This generation no different than others
I’m writing in response to Mr. Will Stewart’s article “High school irons out dress code.”
As a concerned parent of a soon-to-be freshman at WCHS, both my wife and I believe the “total education” of our children, and not the dress code, should be the all-consuming worry for principal James Bennett and his faculty.
This is the year 2003. Trends and clothing change. This has always been the way for every generation. Whether rock and roll music ushered in the ’50s, or The Beatles and their “mop top” look haircuts that came with the ’60s, times change, people change and that is the nature of this wonderful life we’ve been blessed with and what makes us individuals.
I know personally my parents certainly did not approve or care for my ponytail I wore, the bell-bottom pants and the rock and roll T-shirts I wore as a teenager growing up in the ’60s. But none of the above-named items ever caused me to think or act upon a killing rampage at school, use drugs or misuse my body in any way. This was me, my individuality and my way of self-expression.
When I was in school, I acted, studied and treated others with the respect they deserved – with my ponytail in tow. I studied just as though I had a crew cut and wore a shirt and tie. My hair, my clothes, weren’t what made me. My mind, my brain, my values and study habits made the grades.
We both understand what Mr. Bennett is trying to accomplish – and we do agree with him on some of the more “radical” clothing and piercings. But I really feel we need to rethink the all-controlling policies of and for our students and our future. We need to believe, love and teach our children the basic “what’s right and what’s wrong.” And if we do this we can only hope and pray they listen.
They are going to make mistakes — we all do — that is part of life that is being a person.
I appreciate our teachers, principals and know they do the best they can do. We are fortunate to live in Warren County and have the excellent school system we have. I thank God and pray for our children, the students. Lets trust and believe in them. I truly believe they will do fine.
Sincerely,
Barry and Jonna Adams
196 Banks Road
Smithville