Kathleen High School makes Freshman wear “FIRE” shirt.

Kathleen High School has implemented the FIRE program.  FIRE is an acronym for “Freshman Inspired by Rigorous and Relevant Education”.  (I am by far a great speller, but shouldn’t it be “FIRRE”?)  All Freshman are now required to wear a “FIRE” T-shirt.

Dazed & Confused Is A Great Movie

When I first heard about the new program, I immediately thought of the movie “Dazed and Confused”.  If you haven’t seen this movie, it’s about hazing the freshman as they leave the 8th grade and head onto high school.  The new-found Seniors (both male and female) ride around chasing the upcoming freshman with paddles to beat them.  In addition to the beatings, they force upon them various other types of ego-stripping behavior.  Granted, this movie is set in 1976, however every High School has horror stories which are passed down and, no doubt, elaborated with every passing year.  Every Freshman’s nerves are already at the peak of bursting, wondering what will happen in the lunch room, the hall way and the restroom, why make them a more obvious target by announcing their status with a very distinct shirt.  By sporting their “FIRE”y shirts, they are a dead giveaway.

In my opinion, the school seems to be sending mixed messages to it’s students.  I can understand why they want to inspire their students, however, if the School Board is thinking Freshman should be proud to wear these shirts, why are they offering those students who rank high in attendance with the option of wearing a different shirt?

In writing this blog, I wanted to learn more about the program.  I wanted to fully understand the benefits of this program and weigh the pros and cons.  My efforts were futile.  Every Internet search I performed came back with little or no result.  Even Kathleen High School’s website does not offer any information.  The only tidbit of information on their website is the dress code; and that dress code is only for 9th grade.  If anyone can enlighten me with information about this program, I would appreciate it!

Thankfully, I do not have a child in the 9th grade at Kathleen High School.  If I did, I would advise them to always feel cold despite the Florida heat and extinguish the “FIRE” with a sweatshirt!