DISQUS

irritated parent · 1 year ago

My daughter is 10 and I usually don't let her wear a skirt because normally she doesn't sit properly. So I have bought her many skorts due to this. Now they are going to say she can't wear them. They are shorts with a skirt over them. Give me a break. How long do the shorts have to be?? I think the city of Haverhill better send out dress codes and CLARIFY how long skirts, shorts, and skorts have to be.

Good Call · 1 year ago

Please... are you kidding me? Look at the picture, people! Skort or not, it's WAY too short. Teaching your daughters a little self respect by NOT letting them walk around looking like popstar wannabees when they're 12 is a good thing!! If you're not buying it, they're not wearing it. My daughter is 12 and she would never be allowed out of the house wearing bottoms like that. Ever.

diamond · 1 year ago

Look at the picture again... its not too short! OMG, give the kids a break.

Good Call · 1 year ago

I don't need to look at it again to know that if she bent over to pick something up, everyone in her general vicinity would get a stellar view of her 12 YEAR OLD heiny. Do you even know what a skort is? These days, they’re essentially spankies under a short little skirt. The "shorts" in a skort are never the same length as the "skirt", my friend.

Oh, and I should "give the kids a break"? I don't recall blaming the kids. I recall blaming the parents who think it's acceptable for their pre-teen little girls to dress like 17-18-20 year young women.

Milt Taylor · 1 year ago

It was also probably lowered for the picture too. Good call by the principal and for the Buchanan backing up his administrator. Hopefully the taxpayers are not paying for her transportation to another school, let mom express her freedom of whatever by driving her to another school each morning.

Reasons? · 1 year ago

I support a school's right to set dress codes, but I'd like to hear better reasons for girls' dress requirements than "boys will look at you if you wear A.B, or C." Are we saying that young men can't possibly focus on their studies with a pretty girl in the room? Let's give the boys some credit here.

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

"Are we saying that young men can't possibly focus on their studies with a pretty girl in the room?" - No one said that at all - you're exaggerating .

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

I agree with the school principal. They are in charge of enforcing the dress code, ot is posted, and the child is in violation of the code - period. As for attending another school - absolutely NOT! This is a classic example of why our society is such a mess - every time you don't like a rule - you change where you are. Follow the rules for once in your life - kids are there to learn - not have a fashion show.

my_thoughts · 1 year ago

I agree, that skort is way too short to be worn outside of the house. I luckily don't have a daughter. I can certainly say that if I did, she would not be allowed to wear that to school. It is inappropriate. My feeling is that shorts are inappropriate for school in general.
One of the things that was stressed in the public schools I went to is that is should be treated as a job. I know that my job would never allow me to wear shorts to the office, so I would never allow my son/daughter to wear shorts/short skirts to school.

Karen · 1 year ago

It's great to have a dress code. But if you have an obviously involved parent who takes an interest in her daughter's appearance and believes her clothing is appropriate, I believe the school school should "back Off". That mother is right to remove her child from that school. If other parents didn't complain about the decision made regarding their children's clothes it is probably because they either don't care, or if they came with different clothes, are so terrified of their children being labeled by the school that they meekly comply. Parents should remember that while they should work with the school, it is the parent who has the final say.

Good Call · 1 year ago

"...if you have an obviously involved parent who takes an interest in her daughter's appearance and believes her clothing is appropriate, I believe the school school should "back Off". "

What?! So if her mother believed that, say, a bikini top and daisy dukes are "appropriate" to wear to school, the school should just say "While we do have a dress code, and your daughter clearly is not complying as she's dressed like a teenage prostitute, we'll just allow her to proceed to class because... well, because you said so, Mrs. Smith."

That's how it should work?

Give me a break.

Ginny O'Connell · 1 year ago

It seems to me that the outfit in question was a long way from a bikini top and daisy dukes. The kid was not inappropriately dressed. Haverhill Public Schools should focus their attention on education and the condition of their buildings...not borderline skort issues.

diamond · 1 year ago

Koodos to you... i agree!!!

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

That is absolutely wrong.The SCHOOL makes the rules and the children and parents follow the rules. That mother is not concerned at all - she is making life harder for herself AND her child. Just follow the dress code and worry more about learning a subject other than ego flexing.

Wendy · 1 year ago

If they make an exception for the "obviously involved" parent they will have to make that exception for everyone. There is a reason for dress codes. Even if I feel that a piece of clothing my daughter has is not inappropriate, if the school does not allow it she doesn't wear it to school.

Respect · 1 year ago

I think the mother is showing a bad example by removing the daughter. Like it or not, its the principle's call. if the mother doesn't like it, she should bring it to the school board. I believe this is a waste of time. If you keep moving a child because you don't like the policy it just shows her you don't have to listen to authority. Plus the child isn't learning by being moved to a different school.

society needs help · 1 year ago

Inappropriate, peroid. Bring in uniforms for all kids, in all grades. There will be no issues and uniforms cost lest than brand names.

irritated parent · 1 year ago

I don't believe that the mother should move her child to another school because all of the Haverhill schools should be following the same policy. I personally don't think any of my daughters skorts that she has are inappropriate (as far as I'm concerned) but I'm only her parent what do I know. I plan on dressing my daughter as I feel appropriate and see what happens. I just certainly hope all of the staff is required to follow this skirt, shorts and skort rule also.

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

I would focus on your daughter and her education and not on what the "staff" is wearing. That's not why your daughter is in school. Man I can see now why Massachusetts is suck a moronic liberal state just from some of these posts blaming the school for the problem. Parents: GET A GRIP

Carrot · 1 year ago

Another school? I guess she could transfer to Silver Hill, but she'd have to avoid that little potty-mouthed South Park fan while wearing her 'skort'

sally · 1 year ago

Are you kidding! The rules are the rules this parent is nothing but a cry baby. Policies are in place for a reason and should be followed to the law. Now if someone made a rude remark to her daughter about her attire I guess that would be another can of worms. The parents need to show example for their children and follow the rules and everything in life is not fair but thats life and rules are just that. Deal with it. Transfer to another school are you kidding!!!!!

Disgusted Parent · 1 year ago

I completely agree with the school and they should have full discretion over what is inappropriate. I am glad they called all the parents. These parents should be ashamed in letting their young daughters dress in such a manner. I am shocked by some of the outfits these children wear to school..What are we teaching our children? I applaud the school! These parents need to take responsibility for their children's risque outfits, and why do they need to dress in such manner...To get attention? Please!

Nancy · 1 year ago

Maybe these parents should be required to enroll their daughters in a self respect class, instead of pulling her from the Nettle. It is sad that a 12 year old child needs to dress this way, and that her mother deems it acceptable. Maybe the assistant principal at the Hunking should follow the same dress code, half the girls at that school look like young prostitutes...What are all these parents thinking?? I took my children out of the Haverhill Public School and we love my school's dress code.

Carrot · 1 year ago

"I took my children out of the Haverhill Public School and we love my school's dress code."

Would that be the Mormon or Islamic dress code?

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

I took my kids out of Haverhill public schools as well. Tired of the teaching and catering to the lowest common denominator all the time (hence "skorts" and "south park mouth") - they are doing very well now.

Fred · 1 year ago

As a teacher we see kids alter their "look" once they are at school. You have to consider that and not judge by the newspaper picture. Too many parents allow their kids to "grow up too fast". It's called delaying gratification. Parents don't need to grant kids their every (or even the majority) desire or give in to their propaganda. Society is not raising the children; the parents are! Step up, mom and let your child be a 12yr old. Combat the mixed messages sent to teens through advertising and pop culture. Some things in life need to be delayed until the appropriate time.

Methuen Home town girl.. · 1 year ago

I think parents need to pick their battles wisely..

As a mother to 4 girls.. This was a battle the mother should never have fought. It was a waste of time and energy.. I think the skirt is too short..

HHS Grad 2001 · 1 year ago

#1 - Skirt is not too short at all - barely above her knee.
#2 - Renata Batemen is a nut and imposes her overly conservative personal dress code policy on her students. She does not treat female students with the same respect she does male students. This is NOT the first complaint against her.
#3 - Renata should focus on dealing with the other issues that are plaguing Nettle school, such as behavior, theft, and more importantly low test scores.

get_real · 1 year ago

OMFG... You're funny. "Barely above her knee?" Are you serious?!

#1 - BARELY BELOW HER CROTCH is where it is!

#2 - I assume you have cites?

#3 - You may be right on this one... I imagine your math/measuring skill scores were pretty low.

HHS Grad 2001 · 1 year ago

Get Real: as a member of the National Honor Society and a graduate of Boston College, you my friend, are wrong in your assumption about my own intelligence. I just strongly feel that perhaps Vice Principal Batemen should concentrate on other things than students enjoying the first warm day of the year with a pair of skorts. According to this story, she wasn't even allowed to demonstrate that her skirt did indeed comply with the school policy of being longer than her middle finger when hung by her side. If she was given that courtesy, then this story would be open and shut. However, that was not the case.
Perhaps a better policy would be a detention for dress code offenses rather than publicly shaming students in front of their peers. Some children only wear the clothes that their parents buy them and do not really have any choice in their garments.

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

My friend, if you think the skort - and that is the issue - nothing else you mentioned is an issue in the story - is not too short, you better visit Cambridge Eye Doctors very soon! Not only are you delusional - you're blind too!

Wake Up! · 1 year ago

I agree with get_real wholeheartedly. That skort isn't even remotely near her knees. Period.

Now, if this child (and she is a child) had been singled out as the only child dressed inappropriately, then I might agree with you that it was misplaced focus by the administration. It wasn't. She was one of many. As to whether she got the opportunity to prove the skirt was long enough, I think even if she had been able schooch what appears to be a knit fabric down enough to MAKE it appear, momentarily, appropriate in length is irrelevant. It certainly wasn't going to stay the appropriate length as soon as she moved. The administration made the right call in endeavoring to make this child (yes I keep reiterating it, because that's what she is and as one she should be able to trust in adults to teach her to follow, if not the popular path, the proper path) keep her "goodies" covered.

As to choice, I'm sure there was something else she could have worn. Yet, given the fact that her mother finds it appropriate, I've know doubt that, as a child, it wouldn't have occurred to her to do so. In short, it's a shame that this girl's mother is such a fool.

Nay · 1 year ago

Are you serious. I think you need glasses the picture shows a good portion above the knees that if she bends over she will show all.

Bridgit · 1 year ago

She's too fat to wear that kind of an outfit

MSperling · 1 year ago

A comment has been removed. Please show respect to one another and be considerate to those mentioned in the articles.

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

Hey - real slick move there skippy.

Nay · 1 year ago

I think that the school system should have a strict dress code. These kids are not going to the beach or a club they are going to school to get an education. i think there is a better way to dress to school with out having to show too much and still look cute. After looking at the picture of the young girl I dont think her mother inspected her daughters outfit before going to school. This skirt or Skort does not even come close to touching her knees. i think parents need to re-evaulate what their children wear not only to school even outside of school. I go to the mall and i see young girls wearing skirts that are way too short and I say did her mother look at her before she left the house. . I mean seriously lets leave something for the imagination.

Kate · 1 year ago

Slow newsday, huh?
It's so sad that parents think that playing the "I'm pulling her out of this school" card really works. This mom should be proud of the fact that the administration at Nettle truly cares about the child and notices her. Principals and asst. principals don't go looking for this -- they're not bloodhounds, sniffing out the kids who are inappropriate. What an embarrassment to herself and her child. Her kid is already "marked." Every middle schooler will know her story right away on her first day of school. Wonder what she will wear?

Parent Teacher · 1 year ago

This mother is doing a real disservice to her daughter. The situation provided her with the opportunity to teach her daughter some basic life lessons involved in growing up: respect for authority, following rules (even ones you don't agree with), understanding that life is full of little disappointments (like your skort being deemed inappropriate by school authorities), and being able to accept reasonable requests made by those in charge (like a change of attire). Instead, the mother has put her daughter in the limelight, making her the poster child for short skorts, and giving her a reputation as a girl who would sooner bail out rather than deal with a situation. That is what isn't fair - a mother placing her own daughter in a position to be ridiculed. Shame on her. If she wants to be heard, she can go to the school commitee and rant and rave about dress codes, even be seen on cable, but leave the kid out of it! Last, but most important, how could this mother make her 6th grade daughter start at a new school in mid-April, for no good reason other than a dumb skort. Somebody's priorities need straightening out - I hope the girl's mother figures this out very soon.

Ginny O'Connell · 1 year ago

ummm....the real disservice would be if the young lady in question feels strongly that the skort was ok...her mother felt it was ok.....not standing for what is right and allowing the heavy handed methods of the middle school to succeed. If the outfit is what I saw in the picture, I see no problem. Is it really a crime to allow knees to show? Are we puritans? Should we be dressing our young girls in long dresses and covering their heads so that their lovely hair will not distract our young men? Have more respect and faith in our kids!

My name · 1 year ago

If you make decision over the teacher, where is the respect that this teachers need. I wonder what we are teaching our kids these days. No wonder they are in so much trouble with kids. You start with them so early to see that you don't need to respect the rules that are set before them.

Open_minded Parent · 1 year ago

I had the pleasure of working on the newly opened Lawrence High School. I think the Haverhill School system as a whole needs to take a look at the success that Lawrence has had with implementing a School uniform policy. These things can be avoided entirely all year long. As for this situation, there are too many varibles to give an educated comment here. I would like to give the child the benefit of doubt since I myself have had issues with inconsistant policies within the Havehill School System. But, as I send earlier, too many varibles, the parent doesn't seem very open minded as well. I think this issue has turned into something bigger than it should have. Sometimes people need to take the hard path of forgiveness and be open minded to others' thoughts. It's too easy these days to take the easy path to run to defend ones' child(ren). To top it off, what exactly is the parent teaching the child in this case?

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

Very well said.

Ginny O'Connell · 1 year ago

If the outfit in the picture is the outfit in question, then the school is being ridiculous. Middle school girls already have enough self image issues to deal with. Does this young lady, who was wearing an outfit I would have allowed my own daughters to wear, really need to deal with the suggestion that she is dressing provocatively? Nothing like damaging a kid for life rather than educating them for life. How much "time on learning" did she miss as a result?

ChairmanOfTheBoard · 1 year ago

Actually, the parent is being ridiculous. The child is losing learning time as you say with the continued complaining and ignorant behavior of the parent. If you sent your daughter to school with the same outfit - she should be removed as well. Either follow the rules of the school - or remove your child. Its pretty simple.

Dick · 1 year ago

More than a dozen students were in violation of the dress code, not just this girl. All this mother is doing is sending a message to her daughter saying, "Whatever you do, I will get you out of trouble, even if you are wrong." Every middle school in Haverhill has a similar dress code. Whats the point of transferring her to another school?

concerned for society · 1 year ago

What has happened to society today. What message are we teaching our younger generation. Lets take away the clothing issue because that is not the underlying issue that I believe has everyone upset. The real issue is respect. Everyone is entitled to their opinions and yes we are aloud to express them. Each side had their say. Now we have taken it to the next level. What have we done. We have blow this all out of proportion. All we have done is reinforce that as a society we feel that if we do not agree with something we take it to the media. The media hypes it up and then we tend to lose sight of what the real goal is. Do you honestly think broadcasting this over and over again is going to solve anything? Switching school is not going to solve anything either. Each school in a district follows the same rules and regulations that is why they are called a public school system. What is going to happen next. What happens if the new school that she will be attending states something. Is this mother again going to call the media becasue she is not in agreement. That is life. Sometimes you need to take it with a grain of salt. The other parents did not get upset. She went to the school department. She made her thoughts known. In the end she got exactly what she wanted. One her daughter will not be going back to that school. Secondly she gave her family their fifteen minutes of fame. What is going to happen when the daughter looks back on this in about 20 years. She is probably going to be embarrassed that things got all out of control. I think the family reacted without thinking this through. There are procedures that need to be followed. While the family did start to take the immediate and proper actions I feel when the news stations were contacted they took a wrong turn. It does not negate that fact that through out you life you will encounter situations that you do not agree with. When things do not go your way as an adult you can not always stir up the media to get what you want. What did the media do really. Nothing. The district schools still have the same dress codes in place. Nothing was accomplished but getting society all fired up.

parent of girls · 1 year ago

I understand where there comming from ,but what about the girls at golden hill who's shirt was so short you can see "paris " when she walk . I feel for the parents and that skort isn't that short at all , there worst at the hs and even up the hill . My girls wear skorts all the time and they are made to be like that . UNFAIR . Now it looks like they won't wear them anytime soon . They minds well put the kids in uniforms !!!

maxx · 1 year ago

First someone should educate her mother. Second, If something happened in school I going to bet mommy is going to say "how come the school officials did nothing to prevent this".
Mommy must not be much better of a person or this would not be a question.

This one is for the school.
Put in a stricter dress code.

HaverhillMommy · 1 year ago

My kids go to haverhill schools and they are given out a handbook way back in Aug and I bet may parents read it them and then put the book away , why can't school send out a reminder note home , they sure do when we have cold weather . Why not send a reminder letter home do and don't for the dress code even make exsamples and maybe even picture of do's and don't .

Parent Teacher · 1 year ago

Okay, now this is just wrong. Not the skirt. The mother - for pushing her 12 year old in front of tv cameras with no regard for the consequences her daughter will have to endure - inevitable embarrassment, unwanted attention, ridicule, or just adding to the complications of being a pre-teen. If she's going to make her adjust to a new school too, at least she should send her to one out of town, or out of state, anywhere that people don't know her!

Matt · 1 year ago

Did no one read the article? The school has an official policy, but by their own admission, it's not what they follow. They simply said it was too short without measuring it. If their current policy isn't working for them, they should change it, rather than ignoring it and relying on their subjective opinions.

suuuuuuure! · 1 year ago

Any shorter and you could see her Chia Pet

Kate · 1 year ago

UNIFORMS, PEOPLE, UNIFORMS!!

Gianna · 1 year ago

What kind of example is this mother setting for her daughter.... The school was absolutely right in their decision and I hope they stand by it.... Are you sending your children to school to learn or to look like little hookers? Make sure your children are dressed appropriately. Brittany Spears should not be not a roll model for your daughter.

Dad · 1 year ago

No parent wants their daughter to look like a hooker, she is just standing up for daughter. Since when is Spears still a "roll" (try role) model

Haverhill Mom · 1 year ago

I have teenage children of my own that attend Haverhill schools .. I am glad the dress code is being enforced . Parents , don't believe everything your children tell you ...I know from my own experience ( and yes I did it myself as a teenager ) , kids will change their clothes , hair , make-up , language , etc. as soon as they are out of their parents eye-sight .
On one hand I think it's wonderful that Ari's mother is backing her up ...on the other , "Wake up !"

Disgusted · 1 year ago

School policies and rules are there for a reason .
To me , that's part of the problem today ....parents let kids do whatever they please . Your daughter as well as others broke the rules , be happy she wasn't being suspended for breaking the rules . What is the purpose of changing schools ? All Haverhill schoools have the same rules .
When another student calls your daughter a filthy name won't you expect them to be punished ? Oh wait , their parents can just send them to another school ....
One more question ...When you were a kid and you got in trouble in school , did your parents take your side or the schools ? If I broke the rules ... I GOT PUNISHED !

smarttoleavehell · 1 year ago

as a mom of 4 boys yeah i do believe these girls need to cover up a little in all schools thier parents need to teach them what is acceptable for school cause they are there to learn not be in a fashion show

Just a Mom · 1 year ago

After reading this article, I really want to remove my chldren from the Haverhill School system as well. I can't believe this is all we have to worry about - how about concentrating on more important things.

DEBBIE · 1 year ago

I firmly believe there should be a dress code for girls, some of them dress like they're 20 year olds. Girls can dress very well and in style, think more classy than dressing trashy. you'll earn more respect from others.
Also, it's pretty sad when a murder case of a 3 year old toddler
being beaten to death sparks less interest over a short skirt.
Where are our priorities? This child never made it to school due to a horrific death.

BEN NEVIS · 1 year ago

It may be time to consider seperate ed for girls and boys starting at the 5th grade level thru the junior year of high school and insisting on (oh horror of horrers) a dress code as well.

Bill49 · 1 year ago

I have only two words on this subject

Bill49 · 1 year ago

I have two words on this subject

Bill49 · 1 year ago

Ahh, I finally found the two words I was looking for; SCHOOL UNIFORMS. This would stop the fashion competition at school.
It would allow more time to teach the students the nessessary skills to make it in this complicated world.

789456 · 1 year ago

First everyone has their rights to their opinion with not getting mad at the other person because of it. My personal opinion is that a school is like a business. A work place. You would not, as an adult, go to work with a skirt that high. Regardless of whether or not there shorts under it. This is a distraction to the boys! I don't have a daughter, but rest assurred, that if I did, I would not want her being made a sex symbol with boys wondering what was underneath that short skirt. Outside of school, if you want your daughter wearing such clothing, go for it ! But in school, as a work place, the boys and the girls should dress with respect and accordingly.

skip · 1 year ago

I bet all the 'ol pervs(And don't deny there out there!) don't think her skort is too short!

ANTIHAVERHILL · 1 year ago

Back in the Puritan Days girls were required to wear skirts to their ankles and all woman were barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen


...Ahh yes typical Haverhill Rational

skip · 1 year ago

I'm sure she's just imitating what she sees at home. Besides that has to be the most Unflattering outfit ever. She and her Mom should both be Busted by the fashion police for that one! I hope she developes a better sense of style on her own before her mother dooms her to a life of fashion faux pas!

manskirt · 1 year ago

They've been trying to implement dress codes since I was in school. As a protest at my junior high more than 20 years ago ALL the boys wore "appropriate" long skirts! That was a real distraction and the end of the dress code!

American · 1 year ago

Freedom of expression.... has it been lost?

Class-A BS right there.

pissed off student · 1 year ago

the skirt isnt even that short! i go to that school and i have seen Mrs.Bateman's favorite students( the Hispanics) wearing skirts above their knees! she lets the Hispanic kids do whatever they want and wear whatever they want. It is not a factor of how distracting a piece of clothing is, its just Mrs Bateman showing her preference for the Hispanics.

eric · 1 year ago

First, the 12 year old looks like a wanna be tramp the way she is dressed.
Second, Mrs Bateman is probably not favoring the hispanic students, she is probably afraid. If the girl in this article was hispanic rather than white, the issue would not be the length of the skirt, but the fact that Mrs Bateman singled out a hispanic girl for no reason. They love to play the race card when they are in the wrong because they know 99% of the time, it works.

school_student · 1 year ago

i go to this schoool and i think thatt ariannas skortt wass finee , she should not have been sentt to theee office because mrs.bateman's only likingg hispanic peoeplee . and trust me , she only likesss hispanic people . i love how she gets to wear short skirts , dont you think as an asst. principal she shoul follow her ownn rulees DUHH . Learnnn . aah i think that this is rediculiouss and her skortt iss absolutlyy finee . you people need to focus onn education not on howw they are dresssed , GETT A LIFEEEE PRINCIPALL!

hooray · 8 months ago

Sorry But I agree with the school that skort is too high! I work in an elementary school (K-2) and when girls come in with the same exact skort (height of the skort) as this girl is wearing in the picture the parents are called! I have 2 daughters and they would not go to school wearing a skort that high!