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January 2009 – Dress Code Policy
January 30, 2009 | | 15 Comments
In an effort to improve communications between the teachers and school board, a group of teachers and board members meet quarterly each year to discuss issues that impact education. The name of this committee is the Educational Chit Chat. One of the topics that have been discussed several times has been the student dress code.
The Milton Area School District currently has policy 221 to address the dress code.
221. DRESS AND GROOMING
The Board recognizes that each student’s mode of dress and grooming is a manifestation of personal style and individual preference.
The Board has the authority to impose limitations on students’ dress in school. The Board will not interfere with the right of students and their parents/guardians to make decisions regarding their appearance, except when their choices disrupt the educational program of the schools or constitute a health or safety hazard.
Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, technical education, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to ensure the health or safety of the student.
The building principal or designee shall be responsible to monitor student dress and grooming and to enforce Board Policy and school rules governing student dress and grooming.
The Superintendent or designee shall ensure that all rules implementing this policy impose only the minimum necessary restrictions on the exercise of the student’s taste and individuality.
Staff members shall be instructed to demonstrate by example positive attitudes toward neatness, cleanliness, propriety, modesty, and good sense in attire and appearance.
Even though this policy is in place, issues still arise during the school year that need addressed by teachers and administration.
The goal of this month’s blog is to share with readers a Dress Code Policy from another district. The policy comes from Mount Carmel Area School District and is much more specific with respect to clothing items that are allowed to be worn to school.
Mount Carmel Dress Code Policy
Purpose: The Mount Carmel Area Board of Education recognizes every student’s right to freedom of expression in speech, written or oral, as that right is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Court. The Board also recognizes its obligation to provide schools where the health, safety and welfare of students are given paramount consideration and where a positive learning environment must be maintained. The Board is aware of its obligation to make every effort to minimize the opportunities for student disruption and/or distraction in the school. The Board believes that a standard dress code policy will address issues related to the health, safety and welfare of the students and the maintenance of a positive learning environment.
Authority: The Mount Carmel Area School District, by the authority granted to it under the law, hereby imposes a standard dress code policy for grades K-12 for the 2001-02 school term and all upcoming school terms. The administration reserves the right to amend the dress code for clothing styles that become trends which are associated with antisocial behavior or have a disruptive influence.
Guidelines: During instructional school hours and at any school sponsored event on or off school property, no student shall wear any apparel or jewelry that by words, signs, pictures of combination thereof appearing on said clothing or jewelry advocates or promotes sexual activity, violence, or the use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs, or demeans or degrades another because of race, sex, religious persuasion, national origin, handicap or disability. The Board is cognizant of the diversity of the students within the school district. Certain students may have a religious preference which precludes the adherence to the standard dress code policy and the parents are directed to inform the school administration and accommodation will be made accordingly. Any parent whose children may suffer as a result of economic hardship is directed to advise the school principal and such cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Penalties: Any student who violates the dress code/school standard dress code policy shall be subject to the following:
· 1st offense: Notify parent to bring in appropriate clothing. Student will remain in the Student Support Room until proper attire is provided by parent.
· 2nd offense: Parent meeting is required. Student will remain in the Student Support Room and be assigned detention.
· 3rd offense: Parent meeting required. Out-of-school suspensions will occur.
Repeated violations of the standard dress code shall be treated as disruptive behavior as noted in the discipline policy.
DRESS CODE
Students are required to be dressed according to the standard dress code policy:
Boys:
· Khaki, navy blue, gray, and black slacks (no cargo or baggy style)
· Khaki, navy blue, gray, and black shorts of approved length (no cargo or baggy style)
· Red, white, navy blue, gray, black, and pink long or short sleeve golf shirt, button-down dress shirt, crew neck shirt, and V-neck shirt with or without approved logo. (No T-shirts or tank tops).
· Shoes, sneakers, coordinated socks.
· Approved accessories, sweaters, sweatshirts with or without hoods, turtlenecks, vests, mock turtlenecks in red, white, navy blue, gray, black and pink with or without school logo.
· Gym clothing – sweatpants, shorts, athletic pants, and appropriate shirts.
Girls:
· Khaki, navy blue, gray, and black slacks/Capri pants (no cargo, baggy style, or low-rise)
· Khaki, navy blue, gray, and black shorts – approved length, no more than four inches above the knee (no cargo, baggy style or low-rise)
· Red, white, navy blue, gray, black, and pink long or short sleeve golf shirt, dress blouse, crew neck shirt, and V-neck shirt with or without approved logo. (No T-shirts, tank tops, or midriff shirts that expose the skin).
· Shoes, sneakers, coordinated socks
· Khaki, navy blue, gray, and black skorts, skirts, dresses, and jumpers – approved length, no more than four inches above the knee.
· Approved accessories – sweaters, sweatshirts with or without hoods, turtlenecks, vests, mock turtlenecks in red, white, navy blue, gray, black and pink with or without school logo.
· Gym clothing – sweatpants, shorts, athletic pants, and appropriate shirts.
General:
· Clothing must be of proper fit, not to exceed one size beyond the correct size.
· Hats, bandanas, headbands, and chains are not permitted.
· Jeans of any color are not permitted, even on gym days.
· Corduroy is permitted.
· Leather clothing is not permitted.
· Rubber flip-flops are not permitted.
· Underclothing is not permitted to be seen through outer clothing.
· Mutilation, i.e. purposely cutting holes or tearing of clothing is prohibited.
· No side pockets on slacks, skirts, or shorts.
New students entering Mount Carmel Area School District shall be granted a grace period of two weeks before being required to conform to the dress code.
Principals can use their discretion to designate specific days that permit students to wear other types of clothing.
After reading over the two policies, I would encourage blog comments be sent pro or con on adjusting the Milton Area School District Dress Code Policy. Similar input is being gathered by teachers from the Educational Chit Chat Committee by working with students in their classes. Either way rest assured this is simply an information gathering process to investigate teacher, student, and community feelings on student Dress Code.
** All comments are moderated by the author of the blog to ensure appropriate language and content for all readers **
Comments
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I believe this is not good. These kids deserve individuality, I understand that some kids stretch the rules, but that doesnt mean that you punish everyone. Not all parents/guardians can afford to dress one way or purchase school uniforms. These kids have rights and I believe it should be left the way it is. We had rights as kids and our kids deserve the same thing. If you guys switch it, you need to provide the money to buy the stuff. ITS NOT FAIR…We pay school tax money and why cant that buy uniforms for kids.
I do not like this idea and dont think kids should suffer because a few cant follow the rules. This is a public school not a private school. If you want uniforms change Milton SD to a private school.
Thanks
I didn’t get anything about uniforms out of that information. I do however feel strongly that the staff at the school sets the bar as to what is deemed appropriate and that is what i tell my kids to follow if they have a question about the dress policy. They are in an example position, so if they are setting a good example, for the most part the kids will follow!
THanks
I am not in favor of uniforms but I am in favor of more strict policies enforcing what attire is appropriate. Maybe MSD should consider wording similar to that of Mt. Carmel, i.e.
Rubber flip-flops are not permitted; Underclothing is not permitted to be seen through outer clothing; Mutilation, i.e. purposely cutting holes or tearing of clothing is prohibited; and of course, my favorite, no pants/jeans hanging off of kids rear ends , as examples of what should be enforced.
I feel uniforms will take away childrens individuality. Children need to learn how to be conservative and respectful as well as have self-esteem. Teachings must begin at home and then be reinforced through the school since we entrust our children to the MSD for their education. Education does not mean book smarts only.
More responsibility needs to be placed on the parents. Parents should be aware of what their child is wearing and if that parent cannot enforce a proper dress code, then the school should enforce a dress code for the offending student. Parents need to go back to parenting.
Thanks
I think that the wording should be changed, maybe not as extreme as Mt. Carmel . The wearing of the pants where half of there butt is sticking out and they can barely walk should be unacceptable. Also girls who are “spilling” out over their tops should be addressed. They each have their own style but that can be worn on their own time. Is this how they planning on dressing when they get jobs? They should learn respect for their teachers and fellow students because this will carry over into their lives after graduation.
I agree that the Milton dress code policy is too vague and that adopting more specific criteria is in order. The way it stands, everything is a judgment call. Every parent who has attended a school event or dropped their child off at school has probably seen things that are beyond their comprehension. At the least, we need one specific rule: “Keep your underwear out of sight at all times!”
I would also like to see a bit more regulation in what our athletes’ attire pre/post game at both away and home events.
I agree with Rochelle Bastian. My daughter is 5 years old and I will be darned if I will let her walk into her K Class and let her hiner stick out or let her go with a low cut shirt. I didnt dress that way and still dont, and WILL NOT allow my child to dress that way, no matter what.
I do think that it begins with the parents and parents should not allow their children to wear some of the things I have seen students wear. I agree with giving them certain guidelines on dress code, but dont think uniforms are necessary. Students also need to take responsibility, if they know that it is short or low cut (or even think to themselves that it is questionable) that they should not wear it at all.
I do think that kids get away with more then they should, but should be cracked down on those kids and not punish everyone. I think parents need to step up and say “your’re not wearing it and thats final.” I’m 26 and still do not wear short stuff or low cut stuff because I dont think it’s appropriate anywhere. That is just my opinion.
Thanks
The dress code for Milton should be left the way it is, with a few minor limitations. As graduating students of 2010 we feel that having a dress code would restrict us to our individuality and creativity. As we walk past our peers in the hallway, we do notice that there are minor dress code violations. These violations should be dealt with by confronting the few students who are violating the dress code policy. Scourging the whole student body would not be the correct way to go about the situation. It is axiomatic that there are some students who need to be addressed and disciplined appropriately. Having a dress code would be too straitlaced and unwieldy. We believe that mimicking the Mount Carmel dress policy would fail to protect the best interests of the students.
Thank you
As a member of the Milton High School student body, I strongly dissagree with these terms of our possible new dress code. I belive that this violates my rights as a student to wear what I desire. I don’t dress like some of the other undiciplined students in our school, but I do agree that the dress code is rather vague. I just think that the school board should drop the hammer more often on those who won’t ebide by these terms. I hope the school board makes the right decision by not enforcing the uniforms.
I disagree with having a school uniform. I do agree that the dress code could be tweaked so that it gives more guidance to the students and the school staff that will be enforcing the code. I do not think that we need to go as drastic as Mt Carmel has done, as I believe the majority of the students do not violate the code as it is now.
We, as seniors, feel that the dress code policy needs to be more heavily enforced within the Milton Area School District. On the average walk to class students of Milton High School often come across T-shirts with derogatory phrases, excessively short skirts, excessively baggy clothing, fluorescently colored hair, low cut and spaghetti-strapped tops, and the display of offensive tattoos. Not only are these types of dress distracting, but they are also unsafe and often ignite unwanted gossip and tarnish reputations. The board should make our district’s dress code more stringent and faculty should sternly enforce it.
I do not agree with changing the dress code at all. Making us wear just about the same thing as everyone else will take away out privelege of expressing our true personalities. There are some students who do not follow dress code and let their underwear show or they are showing too much cleavage. All the students who do follow the dress code for Milton should not be punished for what other students are doing. Those who are not dressed appropriately should be punished seperately, not with everyone else buy making us wear uniforms. And who cares if people where clothing with a certain logo or band on it. That kind of clothing just shows what and who we like. They can also support something too. So again, I do not agree with making the dress code like the one Mount Carmel has just because some students do not like to follow by the rule. Punish the individuals, not the whole student body.
Changing the dress code is NOT the solution for the problem here. The real problem is that a number of students simply are disreguarding the policy. They are CHOOSING to vioate the dress code. It is not asking anything unreasonable from them; just to present themselves in a manner fit for everyone to see. I feel that by getting EVERY student involved in the matter just because some decided to not to follow the rule is unjust. Sure, it is a burden on administrators to continue punishing these students, however, that is their job. It is one of the reasons there are there. Students who violate fair standards of decency in a public place should be dealt with accordingly. If they and/or their parents refuse to comply and take care the problem cooperately, then appropriate time away from Milton Area School District buildings should be administered. This will teach a lesson and hopefully make them understand why presenting themselves in a more positive manner is needed of that individual.
I find that as a student here, administration is annoyed by little things too easily. Well, it is time for administrators to put their foot down and require decency in the way some people are dressed. That does not mean, however, there needs to be a one-size-fits-all dresscode in which ALL students are forced to wear a school-board perscribed uniform. The real problem needs to be addressed here rather then convering it up with that smoke-screen. Adapting another dress code would simply be drawing EVERYONE’s attention away from the real problem at hand. This lets the problem in an unresolved state.
Either way it goes, people will get angry and upset about this. But one thing to keep in mind: Are we doing the right thing here? I certainly feel that the administration should address those who are violating the current policies instead of punishing those who are complying with them.
I really don’t think there is a right or wrong answer to this situation,what I do know is I have seen some of the outfits that come strolling out the doors after school and I think to myself I can’t believe they were allowed to wear that(how did they get out of the house, let alone 6-7 hours of school unnoticed).As far as wearing uniforms and being an individual…CLOTHES do not make the person your morals…character..beliefs and true sense of self make you an individual. Maybe we should be worried about that instead of what we are wearing to school the next day.As for a uniform it would make the morning grind alot easier,you could actually maybe focus on school work instead of picking out the right outfit.
My opinion is this, I think educating our kids on how to dress should come from home, not school. We send our kids to school for and education. I am a parent returning to school, because I feel like I didn’t recieve the proper educated. Was I graded on what I was wearing? Is that why he or she failed to educate me? I think if Board of Education paid more attention to what the teachers was there for instead of focusing on someones appearance, then maybe some of our kids would get a descent education. After all that’s what the tax payers pay for.
I think being logical makes since, but some of these dress codes go to the extremes. For example: One student was told he couldn’t wear braids to school. I feel as long as the childs head was combed well that’s his business. I’m not against the dress code completely, but make since of it. I think a person should wear what he or she wants to wear as long as it’s not showing under clothes or skin. Where I’m from they don’t allow shorts to be worn, unlike this school here. I never understood the part where they approved skirts and not shorts. With all the sexual activities that go on in the schools these days, why would you send your child to school in a skirt. That’s easier access than shorts! Why are they not complaining about that? I say if you want to start educating kids on how to dress make it a subject that’s required and provide them with the proper clothing, at least this will encourage them on how to dress appropriately. If you don’t want your kid to look like another kid then you mold your own in your own way.That’s a part of being a parent. I don’t feel I need any help from some school. What someone wears has nothing to do with their ability to learn. Requiring a uniform has no effect on drug abuse, behavioral problems, or attendance. Applying uniforms do not lead to good behavior. I think some of the schools are going to far with this dress code thing. I don’t think anybody should be telling us how to spend our money or how we are suppose to dress our kids. I feel this is just another way of taking one of our rights away from us and as parents we need to stop letting things just happen.
I think this whole uniform policy is too strict. As a student we have the right to wear what we want to wear (within dress codes). I think instead of getting uniforms the MSD should tighten up their policy by giving more specifics and more what you can or can’t wear. I also think that this whole uniform thing won’t work instead this uniform policy will probably cause more suspensions and cause more compliants and more people out of the School too. I already hear enough of this uniform stuff and it is getting old real fast, too. I am comfortable with this decision but if this does happen I could see more people going to a different school and less people going to this school.