You may think that students’ dress is getting more and more (or should I say less and less) inappropriate, but in reality Mr. Collins speculates that only 5% of students a day are truly pushing the dress code limits. Danielle Wohlert, a PMHS sophomore, disagrees.  She believed that the outfit she wore to school was completely appropriate, but her tank top straps caused her a dress code violation by Mr. Collins who informed her of this after he had followed her into her homeroom. She says that her straps where the correct thickness, and that it was unnecessary for her to put a sweater over her outfit. Another sophomore, Catherine Brown, was forced to change into her practice clothes for cheerleading. She says that her cheer shorts were actually shorter than the dress she was wearing when she arrived in school that morning. However, both girls admit to having other small side comments made about their attire in the past, but never having to fix their outfit to please the administration. This gradual process of reminding students that what you wear is important, despite what your parents tell you, is called progressive discipline, and the Patterson Mill administration is a strong believer in this tactic. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m picking on them” says Mr. Collins, who doesn’t think that the dress code is too strict. In fact, he would be in favor of school uniforms on some level for all students. Growing up with four sisters and now having four daughters he understands the struggle to stay with the trends among cetin students. He thinks having uniforms would get rid of the violations of dress code and the morning madness of picking out an outfit to fit in with the crowd.

            With all these rules how does someone know if they are in violation of Harford county school policy? Some big factors that administration is looking for are; does your outfit risk someone’s safety or health. Also, will the outfit you have chosen be distracting during the school day? If you have to hesitate to answer these questions you should probably think twice before showing up in what you may think is the next hottest trend. Most importantly students shouldn’t forget that how you dress reflects who you are. If you see Paris Hilton wearing the cutest low cut tank top, think about how people perceive her. You will never be able to redo a first impression, so dress to impress the people who aren’t only interested in seeing what your outfit looks like off you. If you have any questions about dress code policy, refer to your planner or visit hcps.org. If you feel strongly about changing this policy go to a school board meeting or email the superintendant. Harford County Schools love hearing from students. So get your voice heard in appropriate dress.