The Battle for the Kilt in Saint Louis, Missouri - USA

[creagdhubh]

Greetings,

I noticed this recent story whilst perusing on Facebook and thought I'd share it with the rabble. The story takes place in my hometown of Saint Louis, Missouri located in the midwestern part of the US (for those abroad and are not familiar) and is presented on a major AM radio station, KMOX in Saint Louis.

I would like to preface the story by saying that I wore my kilt to my Senior Prom (dance) in 1999 and had no difficulties at all getting permission from school administrators in order to do so. Fortunately, they understood that the kilt is indeed considered the National Attire of Scotland and is a traditional ethnic garment and not a costume, but rather called Scottish Highland attire. The latter was better demonstrated in person when the school officials saw my evening dress come Prom night. They were quite impressed and pleased with my presentation of appropriate Highland evening attire (I had to leave the sgian dubh at home). Enjoy.

http://markisutherland.wordpress.com...is-kilt-fight/

Cheers,

[madmacs]

Is this the 3rd or 4th thread on this issue?????

[Zardoz]

that radio guy's "kilt expert" could use some help sorting out his kilt and tartan myths

[Jock Scot]

A distinctly English sounding American "kilt expert".

[creagdhubh]

A distincly English sounding American "kilt expert".

Hahaha, yes, that's what I thought too Jock. I have no idea where they find these so-called "kilt experts." And I do not know of a Mark Sutherland in Saint Louis, however, I did know an Alex Sutherland who was indeed the "real thing" from Scotland. I don't think there is any immediate family relation between Mark and Alex. Sadly, Alex passed away quite unexpectedly several years ago.

Alex was a vital part of and played an active role in the St. Andrew's Society of Greater Saint Louis, the Scottish community of Saint Louis, the Saint Louis Scottish Games, as well as being quite the musician/leader of the band aptly named, "Alex Sutherland and His Cronies." Cajunscot (Todd) knew Alex well, too. Alex has been missed dearly.

Alex Sutherland


Cheers,

[Big Mikey]

Though not the most interesting read, hear is the dress code information from the student handbook for the Granite City School District.



STUDENT CODE OF DRESS
Granite City CUSD #9 encourages a standard in behavior, dress, grooming, and appearance that reflects pride in self, home and school. Student dress should not disrupt the educational process or be a safety or health hazard. The purpose of this standardized dress policy is to improve the safety of the schools by discouraging gang affiliations, improve the learning environment by reducing distractions to the learning process, bridge socio-economic differences among students, increase student¡¦s self-respect and self-esteem, enhance student security, and enable a cost savings for families. This standardized dress policy allows students to focus on their academics rather than on peer pressure related to fads and/or costly attire. Students must be compliant with the dress code upon arrival at school and remain in such throughout the day.
The Superintendent can amend this policy at anytime if circumstances deem it necessary.
I. General Rules ¡V Color Scheme:
Pants/Capri Pants, Skirts, Dresses: khaki, black, or navy blue
Shirts: collared shirts ¡V white, red, black, or navy blue
A. Pants/Capri Pants/Slack style, relaxed fit, ¡§Docker¡¨ style shorts, skirts and dresses:
a. Must be a solid color (khaki, black, or navy blue)
b. Must be worn at waist level
c. No sweatpants/athletic pants/athletic shorts, pajamas, denim, leather or stretch/spandex pants
d. Pants with stripes down the side of the pants are not permitted, they must be a solid color
e. Cargo pants and shorts are permitted
f. Knee-length belted shorts ¡§Docker¡¨ style of the designated color scheme will be allowed at the Middle Schools and High School
B. Skirts/Skorts, Dresses. Female attire (relaxed fit):
a. Must be a solid color (khaki, black, or navy blue)
b. Must be worn at waist level
c. Length must be at or below the knee
d. No denim, leather, stretch/spandex
e. Slits cannot rise above the knee
f. Dress must have a collar
24
C. Shirts/Non-hooded Sweatshirts/Sweaters (ALL attire must include a collar or collared shirt)
a. Must be a solid color (black, red, navy blue or white)
b. Layered shirts must both be one of the solid color choices ¡V If shirt length is longer than bottom back pocket, shirt must be tucked in
c. Logos on shirts may be no larger than a half dollar with the exception of GCSD Spirit Wear logos on shirts/sweatshirts/sweaters
d. School sponsored clubs/activities must adhere to the standardized dress policy
e. Ties (for boys or girls) are optional and may only be worn with a button-down shirt
f. Shirts must have sleeves
g. No vests; no scarves; no half-sweaters.
h. Turtlenecks may not be worn in lieu of a collared shirt.
D. Belts/Suspenders
a. Must be a solid color (black, brown, navy blue)
b. Must be properly buckled and may not dangle
c. No wallet or belt chains allowed
E. Shoes
a. All students will wear shoes
b. Shoes with laces must be tied
c. Socks are optional
d. Roller skates, roller shoes, roller blades, or cleated footwear are prohibited
e. Heels should be appropriate height for various school activities and should not be potentially unsafe for the wearer
II. Additional Requirements:
A. See-through apparel will not be worn ¡V the appropriate and necessary undergarments must be worn and not shown
B. Clothing must cover the upper cleavage and the lower midriff torso at all times
C. Students may not wear or carry bandanas
D. Gang-related apparel is not acceptable
E. No hats, headgear, or sweatbands on campus at any time. Exception will be announced by the Administration due to inclement weather
F. Clothing that overhangs the heel or that is overly baggy is not permitted
G. Clothing must be worn right-side out
H. In classes where certain machinery and equipment is operated, individual teachers will cover guidelines on proper dress for students, including hair length and proper protection
I. Hair must be clean, of natural color, without curlers and not distractive or disruptive to the educational process. No grooming items may be stored in the hair
25
J. Gang-related apparel (as suggested by area police agencies) is not allowed at any time in school or at school events. Tattoos related to hate groups or which are sexual or violent in nature must be kept covered
K. Excessive or unnecessary makeup is not allowed. Makeup, perfume, and hairspray should not be applied in the classroom or cafeteria; it should be applied in restrooms or locker rooms only. (Some people are allergic to these items; please respect their limitations.)
L. Medical and religious-related needs must be properly documented in the school office before administrative permission will be considered to alter this policy
M. Coats, full-zippered Jackets/Hoodies cannot be WORN in the classroom
N. Body jewelry other than items worn in the hair, on the hand, wrist, ankle or ear lobe, are not permitted. Body piercing is limited to the ear/ear lobe. No plugs are allowed.
O. Contact lenses must be clear or of a natural eye color/shape. Eye wear and sunglasses that may become a distraction to the educational process are prohibited.
P. Jewelry and other ornamentation are permissible except those espousing violence, obscenities, harassment, or that may be a possible hazard to the wearer or other students are not permitted. Large hoop pierced earrings are prohibited for the safety of the wearer
Q. No ripped or torn clothing may be worn
R. Long-sleeve t-shirts, thermal underwear-type shirts are not allowed as a stand alone shirt, but may be layered under a collared shirt if of the appropriate color.
Principals and District Administrators have the final authority to determine what is acceptable and not acceptable under this Dress Code and may alter the policy to accommodate school spirit events.
District Goal ¡V by fall semester 2012 District #9 will have District-wide school colors of black, red and white.
III. Consequences
Warning for all students in agenda book, at opening day assembly or day of enrollment.
„h 1st ¡V Parent contact, student placed in ISS until parents bring change
„h 2nd ¡V Parent contact, student placed in ISS for full day
„h 3rd ¡V Parent contact, student will be placed in 2 days ISS
„h 4th ¡V Parent contact, student will be placed in 3 days ISS
„h All subsequent violations will result in a progressive schedule of out of school suspensions. Truancy personnel may be contacted.
All consequences are subject to the discretion of the Building Principal.

HOMECOMING DANCE/PROM: School Dress Code Guidelines and Rules will be in effect for these dances.

[MacGumerait]

Though not the most interesting read, hear is the dress code information from the student handbook for the Granite City School District.



STUDENT CODE OF DRESS
Granite City CUSD #9 encourages a standard in behavior, dress, grooming, and appearance that reflects pride in self, home and school. Student dress should not disrupt the educational process or be a safety or health hazard. The purpose of this standardized dress policy is to improve the safety of the schools by discouraging gang affiliations, improve the learning environment by reducing distractions to the learning process, bridge socio-economic differences among students, increase student¡¦s self-respect and self-esteem, enhance student security, and enable a cost savings for families. This standardized dress policy allows students to focus on their academics rather than on peer pressure related to fads and/or costly attire. Students must be compliant with the dress code upon arrival at school and remain in such throughout the day.
The Superintendent can amend this policy at anytime if circumstances deem it necessary.
I. General Rules ¡V Color Scheme:
Pants/Capri Pants, Skirts, Dresses: khaki, black, or navy blue
Shirts: collared shirts ¡V white, red, black, or navy blue
A. Pants/Capri Pants/Slack style, relaxed fit, ¡§Docker¡¨ style shorts, skirts and dresses:
a. Must be a solid color (khaki, black, or navy blue)
b. Must be worn at waist level
c. No sweatpants/athletic pants/athletic shorts, pajamas, denim, leather or stretch/spandex pants
d. Pants with stripes down the side of the pants are not permitted, they must be a solid color
e. Cargo pants and shorts are permitted
f. Knee-length belted shorts ¡§Docker¡¨ style of the designated color scheme will be allowed at the Middle Schools and High School
B. Skirts/Skorts, Dresses. Female attire (relaxed fit):
a. Must be a solid color (khaki, black, or navy blue)
b. Must be worn at waist level
c. Length must be at or below the knee
d. No denim, leather, stretch/spandex
e. Slits cannot rise above the knee
f. Dress must have a collar
24
C. Shirts/Non-hooded Sweatshirts/Sweaters (ALL attire must include a collar or collared shirt)
a. Must be a solid color (black, red, navy blue or white)
b. Layered shirts must both be one of the solid color choices ¡V If shirt length is longer than bottom back pocket, shirt must be tucked in
c. Logos on shirts may be no larger than a half dollar with the exception of GCSD Spirit Wear logos on shirts/sweatshirts/sweaters
d. School sponsored clubs/activities must adhere to the standardized dress policy
e. Ties (for boys or girls) are optional and may only be worn with a button-down shirt
f. Shirts must have sleeves
g. No vests; no scarves; no half-sweaters.
h. Turtlenecks may not be worn in lieu of a collared shirt.
D. Belts/Suspenders
a. Must be a solid color (black, brown, navy blue)
b. Must be properly buckled and may not dangle
c. No wallet or belt chains allowed
E. Shoes
a. All students will wear shoes
b. Shoes with laces must be tied
c. Socks are optional
d. Roller skates, roller shoes, roller blades, or cleated footwear are prohibited
e. Heels should be appropriate height for various school activities and should not be potentially unsafe for the wearer
II. Additional Requirements:
A. See-through apparel will not be worn ¡V the appropriate and necessary undergarments must be worn and not shown
B. Clothing must cover the upper cleavage and the lower midriff torso at all times
C. Students may not wear or carry bandanas
D. Gang-related apparel is not acceptable
E. No hats, headgear, or sweatbands on campus at any time. Exception will be announced by the Administration due to inclement weather
F. Clothing that overhangs the heel or that is overly baggy is not permitted
G. Clothing must be worn right-side out
H. In classes where certain machinery and equipment is operated, individual teachers will cover guidelines on proper dress for students, including hair length and proper protection
I. Hair must be clean, of natural color, without curlers and not distractive or disruptive to the educational process. No grooming items may be stored in the hair
25
J. Gang-related apparel (as suggested by area police agencies) is not allowed at any time in school or at school events. Tattoos related to hate groups or which are sexual or violent in nature must be kept covered
K. Excessive or unnecessary makeup is not allowed. Makeup, perfume, and hairspray should not be applied in the classroom or cafeteria; it should be applied in restrooms or locker rooms only. (Some people are allergic to these items; please respect their limitations.)
L. Medical and religious-related needs must be properly documented in the school office before administrative permission will be considered to alter this policy
M. Coats, full-zippered Jackets/Hoodies cannot be WORN in the classroom
N. Body jewelry other than items worn in the hair, on the hand, wrist, ankle or ear lobe, are not permitted. Body piercing is limited to the ear/ear lobe. No plugs are allowed.
O. Contact lenses must be clear or of a natural eye color/shape. Eye wear and sunglasses that may become a distraction to the educational process are prohibited.
P. Jewelry and other ornamentation are permissible except those espousing violence, obscenities, harassment, or that may be a possible hazard to the wearer or other students are not permitted. Large hoop pierced earrings are prohibited for the safety of the wearer
Q. No ripped or torn clothing may be worn
R. Long-sleeve t-shirts, thermal underwear-type shirts are not allowed as a stand alone shirt, but may be layered under a collared shirt if of the appropriate color.
Principals and District Administrators have the final authority to determine what is acceptable and not acceptable under this Dress Code and may alter the policy to accommodate school spirit events.
District Goal ¡V by fall semester 2012 District #9 will have District-wide school colors of black, red and white.
III. Consequences
Warning for all students in agenda book, at opening day assembly or day of enrollment.
„h 1st ¡V Parent contact, student placed in ISS until parents bring change
„h 2nd ¡V Parent contact, student placed in ISS for full day
„h 3rd ¡V Parent contact, student will be placed in 2 days ISS
„h 4th ¡V Parent contact, student will be placed in 3 days ISS
„h All subsequent violations will result in a progressive schedule of out of school suspensions. Truancy personnel may be contacted.
All consequences are subject to the discretion of the Building Principal.



HOMECOMING DANCE/PROM: School Dress Code Guidelines and Rules will be in effect for these dances.

I understand the necessity of this sort of thing and I'm not being political , just being humorous by pointing out the somewhat obvious .

But who wrote this ? The school board or the the U.S. Congress ? After reading half way thru it , I was expecting another thousand pages

[Bugbear]

"Mark Sutherland" sounds familiar from the other discussions, creagdhubh, you might ask Cajunscot…

[creagdhubh]

"Mark Sutherland" sounds familiar from the other discussions, creagdhubh, you might ask Cajunscot…

Cheers mate, I think I will!

[Zardoz]

I understand the necessity of this sort of thing and I'm not being political , just being humorous by pointing out the somewhat obvious .

But who wrote this ? The school board or the the U.S. Congress ? After reading half way thru it , I was expecting another thousand pages

Wow, 3 things come to mind;
I'm glad I'm not in school anymore
I'm glad I don't have any kids in school
Forced egalitarianism leads to mediocrity