Students, Staff, and Parents of Pleasantville High: We would like to touch on some concerns many of you brought up when we implemented the new school dress code at the latest PTA meeting. As many of you know, the code has been met with some success. Those who voted for the dress code wanted a more consistent, more stable educational experience within the walls of PHS. However, we’ve also heard some questions—and some outright untrue rumors—that need to be addressed. First, we would like to emphatically state that no student has been suspended for a first, second, or even third infraction, unless those students wore clothing with profanity, violence, or sexual images. Pursuant to our dress code, we are aiming for a lax environment with plenty of responsibility shouldered on both sides. Second, an anonymous clothing drive has been set up for those parents or students unable to purchase new articles clothing without words on them. Third, students are only sent home on their fourth or later infractions when previous offenses weren’t egregious (cursing, violence, etc.). We are proud to report only three of our 8,000-plus students have been sent home regarding this policy, and they were welcomed back—with appropriate clothing, of course—the following school day, with only minimal detriment to their academic standings. Fourth, we are saddened that some view this as an attempt to control our students or limit their free speech rights. Our students are encouraged to express themselves in a variety of healthy ways outside of the words on their clothing. We strongly encourage those needing an outlet because of this new policy to check out one of our dozens of after-school clubs or activities. We also hope that even those parents who don’t agree with the policy can keep the tone of discussion civil when talking about the policy with their children. Thank you all very much for your continued help in making our school a mark of pride for Pleasantville. While the school has no immediate plan to change this policy, we welcome interested parents to come discuss it with us at our next PTA meeting in November. We appreciate all parties taking a civil, rational tone, no matter what the other group’s beliefs may be. Go Fighting Lemon Trees! Let’s make 2013 the best year yet!