Some fall out from the changes in public education during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to changes in the Mineola ISD student handbook.

High School Principal Mike Sorenson said that when the mask mandate was lifted in the spring, he saw those masks had been hiding some dress code violations, such as nose rings, boys stud earrings and goatees. Students also want holes in their jeans, he said.

He said he surveyed teachers and learned that more than 70% did not think those items mattered.

Sorenson noted the district had come off one of its best academic years, and he was willing to accommodate those items.

He explained that while he is of the old school of dress, it’s about coming to school prepared to work and learn, and for students to present themselves as neat and clean.

He noted that these are 2-3 minor changes in the scheme of things, and students should not expect to push the envelope.

It’s about accountability while in the building, he said, and not having to miss class time to deal with disciplinary issues. Students represent the community and the school, he said.

Those responsible for extracurricular activities will continue to enforce their dress codes, he added.

Middle School Principal Kendall Gould said another thing administrators learned during the pandemic is that without the distraction of parents coming to the school to bring lunches to students or coming to dine with them, they could focus more on the students.

So all campuses will limit bringing meals and sharing meals to Fridays for the coming school year.

She noted that on the issue of holes in jeans, middle school students must have exposed skin covered by tights.

The school board approved the recommended changes Monday.