In August 2017, Tony Alarcon’s phone rang unexpectedly.
Like many parents, he thought it might be a telemarketer. But this time, he answered the call.
Hearing from the school can be nerve-wracking for any parent. Tony immediately started worrying—was his daughter, Demetra, okay? Had something happened?
What he found out left him surprised.
It was a hot summer day in Northern California, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. Tony had dropped off his 13-year-old daughter, Demetra, at school that morning. She wore a blue romper to stay cool in the heat, and neither of them thought the outfit would cause any issues.
Demetra, a student at Raymond J. Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos, California, had simply dressed for the weather.
Not everyone agreed with Demetra’s outfit. A teacher at her school said her romper was “too distracting” for the boys.
When the teacher told Demetra that her outfit was too short, her dad, Tony, rushed back to the school with a change of clothes—jean shorts and a tank top. But the school said those clothes were also inappropriate.
Tony was shocked. He asked Demetra to bend over and touch her toes in front of the school administrator. “Nothing is hanging out. There’s nothing inappropriate. I don’t understand this dress code rule,” he told TODAY.
Still, the school said her clothes were “distracting.” Since it was 90 degrees outside, Tony had no choice but to go to his car and grab a pair of leggings for Demetra to wear.
Demetra felt embarrassed.
Tony expressed his frustration, saying, “She’s just a kid. She’s only 13. She’s not trying to be a sex symbol. She just wants to be comfortable and attend class, but we’re not giving her that chance.”
This wasn’t the first time Demetra had been in trouble for her clothes. Just a week before, she was called out for a visible bra strap. “When I got dress coded last week, they said my bra strap was showing,” Demetra told the *San Jose Mercury News*. “Like, I’m wearing a bra—what’s the big deal?”
Tony, a successful investment advisor and father of two, didn’t let it go. Angry at what he saw as an unfair rule that mostly targeted girls, he took his complaint to social media. Parents from all over the country showed their support, agreeing that the school’s dress code was outdated and unfair to girls.
“Demetra’s not the only one. If you sit in the school parking lot, you’ll see that,” Tony said. “Lots of girls just want to be comfortable, but they feel forced to wear leggings even when it’s 100 degrees outside.”
Tony believed that parents, not schools, should decide if their children’s clothes are appropriate. He was also worried about how being told their clothing is a “distraction” to boys could affect young girls emotionally in the long run.
The story quickly got attention from the media, with major news outlets reporting on Tony’s efforts to change the dress code. While the school didn’t speak on camera, they did release a statement:
“The Los Gatos Union School District believes that appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment,” the district said. “Students are expected to wear clothes that reflect the core values of our learning community.”
Tony’s efforts made an impact. His push for change led the Los Gatos Union School District to reevaluate its dress code to make it fairer and less strict for all students.
Lisa Fraser, the school’s principal, explained that the dress code rules, called “Fashion Faux Pas,” apply to both girls and boys. Some of the rules include no hats or hoods indoors, no visible underwear, no inappropriate logos or words, and shorts must have at least 4-inch inseams.
“There has always been a dress code,” Fraser told a newspaper. “These are basic rules for appropriate behavior. I can set guidelines for the school, but I want them to reflect the community’s values.”
In the end, Tony Alarcon’s persistence started an important discussion about how school dress codes affect young girls — showing that one parent’s voice can truly make a difference.
What do you think about the school’s dress code? Have you or your children faced a similar situation? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
A woman turned a 1966 bus into a comfortable and cozy home on wheels
Over the course of three years, a dilapidated bus underwent a remarkable metamorphosis, evolving into a stylish and comfortable mobile home known as the Greyhound.
While some individuals meticulously select or inherit their dream homes, there are those like Jessie Lipskin who opt to craft their distinctive abode from scratch. This spirited American woman embarked on a journey where she purchased an old bus, equipped it with essentials for a nomadic lifestyle, and embarked on a delightful makeover.
The inspiration for the transformation of the outdated bus into a sophisticated Greyhound RV struck Jessie after watching the documentary “Trash Warrior”. Captivated by eco-architect Michael Reynolds’ creative endeavors in building homes from recyclable materials, she envisioned an environmentally friendly dwelling.
Embracing the principles of minimalism, Jessie purged unnecessary possessions, condensing her life into a single suitcase. The quest for a suitable vehicular platform marked the commencement of her mission to construct a compact yet eco-friendly home.
Not possessing expertise in construction, carpentry, or plumbing posed challenges for Jessie. Undeterred, she sought assistance from friends, acquaintances, and occasional professionals to bring her vision to life.
The interior of this unique mobile home features an exclusive use of natural materials, in line with Jessie’s love for the outdoors. To uphold environmental sustainability, energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and wood were employed for insulation, coatings, and various components.
The living space boasts a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics. A spacious living area, a well-appointed kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, and a cozy bedroom with abundant storage were meticulously designed to create Jessie’s dream home.
Utilizing only natural wood and recycled materials, the interior exudes an eco-friendly charm. Strategic design choices, such as white walls and parquet flooring, enhance the brightness and appeal of the space. Original bus windows were preserved to invite natural light, while a thoughtfully crafted LED system illuminates the space at night.
In the well-equipped kitchen, gas tanks, an oven, an energy-efficient washing machine, a refrigerator, and a wooden countertop cater to both practicality and style. Thoughtfully arranged shelves and cupboards optimize storage and movement in this compact yet functional space.
The mobile home’s rear serves as the bedroom, featuring a streamlined design, large windows adorned with heavy velvet curtains, and a delightful surprise, a small library replacing a conventional wall. A comfortable double bed with storage beneath completes the cozy retreat.
Addressing the challenge of waste disposal on the road, Jessie ingeniously implemented a self-contained sewage system. Waste and used water are directed into a large under-floor tank, allowing for convenient discharge at designated locations.
With a separate water supply tank equipped with a water heater, the mobile home offers fully functional showers, sinks, and toilets.
Jessie Lipskin’s Greyhound stands as a testament to the fusion of creativity, sustainability, and resourcefulness, showcasing the possibilities of crafting a unique, eco-friendly home on wheels.
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