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"Change always has its resistance," remarked School Director Christopher Halaszynski at Wednesday's night McKeesport Area School District board meeting.

Via petition, 340 McKeesport Area High School students are resisting changes to the district dress code policy proposed for the district beginning in the 2012-2013 school year.

Junior Theresa Kulasa presented the board with a petition signed by 340 students against enforcing the new dress code that she circulated through the high school over the past week. Only three students she approached declined to sign the petition.

Kulasa said she received more negative than positive feedback from students and feels that without the board allowing more time for preparation and implementation, the new dress code could cause rather than solve problems among students.

"I don't see it as being efficient this coming school year," she said, explaining that the financial burden of purchasing a new school wardrobe could create a hardship for some students and their families.

. . .

Kulasa suggested that the board consider stricter enforcement of the current dress code before enacting a new policy because the same problems, such as boys sagging their pants, would continue, only with different clothing.

She also said the district needs more initiatives to encourage students to embrace a new dress code in a positive light instead of reacting against it and it might consider gradually introducing the policies beginning with the younger grades.

"I'm against it, but I want to offer ideas to make it better," she said.

. . .

Officials commended Kulasa for speaking out on behalf of over 300 of her peers and communicating what the student body feels about the proposed new dress code to the board.

"I don't dispute a lot of the things that you have brought up," said Board President Patricia Maksin. "Thank you for your initiative."

A brief overview of the proposed new dress code posted on the MASD website includes the following:

• Solid colored shirt with a collar and sleeves


• Bottoms should be blue, black or brown/tan


• Shorts, capri pants, jumpers, skirts and skorts will be permitted with the hemline at the knee


• Jeans will be permitted for grades K-6, but will not be permitted for grades 7-12

A more detailed presentation on the dress code policies was given at the school board's open agenda meeting earlier this month, which can be viewed here. (PDF reader required.)

At the January board meeting, Legislation and Policy Committee head Trisha Gadson detailed a timeline for the new dress code process.

. . .

The dress code subcommittee is accepting community feedback up on the new policy until March 5. The public may send feedback via email at DressCode@mckasd.net; by contacting Public Relations and Communications Specialist Kristen Giran at (412) 664-3645; or by writing to the board at 3590 O'Neil Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132.

Following a committee meeting scheduled for March 21, a first reading of the new dress code to the board is planned for March 28, with a second reading on April 25.

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