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 Parents from all over the country showed their support, agreeing that the school’s dress code was outdated and unfair to girls.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!
Found it in my in-laws drawer where they had butter dishes etc What’s this?? Fork there for scale.
PARTICULAR ANSWERS ARE AS FOLLOWED:
It’s a glass dog’s bone. Their short lifespan prevented them from being kept viable even though they were bred in the early 19th century.
a serving knife rest to prevent stains on your exquisite lace tablecloth.
Well done, everyone, for keeping the comments civil!
little dumbbell. A feeble baby is disliked by all.
It serves as a knife rest. In addition to being for the carving knife, these are also placed at each place setting to rest the table knife after usage. Not for the butter knife, that is. Still lying over the bread plate is the butter knife.
There were two for my granny. Although I’m not familiar with her history, her collection of instruments suggested that she was a frequent performer. I have twelve salt cellars that I use to sift salt over different foods. The cellars come with little crystal spoons. We used them for holiday banquets, including Thanksgiving.
None of my kids know how to “play” with elaborate dinners these days.
depressing custom. They won’t keep them in their home if they can’t wash them in a dishwasher.
Nothing to say about, just food from a paper bag for experiences.
to place your knife on after chopping the meat to avoid scuffing the tablecloth
Rest for a knife. Similar to a chopstick rest,
Table cloth is kept clean by a filthy knife rest.
I had no idea what to use the one my mom had given me, lol. I do now! Regards
Whoa! I appreciate your insights. What a fantastic group this is! The knife rests are really lovely!
Have one similar to this one. letting the carving knife rest, if you are using a single one.
They are quite gorgeous, I’ve never seen one!
Whoa! I had assumed I was familiar with a variety of serving utensils, but this one escaped my notice. I’m grateful that you shared!
That was the one my mom and grandmother had. Perhaps a salt roller?
I own a pair of those.
To place a knife holder there.
When a knife is not in use, it is placed on a small, frequently ornamental device called a knife rest to prevent the blade from coming into contact with a table or countertop. They are available in a variety of forms and materials, from straightforward metal patterns to more elaborate ones crafted from porcelain, silver, or other materials. They fulfill a functional need and can give a dining table a hint of elegance.
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