clothing closet for you.

After all, this is what the students have to do
so it must be a great solution!!