The Northwest Corner

The Dress Code, Revisited

Thursday, May 31, 2012 By Chloe Ocain

Questions about a dress code change for the upcoming school year were answered at the assembly before Field Day. While there is currently a dress code policy in the student handbook, the new code is more specific, and will be more strictly enforced. The new regulations state that girls and boys must have their shoulders covered, a rule that disallows tank-top, sleeveless shirts, spaghetti straps, and tube tops. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must reach the students’ fingertips to be considered an acceptable length. However, the finger that must be reached is still up for debate. Students will no longer be allowed to wear pajamas. Shoes have to be able to safely manuever the hallways, which means no high heels or slippers. Finally, pants and shorts must sit at the waist. Mr Strever, the Assistant Principal, said that, ideally, everyone would follow the dress code, and that students, “[...]will know before they leave their house if they are dressed appropriately.” However, if this is not the case, and a student wears clothes that do not follow the new code, there will be a series of consequences. Initially, he/she will get a warning, but the student will not be disciplined. T-shirts will be available for the student to wear instead of the inappropriate attire, or he/she could change into his/her gym clothes, assuming they fit the dress code. If a student continues to dress inappropriately, his/her parents will be called and asked to deliver a new outfit. Responses to the changes have been mixed. While many students believe that the changes will be effective and are appropriate, others believe that the school is trying to control their individuality. As one student reported, “We are old enough to make our own decisions.” Another student felt that she “[...]would rather just have uniforms, but that would be really hard for the whole school.” Others reported that they knew that changes needed to be made, but questioned both the decisions and the decision-making process. Clearly, with so many students, and just as many points of view, common ground is hard to find. Mr. Strever and Mr. Harnett want students and faculty to know that both of them are willing to hear feedback and, in turn, are open to compromise. For example, some students recognize that a change is necessary, but feel that completely covered shoulders is unreasonable. Multiple students recommended that, instead of keeping shoulder completely covered, straps wider than two fingers wide should be allowed. This rule is being looked into and will, perhaps, be revised.