The school year has started with a bang, as new changes were made to the dress code. Some of these changes include the length of the shorts and the three-fingertip rule for shoulder straps.
Students can now show their individuality through clothing, and the policy is more flexible since most students buy clothes for everyday use rather than just for school.
“It doesn’t have a lot of rules and regulations to it, and [the main rule] is really just only don’t show your undergarments,” freshman Kaiden Jenkins said.
Teachers are pleased with the new policies, as students are now in class more and not being sent to the office for dress code violations. They also see the importance of student expression.
“I think that students appreciate the ability to express themselves and do so in a way that they feel comfortable,” art teacher Katharyn Jones said.
These dress code changes were led by the student council in collaboration with administrators, including principal Megan Brink, Dean of Academics April McGriff, Dean of Discipline Kevin Helms and members of the school board.
“They [Student Council] requested this and gave us their ideas, and then we gave them some feedback, and this is how we came up with it together,” Helms said.
After some back and forth between all parties, the dress code was finalized over the summer, and an email was sent to parents.
Ultimately, the dress code revisions highlight how collaboration between students and administrators can lead to meaningful change. What began as a few small adjustments has grown into a policy that encourages student expression and keeps the focus on learning.
