Published: August 29, 2008 10:52 am            

No more body piercings, torn jeans for Knox County students

Special to The Times-Tribune

The Knox County School District has announced several new policies affecting students in school year 2008-09 in the areas of inappropriate clothing and personal articles, random drug testing, and transportation.

In the area of inappropriate clothing and personal articles, there are two major changes:

1) Clothing with revealing holes or tears above the knee are prohibited. Last year the location of the revealing holes or tears was not specified; and

2) “Body piercings or otherwise” that disrupt the educational process as determined by the school administrator are prohibited. “Body piercings” were not included in the policy last year.

“We were hearing comments repeatedly from staff, parents and the community about both revealing clothing and the increase in body piercings,” said Asst. Supt. Malena O’Daniel. “The Knox County Board of Education based its revision upon the recommendation of the student handbook committee that studied the issues and was in accordance with the advice of the board attorney.”

Another major policy change this year is the inclusion of a drug testing program/plan for students in the Knox County Schools. This past summer, the board established a mandatory random drug and alcohol testing program for student drivers and students participating in competitive extracurricular activities, including athletics.

In order to participate in those activities or to drive on campus, students and their parents must complete a form agreeing to the students’ participation in random drug testing. The form was included in the 2008-09 Student Handbook and was to be signed and returned to each student’s school of enrollment.

“The policy is meant to be proactive and help the student, not be punitive,” Public Relations Director David Cole said. “For example, if a student were to be tested positive, the district would notify the parent or guardian, have a due process hearing and schedule appropriate counseling.

“The primary loss to the student would be his or her participation in extracurricular events and/or driving on campus, and the extent of that loss would be based on whether it is the first, second or third offense. For example, the first offense carries a suspension of six weeks, the second carries 12 weeks, and the third offense brings a one-year suspension from those activities.”

A third major area of change affecting students this school year pertains to transportation, especially during transitioning from bus to bus. The policy changes are listed below:

• Students may only ride their assigned bus during transitioning, and during this process, bus drivers are to release students from the bus only under the supervision of staff on bus duty. Furthermore, students who are going to transition differently than their regular routine are required to have a permission slip signed by their home school principal.

• All students will now be required to sit in assigned seats

• Students cannot board any bus while wearing a cap or hood.

“These changes stem from concerns expressed by both transportation officials and several administrators,” O’Daniel said. “These measures should help school officials maintain a safe and orderly environment during the transitioning phase, both in the mornings and afternoons.”

One policy that is not new this year but will be receiving a renewed focus is the Knox County School District’s “Bullying/Hazing” policy. “Most parents and students understand this type of behavior in a traditional sense,” O’Daniel said. “However, the policy extends to any student language or behavior, including the use of electronic or online methods.

“The use of the Internet, e-mail, text messaging or any other electronic or online method to bully or harass other students is not permitted,” she said. “Actions may result in violators being reported to legal and/or social authorities.”

For more information contact your school principal, Asst. Supt. Malena O’Daniel at 606-546-3157, ext. 2020, or Mr. Cole at 606-546-8911.

        

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