Mahanoy Area now allowing students to wear hoodies in school
Aug. 27—MAHANOY CITY — Students at Mahanoy Area School District will now be able to wear hoodies in school.
The school board voted to implement the hooded garments into the dress code Thursday during its monthly meeting. Board members and school administrators discussed the matter and ultimately voted in favor of introducing hoodies, citing their practicality and functionality for students.
Superintendent Joie L. Green said several high school students had requested the right to wear hoodies, which were not allowed in the school's dress code. Earlier this year, Green and Stanley Sabol, high school principal, got together with a few of the students to discuss the issue.
"They talked to us about how it's cold, they don't have coats, that's what their coat is," Green said. "It's cold in the high school, and they want to wear a hoodie."
Assistant Principal Matthew Giannelli said he understands the security concerns associated with hoodies, but said there are other ways people could bring weapons or dangerous items to school.
The school's dress code currently allows cowl neck sweaters, which, Giannelli said, are similar to hoodies save for the "three inches of material" they would need to encompass a full hood.
"My thought process would be if someone wants to bring something in, they'll bring something," he said.
Board Treasurer Karen Yedsena said the school should relax regulations on its dress code.
"We have to worry about education," she said. "We shouldn't be worrying so much about what they're wearing."
The lone dissenting voice on the board was Susan Scheeler, who cited security concerns.
"I'm OK with it," President Steve Gnall said.
Free meals
Also at the meeting, Gnall discussed a recently introduced state bill that proposes to continue free meals in public schools.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal funding provided free meals for all students nationwide, though that ended earlier this summer when waivers through the U.S. Department of Agriculture were not extended.
Gnall encouraged his fellow board members and administrators to reach out to legislators about the possibility of making the bill law. He said it is important to get the word out about the initiative by whatever means possible.
"There are children that are right on that borderline, that this may be their only breakfast, this may be their only lunch for a day or two," Gnall said.
Following the expiration of the federal program, three states — California, Maine and Vermont — have implemented programs to continue free meals for students.
Other business
The board approved the following agenda items:
—The purchase of two 2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivans at a cost of $38,245 each from Sands Auto Group. These are being purchased through the COSTARS program.
—An agreement with Propio LS LLC for language interpretation services.—The 2022-23 mental health grant budget.
—The 2022-23 safety grant budget.
—The letter of agreement between the Mahanoy Area School District and Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 to provide Title I remedial reading and/or remedial math instruction for non-public schools for the 2022-23 school year.
—The donation of a used laptop computer to Good American Hose Company No. 3 to use for its IM Responding System.
—The agreement for the school police administrator through June 30, 2024.
—The agreement for the school police officer through June 30, 2024.
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
