Despite the fact that the proposed uniform policy for Metro schools is still under review by Metro legal counsel and has not yet been brought back before the school board (as Director Garcia implied he would when the "concept" of school uniforms was approved April 10), many schools in the district are sending home information about what clothing children will be able to wear next year. In yet another example of the administration's disregard for proper procedure, MNPS has also posted additional information on its website regarding the uniform requirements: http://mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=20660.
It is never too late to let your voice be heard. The process the administration has followed and the concept of school uniforms itself are both deeply flawed. Write school board members and the media using the links to the right, or request to speak at the June 12 school board meeting: Email your name, address, phone number, email address, speaker and topic, and board meeting date to melissa.bryant@mnps.org. You can find more details about requesting to speak at http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=1736
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
MPASS to Metro Schools: Stick to the Facts and Stop the Propaganda on Uniforms
PRESS RELEASE TO MEDIA, SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, AND MNPS
MAY 4, 2007—The recent arrest of a Jere Baxter Alternative School student suspected of concealing a rifle in his pants on a Metro bus has prompted a wave of propaganda from MNPS spokespeople, falsely using the situation to promote the district's expected uniform policy for the 2007-2008 school year.
Metro Parents Against Standard Attire (MPASS) takes exception to comments in the press this week by Ralph Thompson, MNPS assistant superintendent for student services, and Woody McMillin, MNPS spokesperson, said Laura Creekmore, releasing this statement:
"Both Thompson and McMillin asserted that a Metro-wide school uniform policy could prevent situations like this week's arrest of a student suspected of carrying a gun on a Metro bus. Yet they are ignoring some critical facts:
"The student arrested this week was never on MNPS property in possession of a firearm, but instead was waiting for and riding a Metro bus when the rifle was discovered. We doubt that MTA bus drivers, employed by Davidson Transit Organization, will be charged with enforcing the MNPS uniform policy next year.
"Even more egregious, the charged student attends Jere Baxter Alternative School, which requires standard attire now. Clearly, the school's existing standard attire policy did not prevent this incident.
"MPASS urges Metro schools to stick to the facts when talking about school uniforms."
MAY 4, 2007—The recent arrest of a Jere Baxter Alternative School student suspected of concealing a rifle in his pants on a Metro bus has prompted a wave of propaganda from MNPS spokespeople, falsely using the situation to promote the district's expected uniform policy for the 2007-2008 school year.
Metro Parents Against Standard Attire (MPASS) takes exception to comments in the press this week by Ralph Thompson, MNPS assistant superintendent for student services, and Woody McMillin, MNPS spokesperson, said Laura Creekmore, releasing this statement:
"Both Thompson and McMillin asserted that a Metro-wide school uniform policy could prevent situations like this week's arrest of a student suspected of carrying a gun on a Metro bus. Yet they are ignoring some critical facts:
"The student arrested this week was never on MNPS property in possession of a firearm, but instead was waiting for and riding a Metro bus when the rifle was discovered. We doubt that MTA bus drivers, employed by Davidson Transit Organization, will be charged with enforcing the MNPS uniform policy next year.
"Even more egregious, the charged student attends Jere Baxter Alternative School, which requires standard attire now. Clearly, the school's existing standard attire policy did not prevent this incident.
"MPASS urges Metro schools to stick to the facts when talking about school uniforms."
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