Strict Dress Codes: Does your public school have one and thoughts?

[ameraumi]

Our public school system recently adopted a strict dress code. While we parents found out about the dress code at the end of May/first of June, some were unaware just how strict it would be. Just for reference, our official dress code can be found here: www.rcs.k12.in.us/news/2008/pdf/Code_of_Student_Attire.pdf and mid summer the school added a link with appoved samples: www.rcs.k12.in.us/test/pdf/dress_code_examples.pdf .

We started school last week, and on the second day of school 169 students (reported from the school, students say more) were suspended for school for dress code violations. Some were simply going against the policy but the majority thought they were following the dress code. Some were suspended because the necklines did not cover collar bones, some for logos on the shorts, some for colored stitching on the jeans. It has simply been a mess, all because of interpretation issues.

So I am wondering, does your school have a similar dress code? Was it met with resistance and how was it dealt with?

 

[Liberty Belle]

I just read over your dress code and ours is much stricter (in the school where I work). Our kids can only wear plain colored polo shirts or button down shirts with either khaki or navy plain pants with no more than four pockets. In the winter they're allowed a plain crew-neck sweater or sweatshirt. All pants must also have belt loops, belts must be worn, and shirts must be tucked in at all times.

The first year no one was sent home. Some were offered dress code clothing. This is the second year and notes are being sent home. Apparently we will suspend for not wearing dress code (but we also have a Family Resource Center which will help parents buy dress code clothing, if they're unable).

I have to say, our test scores and behavior have gone up in the past year. That said, I'm glad my sons' schools do not have such a dress code. My youngest son has some sensory issues and hates to wear things tucked in. It would be almost painful for him if he had to follow this code.

 

[ameraumi]

Can I just ask if your school allows logos? From what I am finding, most schools with a dress code like yours do allow a small logo.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Can I just ask if your school allows logos? From what I am finding, most schools with a dress code like yours do allow a small logo.

Yes, they do allow the embroidered logos. I think officially any logo has to be smaller than two inches or something like that.

 

[golfgal]

Strict??? I call it normal (other then the logo part because it is had to find quality clothing with out a logo). I see NOTHING wrong with this. It is almost identical to our dress code at the high school and middle school-except the logo part.

 

[MushyMushy]

It is rather strict, but I would have liked a dress code like that for my kids, or more preferably the one LibertyBelle mentions. I think it cuts down on a lot of distraction and gives the kids more equality.

 

[clh2]

I only opened up the link with the picture example.

If I had a boy...I would SO be sending him to school with his "drawers handing down to his knees, with the boxers showing" It was so not brought up in the sample photos...yet they did cover the short shorts and short skirts.

I am glad my DD's school has not adopted such a dress code.

 

[okeydokey]

I would have no problem at all with a strict dress code or uniform.

 

[Minnie_me]

Wow - that *is* strict! It sounds a lot more like a "uniform" than a "dress code".

What prompted the whole "no logo" thing?

 

[kafitty]

i think that's a great dress code! although it really can be difficult to find quality, plain colored garments; i don't buy kids clothing, but it seems to me that there's always some sort of logo or picture on it.

i HATED the dress code in my Catholic high school, but mainly because we had to buy our clothing from a specific company, and it wasn't very comfortable. But i really miss knowing just what i was going to wear every day!! And it tended to preserve my "nice" clothing, since i wasn't wearing it as much for every day use.

 

[locolala]

So they can't wear anything but solid colors.. no stripes or anything? I think that's going just a little bit too far to be honest. How are you going to express individuality like that? Being able to choose what to wear is kind of important, imo. I did the private school thing for one year and hated it. Yeah, I didn't have to worry about what I was going to wear, but I looked the same as everyone else. Aren't we teaching our kids to be who they want to be, not be a sheep?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I don't know if my kid's elementary school has a dress code. I couldn't find one online. I did find one for the local high school. It doesn't seem unreasonable and some of it is a bit amusing.

• Hair coloring that is not a natural color and/or hairstyles that are disruptive to the instructional
process are prohibited.
• Hats/bandanas/scarves/headbands/hoodies of any kind are not to be worn inside the building, by boys or girls. Students should not have hats/bandanas in their possession during the school day. If brought into the building, they must be stored in the student’s locker. Hats worn in the building will be confiscated and can be claimed by the parents or returned to the student at the end of the school day if it is the first offense. For subsequent offenses, items will be returned to parents only.
• Sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.
• Dog collars and spikes cannot be worn as jewelry. Do kids really where dog collars?
• Blouses or shirts of see-through material without appropriate shirt or blouse underneath are not permitted.
• Tops exposing midriffs, back area or cleavage are prohibited. Hmmm...given how popular showing a little cleavage is in office attire these days, this is a bit surprising. It's not often that something appropriate for the office is banned at school
• Clothing with pictures/writing that has a double meaning. I assume that this only applies when one of the meanings is offensive in some way. I've seen lots of geek shirts with the symbol for pi used to have multiple meanings.
• Clothing, badges, and/or tattoos, which display obscenities, sexual innuendos, depict violence or weapons, advertise or promote alcoholic beverages, narcotics, tobacco, or other prohibited substances, or items that could be viewed as offensive to others are not permitted. Duh...And the parents of kids with these items should also be suspended from parenting.
• Inappropriate clothing includes any casual beach-like attire, including backless blouses, muscle shirts, off-the-shoulder blouses/dresses, halter-type tank tops, tank tops, tops with spaghetti straps, or pants, shirts, and sleeves that have been cut off. Blouses/shirts must be below the waistband when arms are extended overhead. Low cut blouse/shirts are inappropriate for school and should not be worn.
• Clothing of any type that is shorter than extended fingertips of the individual, whose clothing is in question, is not permitted. Inappropriate shorts include athletic shorts, spandex, and cutoffs with frayed hems. Slits on skirts/dresses may be no higher than fingertip length. I'll have to check to see if the kid's shorts pass the fingertip test. I don't recall going to school in shorts, but that's all most kids here wear.
• Undergarments must not show. Back in my day, other kids enforced this rule. Let your underwear waistband show and you were getting an atomic wedgy within minutes.
• Chains of any length or size (including wallet chains) are not allowed.
• Shorts, jeans, and slacks with inappropriate holes and/or tears are prohibited. Back in my day Mom's enforced this rule. Go to school with torn clothes? Mom would have never let you forget that transgression.
• Pants are not to sag inappropriately. What's an appropriate level of sag for pants?
• Shoes with wheels, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters are prohibited.
• All students shall wear shoes for health reasons.
• Body piercing that is distracting is inappropriate for school related activities.
• Sleepwear (pajamas, slippers) is not permitted for school clothing.
• Trench coats, dusters, ponchos, etc. are not allowed to be worn on campus.

I think I can live with those.

I notice that there are no rules about facial hair. I got sent to the office once as a kid because I forgot to shave one morning. Forget about mustaches and beards, we weren't allowed to have 5 o'clock shadow.

 

[Ohiodislover]

To me, I think it would be difficult to follow that dress code. If they wanted uniforms, then require uniforms and be done w/ it. I'm not against uniforms, and really wish my girls schools had them. But to make any codes with that many guidelines, and then expect the parents to get it 100% right is a little much.

 

[powellrj]

I figured before I opened your links you must be from Richmond. I went to Charles and Test before we moved, and we have been reading about your new dress code up here.

Here is our dress code/uniform policy:
Uniform Code

A Class Act

2008-2009

Pants, trousers, capris, shorts
Colors: Black, navy, or khaki

All pants/trousers/capris/shorts must be standard fit or relaxed fit, flat-front or pleated with standard waists. No cargo pants, slits, cuts, tears, or frays, (including laced sidings), brand names, slogans, or handwritten messages. Must be worn at the waist level. Size and length must be reasonably appropriate for the student’s weight and height. Must be worn as intended by the manufacturer and may not sag below the hips or drag the ground. Pants/trousers/capris/shorts may have a 1 inch by 1 inch label

Skirts, skorts, shorts, or jumpers
Colors: Black, navy, khaki

Must be knee length or longer. Must be worn at the waist level. Skirts, skorts, or shorts may have a 1 inch by 1 inch label

Tops
Colors: Any solid color (No logos other than the school approved.)

Shirts must be polo or oxford style or turtle or mock turtle neck. Shirts must have a collar (or turtle or mock turtle neck) and may be long or short sleeved. Shirts must be tucked in at all times unless they have a two inch band around the bottom.

Sweaters/sweatshirts
Colors: Any solid color

Sweaters/sweatshirts may be crew neck, V-neck, or cardigan and must be worn over an approved shirt. Sweaters/sweatshirts must be of a reasonable fit and not hang or bag in such a manner that items may be concealed beneath or within them. (No hoodies allowed.)

Shoes
Colors: Any solid color (Logo, stitching, sole may be a different color)

Shoes may be dress, casual, or (non-cleated) athletic. Shoes must be worn as intended by the manufacturer.

Belts (Optional for elementary students only)
Colors: Black, brown, blue, or white

Belts must be worn when garment has belt loops

Socks, tights, leggings
Colors: Any solid colors.

Everyone told me I would love it after the 1st year. We are on year 3 and I HATE it more than I did 3 years ago.

I can't help it, when I see the kids they all look like they just stepped off the compound. There is nothing cute about a kid wearing a polo shirt and a pair of khaki bermuda shorts.

God bless the heavy kids. There is nothing attractive about a heavy kid with a tucked in shirt in a pair of khaki pants.

The part about leveling the playing field is baloney too. You can still tell which kids have money because they are the ones that have the newer and nicer uniforms along with the northface jackets and expensive shoes.

I loved when asked why teachers didn't have to follow the uniform policy and the answer was it wasn't an attractive look on many of the teachers. Ha Ha, there are kids that are bigger than the teachers so I guess its ok for kids to go around looking unattractive.

Its a huge expense because now we are buying 2 sets of clothes. School clothes and after school clothes. I spent alot of time at the schools and I never saw many kids who where wearing anything too outlandish. Sure you had the occasional kid who pushed the boundaries, but you still have those. Now you just have more kids in ISD who had never been there before because they didn't realize that you can't wear maryjane crocs.

You will never convince me that the kids are getting a better education because we outlawed stripes and logos on their polo shirts and everyone has on blue, khaki or black pants.

Give us a dress code, but let the kids wear a cute top and an attractive well fitting pair of pants.

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I think the dress code is great, and I think it is quite reasonable.

I do think there could have been a little bit more discretion given in the early days of the dress code for minor violations such as coloured stitching in the jeans, or small logos on shorts. I think a warning could have been given out the first week, with the understanding that by the second week of school there would be zero-tolerance for those who violate the policy.

 

[ameraumi]

I knew some of the Indy people would know right away who I was talking about. And no, I am not one of the parents out protesting. Some of those parents are scary!

That said, the one thing that has parents upset is the inconsistancy in enforcing this policy. Some are upset because the written policy does not state "solid colors only" and "no logos". Do you know how hard it is to 1) find pants/shorts without logos let alone 2) quality clothing without logos? Others are upset that stripes and plaids are out. The kids cannot wear their cute plaid shorts. They looked so nice in plaid and their polos. The girls are having the hardest time because of necklines. Sure when you buy the item in the store it is a crew, but depending on how developed the girl is depends on how low it will go. Some girls barely have their collar bones showing and they are being sent home.

I am not sure what the reasoning is for no logos, other then to keep it fair for those who cannot afford the more expensive clothes. The superintendent mentioned that one reason for solid colors is because "stripes, plaids, and paisleys could contain suggestive comments", yet he will not say what those suggestive comments could be.

 

[powellrj]

We went through this when ours was first instituted. We had parents protesting and one couple went as far as to sue the school board only to be left with $40,000 in legal fees. I was a parent who followed the rules to the best of my ability, but hated it. My DD was also a kid who unknowingly got called out for wearing maryjane crocs.

We were told the no logo rule was to level the playing field. That has become a favorite phrase, everything is about leveling the playing field.

Like I said, I hate it, but we are rules followers, so we follow the rules.

 

[golfgal]

We went through this when ours was first instituted. We had parents protesting and one couple went as far as to sue the school board only to be left with $40,000 in legal fees. I was a parent who followed the rules to the best of my ability, but hated it. My DD was also a kid who unknowingly got called out for wearing maryjane crocs.

We were told the no logo rule was to level the playing field. That has become a favorite phrase, everything is about leveling the playing field.

Like I said, I hate it, but we are rules followers, so we follow the rules.

Like I said, I don't see an issue with the dress code other then the logo thing. Why do people assume that no logos levels any playing field. The kids know who has money and who doesn't and quite frankly you see a lot of people in major designer clothing with expensive shoes, watches, etc. using food stamps and people that are loaded that only shop at Goodwill.

 

[powellrj]

Like I said, I don't see an issue with the dress code other then the logo thing. Why do people assume that no logos levels any playing field. The kids know who has money and who doesn't and quite frankly you see a lot of people in major designer clothing with expensive shoes, watches, etc. using food stamps and people that are loaded that only shop at Goodwill.

Their dress code is more lenient than our is. With ours you have 3 pant colors and only solid colored shirts. I guess those striped polos and brown pants are the cause of all of our delinquents.

What is ironic, is we didn't really have a problem with dress code. Even now when the kids wear their own clothes, most of them are wearing a polo and jeans, but the polo is either striped or has a logo and heaven forbid you wear jeans or cords.

I agree that the whole level the playing field is bunk. Kids know who has money and who doesn't. You can pick out the kids that have money at the bus stop by just what shoes and coats they are wearing and the fit and wear level of their clothes.

I think the real reason for dress codes, at least in our case, is it to hide what is really wrong. We have a horrible graduation rate and our test scores are some of the worst in the state, but we have kids who follow the dress code. We may not be able to raise the rates, but at least we can make them all look the same. When you look at all the schools around us, none of them have a uniform policy, but they all have better graduation rates and test scores. We have a 40% suspension rate which hasn't changed in 3 years, but we are told we haven't given the uniforms enough time to work and make the figures go up. Lets face it, the uniform policy is like putting on a bandaid when you cut off a finger. It may not work, but you can say you did something.

 

[ameraumi]

I think the real reason for dress codes, at least in our case, is it to hide what is really wrong. We have a horrible graduation rate and our test scores are some of the worst in the state, but we have kids who follow the dress code. We may not be able to raise the rates, but at least we can make them all look the same. When you look at all the schools around us, none of them have a uniform policy, but they all have better graduation rates and test scores. We have a 40% suspension rate which hasn't changed in 3 years, but we are told we haven't given the uniforms enough time to work and make the figures go up. Lets face it, the uniform policy is like putting on a bandaid when you cut off a finger. It may not work, but you can say you did something.

BINGO! That is another reason for the dress code here. It is to hide the failure. Our teachers are still working without a contract yet we have this dress code issue.