Dress code decision will be made next meeting
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

A controversial change to the dress code in the Student Code of Conduct needed only 10 minutes of discussion at a Greencastle Antrim School Board worksession May 1.

Despite a recommendation by administrators and a Discipline Review Committee to use a 3x5 index card to measure student necklines exceeding 3 inches from the top of the collarbone, the board planned to come up with its own measurable standard for acceptable attire. The current code uses the word 'modest', deemed too subjective by school personnel. Two board meetings in April failed to settle

the issue.

The board could not find a etter method last week.

Citizens offered their take on the matter.

Amelia Thorne, ninth grade daughter of board member William Thorne, preferred the code be left as is. She thought all students were being punished for the transgressions of a few.

Parents had the opposite point of view. Brian Houpt supported the index card concept. He said kids were exposed to sexuality at every turn. "School doesn't have to be one of those places."

Angela Houpt, a member of the review committee, trusted the administrators to do what was right for her children. "Kids will rise to the requirement."

William Thorne suggested using another word, such as 'inappropriate', but Howard Ritchey said it would create the same problem as the word now used.

Superintendent C. Gregory Hoover said the board should bring it to a vote at the next meeting. A yes vote would accept the index card recommendation, a no vote would leave the wording as it is.

Regular business During the regular meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Catherine Bercaw, elementary teacher, effective at the end of the school year.

First National Bank of Greencastle was named depository for G-ASD accounts.

An increase for lunch prices next year was approved. At the elementary and primary schools meals will be $1.70 and at the secondary schools $2, both up 10 cents. Adult lunches will go up a quarter to $3.25. Milk will remain the same at 35 cents.

The board hired Sage Technology Solutions to install a district wide telecommunications system at an estimated cost of $109,593. The work will be done over the summer.

High School Principal Ed Rife, former teacher Becky Shubert and Blended Schools coordinator Todd Tritle explained the development of the Credit Recovery program, geared to high school students who have failed a course. Three classes will be offered two hours, four days a week for six weeks this summer. The classes available, pending approval by the board at the next meeting, will be English 9-12, Earth Science and Civics. Curtis Martin, a learning support teacher, will be in the classroom with the students.

Shubert designed the courses with input from G-AHS teachers. She hopes to develop curriculum for Biology, American History, World History, and Algebra I and II for future years.

Students in Credit Recovery pay for the classes.

Rife said they were 'a wonderful solution' to the previously used Jefferson County, Kentucky curriculum, which was outdated and not tied to Pennsylvania standards.

Greencastle students may also take acceleration classes free of charge in the summer, called Third Semester, through Blended Schools. They do coursework online and come into the school on Fridays.