Wednesday, May 23, 2001

I wanted to give a brief update on what has happened since I e-mailed the letter about my Fayette Middle School daughter's fashion travails.

Very early the next morning, I got e-mails from Dr. John DeCotis, superintendent, who directed me to Wayne Robinson. Mr. Robinson and I had a lengthy talk and I have been invited to meet with other parents and administration officials this summer to discuss the dress code for next year. Also, [school board member Janet] Smola also checked in to make sure I had been approached about this. I appreciate the school board inviting me and I plan on attending.

I have received several e-mails from other parents "amen"-ing and giving me support. I also received a great tip on what to do with those expensive blue jeans that my daughter has ripped the knees out of this spring make shorts with them. I also appreciate the feedback and the tips.

I do want to make one thing clear, based on my discussion with Mr. Robinson. Although I did discuss my opinion of the dress code policy back in the fall with a guidance counselor (the first time my daughter ran into the fashion police because her sun dress was only two-and-a-half fingers wide at the shoulder), I did not approach Mr. Maxwell (the principal of Fayette Middle) in the fall nor did I approach him this time.

I have the utmost respect for Mike Maxwell, since he has been principal over both my daughters (at different schools) over the years. I have never seen Mr. Maxwell be anything other than supportive and caring with his students. I should have approached him with my concerns regarding his assistant principals and the dress code policy, and I regret not doing so. Hopefully, my schedule will allow me to do so before the school year ends.

I hope other parents find the nerve to raise their voices regarding these type issues in our schools in fact, any issue that they feel needs to be aired. Only if we speak up, are we heard.

Thanks for a great newspaper. I will try to keep folks posted on the continuing fashion saga.

Sherri Baker Greer

srbgreer@bellsouth.net

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