The Konocti school board voted unanimously on Wednesday, May 17 to accept recommendations by parents, staff and Principal Maria de los Angeles Friedrich for the relaxing of common dress requirements at Oak Hill Middle School. Effective at the beginning of the coming school year, the policy relaxes requirements for color and allows jeans and prints. However, the policy excludes logos of any kind, hats and prints that are gang-related or derogatory in nature. The Oak Hill dress code policy was first determined about seven years ago by principal, staff and parents and has been subject to annual review in accordance with a school board directive. “The dress code was implemented to discourage identification with gangs, minimize conflicts, eliminate thievery of clothing and build a positive identification with Oak Hill and all of its expectations,” Friedrich noted to the board. Friedrich stated that the Oak Hill dress code policy has contributed to a positive learning environment and is one of several interventions put in place to bring about an improved school climate. “In this seven-year span the number of referrals to the office for disciplinary action has been reduced by over two thirds,” she added. “The number of daily physical fights has decreased from one or more a day to about one every month.” Friedrich reported that student attendance has increased from 88 percent to 92.44 percent in 2005-2006. A community dress code forum for parent and community input was held on Thursday, March 23, with 68 attendees. School staff took these reported priorities and drafted a recommendation for the board, which was discussed by the school site council. All parents were notified through the automated system about the school site council meeting. Certificated and teaching staff also had opportunities for input and the newly-formed Parent Teacher Student Association sent written input to the principal. The final recommendation took all groups” priorities into account. Contact Cynthia Parkhill at cparkhill@clearlakeobserver.com.
