Students want other students to cover up

By DAWN SLADE
Mille Lacs County Times
Posted 3/6/03

Teenage girls wearing revealing clothing is a hot topic at Apple Valley High School. So, whatís it like in our own school?

Milaca High School does have some bare tummies, cleavage and mini, mini skirts, but for the most part itís only a select few dressing this way.

During an informal survey of thirty-some seventh through 12th grade students, the Times learned that most are quite opposed to the scantily dressed among them.

Comments like, "Itís gross," and "Theyíre hussies," and other more derogatory statements were the norm.

The juniors and seniors say itís mostly the younger girls dressing that way - seventh and eighth graders.

But, the seventh graders say itís mostly eighth graders. Regardless, itís only a small portion of students who dress inappropriately - according to the students and staff.

Walking through the packed lunchroom on Friday, Feb. 28, the Times only saw one student wearing a tight t-shirt that showed cleavage and a small portion of her stomach. The majority were wearing jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts.

It seems the Britney Spears influence has only influenced a select few.

Senior Heather Schwartz said, "Itís only the little girls that want to show off what they donít have."

Kurt Koskela, also a senior, said it actually offends him when girls dress inappropriately. Koskela called them hussies.

He went on to say, "Thereís a difference between class..."

"And trash," senior Brandon Goodrich finished saying.

Though the students donít want uniforms, they do feel there should be some regulation.

Senior Mike Maiorino said, "I donít think dress codes should be enforced, itís a way to express yourself."

However, Maiorino also said of the skimpy clothing, "There should be limits. Express yourself, but donít advertise."

But, when the senior boys were asked if the senior girls were to dress like the younger girls, the boys werenít so quick to speak against it.

The younger boys (seventh, eighth and ninth graders), werenít quite as opposed to the skimpy clothing. However, they also pointed out they like it on some, but not on others.

The high school girls the Times spoke with were are all opposed to those who dressed in short skirts, see-through shirts, crop tops or with thong underwear straps showing above the pants.

Senior Jamie Sonnek thinks its okay to wear some of those items, but is quick to add that if someone is wearing them, they should be covered up.

"Theyíre trying to impress people," Sonnek said of the younger students. "The seniors donít really care, we just wear whatever."

Sonnek happened to be dressed in a tank-top during the interview, but had a sweatshirt around her waist that she put on for a photo.

Eighth grader Tiffany Hanenburg said, "Itís to get boys to like them."

Meghan Davis, seventh grade, mentioned boys also saying, "I think a lot of girls want male attention, maybe they donít get it at home - I donít know. Or, to intimidate other girls."

Eighth grader Sara Monroe said what she dislikes most is girls showing a lot of cleavage. "Itís gross."

A group of seventh grade girls said a lot is shown during gym, in particular skimpy swimsuits during swim class.

Teachers and staff agree that most students do dress appropriately at Milaca High School and that thereís just a small number of students who need to cover up more.

With hormones running wild in teens, administrators say they prefer students to cover up so thereís less distraction and more focus on school work.

Activities Director Jerry Westphal said he actually has students come up to him requesting that he talk with other students who are dressed inappropriately.

The schoolís dress code in the student handbook states, "It is the policy of this school district to encourage students to dress appropriately for school activities and in keeping with community standards."

Inappropriate clothing, according to the schoolís policy, includes (but is not limited to):

ïShort shorts, skimpy tank tops, tops that expose the midriff and other clothing that is not in keeping with community standards.

ïClothing bearing a message that is lewd, vulgar or obscene.

The policy also states that when, in the judgment of the administration, a studentís appearance, grooming or mode of dress interferes with or disrupts the educational process or school activities, or poses a threat to the health or safety of the student or others, the student will be directed to make modifications or will be sent home for the day. Parents/guardians will be notified.

Eighth grader Seth Fjerstad summed it up best when he said, "Itís negative attention."