Notes From All Over Georgia

Great White Shark Tracked Past Georgia

Massachusetts marine biologists say one of the great white sharks tagged last summer off Cape Cod has traveled as far as the shore of Georgia and on to Florida.

The great white was one of five sharks tagged by harpoon near Chatham by state marine biologists in September. Officials said it was the first successful tagging of great whites in the Atlantic using electronic satellite technology.

Officials say the tag popped off the shark on Friday and began transmitting data via satellite.

Scientists expect tags on the other sharks to begin sending data in the coming months. The tags collect water temperatures and depth and light levels. The information can help scientists better understand shark's migratory behavior.

High School Looks To Ban Blue Jeans

Villa Rica High School principal Dennis Brown wants to set out a new dress code for his students and it includes them not wearing blue jeans. He said he believes students should dress for success whether on the football field or in the school hallways.

According to the new dress code, which could go into effect next fall, students must wear approved non-revealing shirts and coats and most controversial of all, no jeans of any kind except on Fridays.

"If you're put in a position where you look more successful you're going to act more successful," Brown said.

Reaction from students have been mixed.

"Some of them aren't too happy about it. They're not really enthused with having to wear khaki pants or collared shirts or stuff like that," said student Sarah Sams.

Former Villa Rica student Eric Townon doesn't like the code at all.

"I'd probably get kicked out," Townon said.

Parents have responded positively about the new rules. "I think it's a nice thing for the kids because the majority of kids, now a days, are interested in gangs and all, so I think it's beautiful idea," said parent Bynarozella Malone.

Brown believes the dress code will help change student behavior and the community's perception of Villa Rica High.

"The research we've done a direct correlation between academic achievement, behavior and student dress," Brown said. Brown plans to hold three public hearings to hear reaction. The dress code is subject to approval before it is enforced.

Police: Mom Forces Son To Kill Pet Hamster Over Bad Grades

A Georgia mother is accused of forcing her 12-year-old son to kill his pet hamster because of a bad report card.

It happened last Thursday at the family's home, said Meriwether County Sheriff Steve Witlock.

Investigators said Lynn Geter made her son use a hammer to kill the hamster. Geter was arrested Friday following an interview with investigators. She is charged with battery, cruelty to children and cruelty to animals. Investigators said Geter also violated probation and remains in jail.