School Dress Codes
By Leann Hands Have you or a friend been stopped in the hall because your clothing is "distracting"? If that's the case, you're not alone. This is how many girls around the world are feeling. “What does my wardrobe have to do with my schoolwork?” Many young women wonder. And this is the answer: nothing! Women have been told to cover up their bodies for millennia. It's not just in school; it's also at work and in public places. According to a survey conducted by Stop Street Harassment in 2014, 37% of adults in the United States do not feel comfortable strolling alone near their home at night. In terms of gender, 45 percent of women and 27 percent of men indicated they don't feel comfortable going alone at night. Many women are apprehensive about walking alone. And you might be wondering why we're discussing ladies walking home alone; I thought this article was about school clothing codes? Yes, you are accurate, but it all begins in school, where boys learn from an early age that it is OK to instruct a female how to dress. We have been oblivious to this issue as a society until now. Many people are speaking up about these issues. Many movements, such as "Pass the Skirt," "#MeTo Movement," and others, have been created to enable women to express themselves. Many people at Pecos High School have signed petitions and even staged a peaceful demonstration to reform our dress code. I interviewed a few of Pecos High School students regarding the dress code, and here is what they had to say. Both of my pals stated in their interviews that they or someone they know had been clothing coded for inexplicable reasons. Many of my friends have been dress coded for their clothing, which I have witnessed. "Tank tops, crop tops, and hats," both of my pals remarked, when I asked what one thing about the dress code they could change. When I inquired as to why they chose these, they both stated that they wear them at home and in public. Last but not least, I inquired if they had ever been harassed because of something they wore. “Yes,” is the answer from both of them. I've even been harassed because of my clothing. In a survey I conducted for Pecos High School students, 66.7 percent of respondents said they had been clothing coded. When I asked if they thought the dress code was unjust, they unanimously agreed. "Leggings, caps, and crop tops," they answered when I asked what they would change about the clothing code. When I asked individuals about modifying the regulations on leggings, hates, and crop shirts, they all answered the same thing. Finally, when I asked if they'd ever been treated unfairly because of their attire, 66.7 percent replied yes. Because of sexism and ridiculous dress standards, many women and girls do not feel safe wearing the outfits they prefer. We are in the twenty-first century. It's past time for us to stop enforcing useless dress regulations and instead, focus on the genuine issue. We, as a culture, should not shame girls or instill in them the notion that they must cover up their bodies because they are "distracting." Please assist in resolving the issue! Put an end to arbitrary dress codes! |
The Graduation Caps Problem
April 2022 By Emily Lozano For seniors, graduation is a very special time. However, some schools forbid students from decorating their caps. Which is shocking because some students have to pay for their graduation gown, then they should be able to do whatever they want on them. Why does the school board think that decorating our graduation caps would be such a bad idea? It's time for the seniors to show off their creativity. For example, if I were graduating, I would decorate half of my cap in tribute to my auntie, and the other half would be decorated to reflect my personality as well as my aesthetic. What I'm trying to say is that many people may decorate their caps in honor of someone or simply to show who or what they are. But what are people's thoughts on this issue? LeeAnn Hands was asked how she felt about the situation. She stated, “I think they have already made it that far to graduate. They should be able to decorate their caps to show off their personality." She also stated that they should promote it because it makes everybody stand out or be unique. Finally, when I asked her what her views were on this, she stated “I think its very stupid that they don't allow it because they made it that far to graduate they shouldn't have to put away there creativity just because it's “unprofessional” the last day of teen and childhood years; they should be able to dress and decorate their cap and gown.” Next, I spoke to Saressa Sorrell about the situation and enquired her what she considered about it. Realize that one of her sisters is graduating this year. LeeAnn and Saressa both believe the same thing. But she really thinks it's highly unfair. For those who paid for their cap and gowns with their very own money, and that they should be free to do whatever they want on them. As long as it remains school-friendly and does not appear too unprofessional. I conducted a survey to find out what Pecos High School Students thought. My survey question was answered by around twenty people. Several people said they might go to the school and talk to the board about the problem. Even so, some have stated that they may do so, although they are unsure. However, many people did express their opinions. But here is the one that really stood out to me.“ I think students should be able to decorate their caps and gowns because if the school already has uniforms then they will just be pushing down their creativity.” I genuinely think that we should be able to do whatever we want with our caps and gowns since we paid for them. Maybe we can demonstrate to the older generation the importance of being bold. , it would also demonstrate that we are excited to be seniors and that we will be graduating. |
Congratulations & Farewell to Mrs. Britton!
After over 30 years of loyal service to the Pecos Independent School District, Mrs. Britton has decided to retire. Mrs. Britton will be missed, but has made it clear that she will still be a support to the school and the community now and in the future. There will be a fitting tribute to Mrs. Britton in this year's yearbook. Student Isaac Gonzales presented a speech to Mrs. Britton to show his gratitude. The pictures below show Isaac presenting his speech, and Mrs. Britton watching and listening. The text of the speech and a poem tribute poem from Mr. Faunt are both posted below.
Farewell Speech to Mrs. Britton By Isaac Gonzales Hello! We are here to celebrate Ms. Britton’s retirement. I speak for everybody here when I say we are all going to truly miss you. I have made some of my best memories with you being in your class. When COVID first hit you made it feel like we were still in your class you made us feel like there was no such thing as COVID. You helped me and all the students that were afraid of what was going on. I grew up hearing all the good things you did and how you were one of the best Teachers from my siblings, so I couldn’t wait to be in your class and have you as a Teacher. I appreciate you so much and now understand what my siblings talked about. I was going down memory lane the other day, and I remember the time we were working on a paper in your class and you said you would not accept the paper. I remember I asked why and you said because you knew I could do better. I remember going home and being upset and sitting on the table writing the paper my lead pencil kept breaking because of how much pressure I was putting on it. I remember my Mom came home and asked what was wrong and I told her that you wanted me to write the paper and she laughed and said "Yup, that is Ms. Britton!" She said "I'm glad she made you redo it." I remember feeling angry and thinking "Mom, you are supposed to be on my side!" Anyways I went back the next day and I read it and it was better and you came up to me and said "It's better, don't you think?" Although I didn’t admit it I did know it was better. Thank you for pushing me to be better and knowing me better than what I thought. It is something I will keep with me every time I am doing a paper telling me you can do better. I plan to use this to help me become a better writer. Mrs. Britton, you deserve a big thank you for helping me get closer to my dream. I know I am going to miss you and I know that as a Teacher you wear your heart on your sleeve. Thank you for all the years you helped students here at Pecos High School and for all the lives that you touched and changed forever. Sometimes God sends down angels to us and that is what you have been: always so dedicated and selfless; always going above and beyond. Our community and students will never forget you. Enjoy your retirement, family and free time. Don’t be a stranger, come visit us--we will miss you. God Bless and stay safe!! Sincerely, Isaac Gonzales |
The Beacon For Mrs. Britton, with everlasting gratitude from Mr. Faunt. To be or not to be…is the question no more. This question is answered. You have been, And will continue to light the rocky shores For girls and women, boys and men And you…all the while, remain: a beacon. Ships have come in and some have been lost. Some come and go from season to season. Warm like the Dickens, or chilled by the Frost, Each morning you pillar, you spire, you tower And if guiding light is sought by a yachtsman Your guidance is certain no matter the hour Amidst such a Tempest, you are the Botswain, Oh Captain, thou art the Mockingbird’s wings Though feet shall find fire, your Peace like a River, A voice that propels the Caged Bird to sing, The Remains of the Day belong to The Giver… The lives that you’ve touched—far beyond numbers And seeds you have planted shall ever keep growing; The substance you’ve given shall ne’er stray asunder From minds of the learn-ed and souls of the knowing. So, thanks for the gifts, for the wisdom and guidance; More than a mentor, you are the blueprint! The voices you’ve freed shall not live in silence And as curtains close, your spirit is lucent. One Act has concluded but one has just started You are the standard--the one to embody And although in body you shall be departed In these halls you’ll reside as our great literati. |