Dress code: It’s been a highly talked about subject for the last few years here at Thunderbird Adventist Academy. The policy hangs somewhere between casual and uniform as of now, and that balance makes many of the students uncomfortable. However, to get a clearer picture on the entire issue, we have asked a few faculty members to give what they know and their opinions on this matter.
   What is the dress code? “It is exactly spelled out in the student handbook.” comments Mr. Warren. Ok. Great. So what is that? As far as some teachers are concerned, fairly simple. “Collared shirts and pants with no holes,” is the description given by Coach Burishkin. Some other staff members, such as Mrs. Warren, are a bit more specific in their answers. “For boys, a polo or button shirt, pants without holes or tears in them and shorts that go down to the knees. For girls, polo, button down shirt or modest blouse, pants with no holes in them, and shorts or a skirt that extends at least to the knees.” Wow. That was quite a bit. Mrs. Warren continues by talking about the necessity to appear neat and clean in the learning environment.
   Ok, so now that we have an understanding of what the dress code is, then why the big problem? Why do the teachers get frustrated when trying to enforce such a simple concept? “The difficulties I face [in enforcing dress code] are that the dorm girls are in dress code, but some of the village aren’t.” comments Dean Kristy. Matt Eaton agrees. “It is hard to dress code girls, or people with hoodies, sweaters, or T-shirts under jackets.” Mr. Warren, however, has a different take on how difficult it should be. “There wouldn’t be any issue of fairness of the dress code or the difficulties of enforcing it if it truly were enforced by the entire school.”
   So what happens if someone does break dress code? Sure, dormies can simply go and change, but what about village kids? What is their punishment? “I find that most village kids who have been caught by me are aware that they are out of dress code and have a change with them already,” answers Mr. Warren. “But as of yet, we have no punishment for breaking dress code, and I hope that we will never need one.” So the entire concept of dress code is based upon the merit of the students here at Thunderbird.
   Many of the students also have their own views on the dress code. “It’s better than at TCE.” commented Teddy Zirkle, freshman. Paul agrees, commenting that he thinks a dress code is necessary and is happy with the current one. Rafi, however, isn’t as happy with it. “They should either go to full uniforms or nothing, not this in-the-middle stuff.” After hearing the students, we asked the staff on their opinions. Matt Eaton was eager to answer. “The pros [to the dress code] are that the students look nice, and it promotes an academic atmosphere.” Mr. Warren agrees, saying “Studies have shown that students who dress more professionally are more likely to do well in their studies. I believe this to be one of the biggest pros to the dress code.”
   The staff appear to be as split on the concept of dress code as the students as well. Both Ms. Diller and Mr. Morada believe that the school should adopt a uniform system to stop any and all questions on dress code issues, while Coach Burishkin feels that the dress code is adequate the way it stands. Mr. Johnson, however, decided to play it safe. “I don’t feel much, so the less said the better.”
   So the final verdict on the dress code? Hard to say. The issue is split among the faculty just as much as on the students. Hopefully, this article opens the mind to other’s opinions and possibilities. If the school works together, faculty and student, maybe it can reach a goal that will make the most people happen. Maybe not. But hey, we’ll never know unless we try.