Mum furious after schoolgirl, 12, returns home with holes in her socks following odd request from teacher

The girl came home with the bows cut off her socks
-Credit: (Image: Merissa Mclaughlin / Facebook)


A furious mum has slammed a school in Greater Manchester after they forced her daughter to cut the bows off her school socks.

Merissa Mclaughlin penned a sarcastic email 'praising' the school's 'remarkable' decision which left her daughter, Maycie with two holes in her socks.

Maycie was given scissors by a teacher at Hyde High School, in Hyde, Greater Manchester and was told she had to chop the bows off the side of her knee-length black socks, reports the Mirror.

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The 12-year-old was given the instructions, leaving her mum furious, claiming that while the uniform policy states plain black or white socks with frills or bows 'not allowed', lots of the girls were wearing bows last year without any issue.

The mum-of-two, from Stalybridge, said: "I'd have been happy with a text warning or a phone call, but I feel handing her a pair of scissors to cut off her bows was a bit excessive."

In her email to the deputy headteacher, who she says sent Maycie to a teacher to get the scissors, Merissa says: "I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for the life-altering guidance you've provided my daughter with today. Who knew that something as insignificant as the bows on her socks could cause such educational disruption? Clearly, I was misguided in thinking that her focus should be on, I don't know, actual learning.

"I must say, your keen eye for detail is truly impressive. The way you zeroed in on those tiny bows, as if they were a clear and present danger to her academic progress - remarkable! I had no idea that a small piece of fabric could wield such power over her ability to learn maths, read, or concentrate in class. Thank you for opening my eyes to this vital issue."

The note, which has gone viral after she decided to share it on Facebook, adds: "Now, let's talk about the aftermath. I'm absolutely thrilled that my daughter has had to walk around with holes in her socks today. It's such a bold fashion statement, don't you think? I mean, who needs bows when you can have unsightly gaps in your clothing? I'm sure this will do wonders for her self-esteem and street cred to say the least. Nothing says "I'm ready to tackle the day" like socks that look like they’ve been through a shredder."

She goes on the explain that despite it only being the second day of the new term, Maycie has 'already become the subject of teasing'. She said: "Her friends now think we can't even afford a proper pair of socks. What a wonderful way to kick off the school year! Who knew that cutting off some bows would double as a lesson in social hierarchy and childhood bullying."

After sharing her frustration at having to purchase new socks, when they were 'perfectly fine to begin with', she adds: "Honestly, the whole situation has been a real teachable moment - for me. It's taught me that worrying about her academic success, emotional well-being, or, you know, actual important things, was all a waste of time. The real key to success clearly lies in sock accessories. Thank goodness for your superior insight.

-Credit:MEN
-Credit:MEN

"I eagerly await the next fashion enlightenment you have in store for Maycie. Perhaps banning shoelaces or removing buttons from shirts? The possibilities are endless when you’re on the cutting edge of the dress code policy!"

Thousands have praised Merissa's witty response, with many claiming schools have become too strict.

"That is ridiculous," said one. "Imagine if she went in school like that to begin with (holes in her socks instead of bows) they would have complained about her having holes in her socks!! So stupid." Another said: "This is actually one of the best emails I've ever read. Jokes high schools." A third added: "Amazing email!! Absolute joke what rules they have these days."

Merissa, 31, told the Manchester Evening News she has received a call from the school to inform her that she will be reimbursed for the price of the socks, but the policy remains in place. She said she's been shocked by the huge response to her online post.

"To be honest I'm surprised by the response on social media," she said. "However, it just highlights how ridiculous the whole situation really is. I still cant get my head around the fact my child had to walk around school with holes in her socks. The strong reaction kind of speaks for itself."

The uniform guidance on the school's website states: "Plain black or white socks which cover the ankle but fit below the knee or plain black opaque tights. Not allowed: trainer socks, coloured socks, socks with frills or bows; tights with rips/holes."

Headteacher Rorick Houghton told the M.E.N: "The school has high expectations of our students, and this includes an expectation that students arrive in the correct school uniform. Any changes to this year's uniform expectations were communicated to students and parents prior to the summer holidays. Where parents or carers have any questions or concerns, we encourage them to contact the school so that a member of our leadership team can discuss these with them at the earliest opportunity."

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