Equine Online Has Moved!

East Lincoln’s news blog has moved!

To read the latest on the ongoings at East, visit elhsnews.webs.com.

Despite Economy, Drink Sales Haven’t Lost Fizz

By Erin Querry

 

  Current economic challenges have affected businesses and individuals in a variety of ways. Public schools – including those in Lincoln County – anticipate budget cuts related to the national recession. Despite job losses and an overall decline in retail spending, East Lincoln students still are dropping coin in the school vending machines, according to school officials. 

 

   Debbie Richard, East Lincoln’s financial secretary, said, so far, students haven’t curtailed their need for food. Instead of scrimping and saving, most students aren’t willing to do without soft drinks and snacks, which range in price from $1 to $1.25 per item.

 

  “Even though the economy is suffering right now, I still buy a drink at break just about every day,” said Amy O’Neal, a 17-year-old Junior at East Lincoln.

 

   To date, purchasing trends have not been tracked at East Lincoln. However, Ms. Richard said the school shares profits from the machines with drink companies. The money the school gets from drink sales helps the school purchases as text books and other classroom supplies.  

No School Uniforms Next Year, Principal Says

   By Beverly Jones

 

  If you’re worried about school uniforms being required at East next year, don’t pack up your Hollister and  Bob Marley t’s or your jeans – at least yet.

  

  Dr. Cale Sain, East Lincoln’s principal, said the implementation of a uniform policy probably will not occur during the 2009-2010 school year. However, uniforms probably will become a reality at East the following year when this year’s sophomores are seniors.

 

   The reason for uniforms?  Dr. Sain says too many students are routinely violating the county dress code policy, taking up the time of teachers and administrators who have to deal with the violations and parents who have to bring clothes to school. Students also are losing valuable class time.  

 

  However, students interviewed for this article vehemently oppose a uniform policy.

 

   “It’s a public school. I don’t think that’s right,” says Brittany Colon, a tenth- grader, who previously attended Charter school and was required to wear a uniform.

 

   “We should be able to express ourselves,” says Zach Jensen, a ninth-grader, speaking for himself and his peers.

 

   Lisa Frazier, head of the EC Department at East said she she opposes school uniforms, mostly  because of the expense.

 

   “The economy is bad right now. No parent is going to want to go out and buy a whole set of uniforms for a whole week,” said Mrs. Frazier, speaking from the perspective of a parent and a teacher.

 

   Dr. Sain said the benefit of uniforms are myriad. Foremost, if all students were required to wear khaki pants and polo or button-down shirts, many problems would be solved.

 

  “It’s a uniform that fits comfortably, covers all the body parts that need to be covered, and can be inexpensive. Also, it’s something that can be worn outside of school without it looking like a uniform, per se.”

 

   National chain stores such as Sears, Wal-mart, Belk, Gap, and Old Navy sell basic clothes that can be used as uniforms.

 

  And online retailers such as Lands End sell uniform staples such as solid-colored polo shirts and khaki pants for as little as $10. So uniforms don’t have to be expensive.

 

   Dr. Sain said teachers likely will be held to a similar standard to insure they set an appropriate standard.

 

  Some even say that the dress code problem starts at home and parents need to be more active in helping their children decide on appropriate clothing for school and how to wear those clothes. But, Ms. Ellis, said many students do what she calls “The Wonder Woman:” they dress at home and then bring other clothes to school to change into, transforming their look.

 

   “There’s no way parents can keep up with students who do this and they are often completely surprised that their student is dressed inappropriately.”

  

  What’s so great about uniforms anyways? Well, for one, they eliminate the difficulties of enforcing the current dress code, which some students already violate either occasionally or on a daily basis.

 

  Also, studies show that uniforms help to increase students’ ability to focus on curriculum rather than on what the people around them are wearing. Other reasons uniforms are looked upon as a positive move are they cut down on cliques and gang activity and help students to feel equal to their peers.

 

   Implementing a more professional standard of dress also helps prepare students for work. 

 

   “You can’t wear pajamas to work and keep your job,” said Mr. Gavin, “so why should a student be able to wear pajamas to school.”

  

  Most students are used to wearing what they want, as long as the violations are not extreme. 

 

   Rumors of a possible uniform requirement have been circulating around campus all year. Most students are outraged at the possibility. Let’s face it: teen-agers enjoy the ability to express themselves with what they wear. Then there’s the thought of if everyone looking alike; a dull prospect to think about.

 

   Dr. Sain said students could adhere to the existing dress code, which would make a uniform policy unnecessary. 

 

   The existing student dress code, published in the Lincoln County student Handbook (LCS Board Policy 4316) states:

• tops, tank tops and shirts must cover chest, back and midriff. Any top, tank top or shirt must have shoulder straps of at least two (2) inches.
• shorts, skirts and dresses should not be shorter than mid-thigh.
• tights/leggings should not be worn as outerwear.
• slashed, cut-up clothing or holes in clothes from the knee up.
• “Sagging” pants
• Underwear worn as outerwear
• Clothing with alcohol, tobacco or controlled substance advertisement or reference.
• Clothing displaying vulgar writing, symbols of sexual reference, racial comments.
• Exposed undergarments
• See-through clothing
• No head gear, hats or hoods can be worn inside a school building during the school day without prior approval by the school administration for special reasons.
• Gang attire is prohibited during the regular school day and at extracurricular events. Any dress, book bags or materials that reflect association with or promoting of a “gang” are prohibited. Determination is made by the administration and/or resource officer.  
• Decorative lenses
• The Code of Student Behavior bans various modes of dress that would fall under the “disruptive behavior” category
• Dark glasses worn inside a building are prohibited.
• No bedroom shoes or sleepwear can be worn without prior approval of the school administration for special occasions.
• Chains or jewelry that hangs from wallets.
• Spiked collars, rings and bracelets which may be used as a weapon, cause injury or hinder movement.

The consequences of violating the dress code are as follows:

• First Offense — Warning and student will be required to change clothes.
• Second Offense — Parent notified and student assigned to detention for up to one day.
• Third Offense — Parent notified and one day suspension.
• Fourth Offense — Will be considered major infraction and therefore subject to Level I offense.