L’Observateur / August 14, 1998

LUTCHER – St. James Parish Public School System has a newsuperintendent and with him, many other new changes.

Two major changes in discipline policies will take effect beginning when school starts in the fall.

Instead of students going to the Alternative Center for day-by-day suspensions, students will attend after-school detentions for minor infractions. All schools except Vacherie Primary will have detentionclasses one or two days a week. Detentions will last an hour and a half.Expulsions to the Alternative Center will now range from one to 24 months, based on the severity of the problem.

The other major change in the discipline policy regards dress code.

Superintendent Walter Landry said the changes will help promote a safe environment where students will focus on academics. The following dresscode will be effective on the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 17: Clothing and related items – chains, shoes, bandannas, etc. – associatedwith gangs is prohibited in the interest of safety, student image and safe/drug free schools.

Earrings by males and nose rings by students are discouraged and can be prohibited in the interest of safety, student image, safe/drug free schools and to control disruptive behaviors.

No leggings are allowed.

Boys and girls may not wear shorts in grades seven through 12.

No form-fitting clothing will be allowed.

Boys may not wear their hair in braids.

No see-through clothing will be allowed.

No low-cut or off-the-shoulder tops are to be worn.

Jewelry is worn at the student’s own risk. The system will not beresponsible for lost or stolen items.

Curlers are not to be worn.

Suggestive, obscene slogans, pictures, etc., on clothing are not allowed.

Sunglasses are not to be worn inside the building.

Caps or hats are not to be worn by boys or girls.

Clothing that exposes the stomach or midriff must not be worn.

Clothing with holes are not allowed unless patches cover the holes.

Muscle shirts are not allowed. Tank tops are not to be worn alone without another non-tank shirt.

Shower shoes (flip-flops, thongs, etc.) are not allowed.

Micro-mini skirts are not allowed. Skirts just above the knee will be permissible.

Pants are to be worn at the waist – boys and girls.

Belts shall be worn with pants that have loops for belts.

Sweat pants shall be worn to the ankles and not to the knees.

Clothing shall be worn on the “right” side and not inside out.

Picture ID cards must be visibly worn at all times.

Visible body piercing is prohibited.

Large neck chains are prohibited.

Large earrings on boys and girls are prohibited.