Even though the buzz of student activity has been absent at the Dolores Schools this summer, things have been far from quiet. Construction crews have been accomplishing amazing things on campus, just drive by and take a look. According to Dolores Schools Superintendent Scott Cooper, the building project is progressing slightly ahead of schedule and within budget while picking up some add alternate projects utilizing the crews on site. For example, the old, leaky roof above the main gym will be replaced this summer. The roof was in dire need of replacement on our beautiful 60-year-old gym roof to prevent future leaks. In addition, crews are working to replace most, if not all, of the broken sidewalks and other cement surface areas, making it safer to walk to and from class.

Mr. Clean meets Mr. Green

In other summer school news, the maintenance/custodian crew was trained this week on how to use Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified green cleaning products throughout the school buildings. According to Cooper, the Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant funded building project requires the school district to meet LEED environmental standards in the new buildings and where we can throughout the K-12 campus. Some other exciting LEED-driven building products and programing include the installation of several solar tubes providing natural light to the new classrooms, locker rooms, shop and the enhancement of our student managed recycling program are just a few environmentally friendly improvements the construction project has created for Dolores students and staff.

Get dressed for school

I hate to say it,mostly because of a collective sigh of dread, but back to school is around the corner and I know some of you may be thinking about shopping. Here is just a quick guideline for the dress code, so that when you are shopping, you don't make an expensive mistake and have to leave your cute new outfit at home.

This is straight out of the Dolores High School/Middle School student code of conduct:

"The following items are deemed disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school and are not acceptable in school buildings, on school grounds, or at school activities:

1. Shorts, dresses, skirts or other similar clothing shorter than mid-thigh length.

2. Sunglasses and/or hats worn inside the building.

3. Inappropriately sheer, tight or low-cut clothing (e.g., midriffs, halter tops, backless clothing, tube tops, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, muscle tops, etc.) that bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and breasts.

4. Tank tops or other similar clothing with straps narrower than 1.5 inches in width.

5. Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments that are or contain any advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:

Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons

Are of a sexual nature

By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute denote membership in gangs which advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior

Are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous

Threaten the safety or welfare of any person

Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct

Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process"

Dolores Elementary School's code is very similar with a few exceptions: Students are not allowed to wear facial makeup or flip flops. In addition, students may not wear wheeled shoes and their underwear must not show above their pant lines.

If you have any questions about the above codes, please visit the school's website atdoloresschools.org and click on "For Parents and Students" and then select the appropriate student handbook.

Schedule

AUG. 6 and 7: Registration days

AUG. 18: First day of school

Shannon Livick