The School Committee is reportedly considering passing a relaxed dress code that would effectively permit students and parents choose what kind of clothing is appropriate for the school and for school events.
Colleen Cormier, a part of the School Committee, explained that the Policy Subcommittee will discuss the merits of a revised plan model that the Mass. Association of School Committees.
According to those guidelines, each student and their parents or guardians are responsible for their own look and dress. Then, according to the plan, all clothing may be deemed appropriate unless it poses a risk to one’s health or safety or is likely to produce disorder or trouble for the general public.
Civil rights organizations have argued that more stringent dress code frequently discriminate against individuals based on gender and culture, more infringing on teenagers ‘ First Amendment rights to free expression.
School board former Patricia Chisholm agreed with the city last quarter during a previous School Committee discussion on the subject that its policies should always be in a position where pupils ‘ First Amendment rights are violated or that individuals may not be permitted to wear religious or historically significant clothing. She argued, however, that Woburn’s procedures may include some form of encouragement and guidance regarding appropriate clothing.
Invoking one such instance, Chisholm argued that district administrators should be able to deter students from attending substantial public events and significant gatherings while wearing pajamas pants.
I sympathize with students who wear pajamas, but I also believe we should put a spotlight on how important it is for them to dress for success and not to attend college while they sleep all night, ” she said.
“ I really do have problems with the lack of construction. When we start giving plenty of freedom to boys, it ’s going to blow up in our heads, ” she added. “It’s one thing if they have to wear [items ] because it ’s part of their culture. That’s excellent. But we’re opening up the gates by leaving [our dress policy ] to become something that ’s suggested. ”
In order for the board to have a more in-depth discussion about the changes, school committee seat Andrew Lipsett will put the dress policy amendment to a potential meeting’s agenda.
School Calendar selections
The School Committee voted unanimously to identify Thursday, June 20 as the last day of lessons for the 2023-2024 academic time at their conference earlier this year.
According to Schools ’ Superintendent Dr. Matthew Crowley, individuals may have a half-day of lessons before starting their summer holidays.
Although there was little discussion, School Committee associate Patricia Chisholm, who finally supported the superintendent’s recommendation, requested that the city be sure to follow state guidelines for graduation ceremonies.
Particularly, the Mass. School districts are prohibited from holding graduation ceremonies more than 12 school days before the end of any given academic year by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education ( DESE). Based upon Chisholm’s calculations, this year’s tentatively scheduled completion tasks on Friday, June 7 would be one day beyond that limitation.
According to the supervisor, who promised to double check the period, he may apply if needed for a DESE cancellation.
Crowley even informed the school board that core office administrators are now putting together the timeline for the forthcoming 2024-2025 school year, which will start on Tuesday, September. 3, when faculty report for their first day of work.
Kids will gain to the school two days later on Thursday, Sept. 5.
In collaboration with the [ Woburn Teachers Association ], we are working on the calendar itself. So we should include that available in the near future, ” he said.