Triton School officials heard from some concerned parents about dress code policy enforcement during this month’s school board meeting.
Superintendent Jeremy Riffle explained that the only new rule that was added to the policy is that students are not permitted to wear jeans with holes in them.
However, he did note that, based on teacher and administrator feedback from the end of last school year, the enforcement has gotten more consistent this year and that has resulted in some apparent backlash.
In addition to hearing from parents during the school board meeting, Riffle said the following day, he had a chance to speak with some students in the junior class who shared their concerns online.
Superintendent Riffle said he encourages both parents and students to personally approach him and other administrators with any problems so they can work together to find a solution.
He shared, “What did it accomplish putting that on social media versus just coming to somebody and saying ‘Hey we have these concerns’?”
Riffle added, “So let’s have those conversations and try to do that as young men and women of character.”
He summed up his point by stating, “Let’s face our problems, not Facebook them.”
Riffle indicated the dress code policy enforcement has been supported by school officials who feel, ultimately, they’re trying to maintain an academic environment. He added that the matter sort of plays into the school corporation’s theme for this year.
He mentioned, “Something that was stated as a part of the theme for this year, and it kind of goes along with the expectations of dress and what we’re trying to accomplish. Our theme is transformation.”
He continued, “Transformation simply a commitment to turning things around and making sure they’re as good as they can possibly be at all times so actions, attitudes, and behaviors; how can we transform our organization with a growth mindset?”
Riffle previously shared that Special Speaker Lisa King spoke with staff members about the concept of a growth mindset during a staff orientation day before the start of the school year.
He also noted that the theme of transformation was highlighted during an all corporation assembly on Friday, August 9th.
